A sore throat, also known as pharyngitis, is a condition where your throat becomes red, swollen, and painful, particularly when swallowing. It is a condition that occurs in the upper respiratory tract and affects the respiratory mucosa. It occurs when the backside of the throat, called the pharynx, is inflamed. Children frequently get sore throats.
I’m so tired of hearing casting directors ask if I have a sore throat. The people who have told me that my voice is distinctive, it’s unusual…those people have always been close to my heart.
Home remedies for cough and sore throat
Below are a few sore throat remedies:
1. Stay Hydrated:
Throat pain home remedies in India include warm drinks, tea, lemon-infused water, or broth, which can help relieve congestion, avoid dehydration, and promote relaxation. Steer clear of dehydrating meals and beverages, such as alcohol, coffee, and sugary drinks.
2. Saltwater gargle:
It is the best treatment for sore throat. The throat infection can be uncomfortable, often due to irritation or viral infections. Gargling warm salt water helps reduce throat pain and reduce inflammation. Drink a glass of warm water while mixing half a teaspoon of salt, gargle for 30 seconds and spit it out. Repeat several times a day for throat pain relief.
3. Honey:
Raw honey, especially Manuka honey, is the best medicine for sore throat and cough. Mix 1-2 teaspoons of honey into warm water and apple cider vinegar, or add it to your tea for extra benefits. Honey should not be given to a child under 12 months of age. Its antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties help relieve sore throat pain and combat infections, making it a powerful natural remedy.
3. Lemon water:
Lemon is considered a natural sore throat pain home remedy due to its antibacterial and soothing properties. It is rich in vitamin C, has antibacterial properties, removes mucus, clears congestion, and hydrates the throat.
It can be taken in combination like:
- Lemon & Warm Water
- Lemon & Honey Tea
- Lemon & Salt Gargle
- Lemon & Ginger Tea
4. Herbal Teas:
Sore throats can be uncomfortable, but a warm cup of herbal tea can help. Ingredients like ginger, honey, lemon, peppermint, chamomile, and licorice root have soothing and antibacterial properties. Sip these teas throughout the day for relief, adding honey for extra comfort. Just be cautious with licorice root if you have high blood pressure. Stay warm and take care!
5. Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications:
Sore throat medicines in India include tablets, capsules, syrups, and lozenges. Over-the-counter medicines for sore throat include acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain, benzocaine or menthol lozenges, and throat sprays. Dextromethorphan suppresses coughs, while guaifenesin helps loosen mucus. Antiseptic mouthwashes and decongestants can relieve throat irritation and clear nasal passages. Natural remedies include honey syrups and slippery elm lozenges.
6. Apple cider vinegar:
Apple cider vinegar is the best sore throat home remedy, known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it ideal for soothing throat pain. It helps dissolve mucus, kills bacteria, and equilibrates pH levels in the throat. The remedy consists of gargling mixed with one tablespoon of ACV in warm water or honey mixed with ACV. Always make a dilution; if irritation appears, discontinue and consult a physician.
7. Garlic:
Garlic for sore throat is an effective home remedy for throat pain in India. It has antibacterial properties that fight off infections and help to cure a sore throat. Chew raw garlic or add it to warm drinks for throat pain relief.
Common Mistakes to Avoid Throat Pain/Sore Throat
1. Drinking less water:
Your body can dehydrate rapidly, especially when the weather is hot and there is low humidity. In such cases, you are likely to suffer from a sore and dry throat. Make sure to drink 8-10 glasses of water daily if you are physically active and sweating. By doing so, you keep the throat moist, which reduces throat irritation. Dehydration causes less mucus and saliva to be produced, which exacerbates swelling and inflammation.
2. Taking antibiotics:
Bacterial illnesses can be treated with antibiotics, but these medications are ineffective against viral infections. Misusing antibiotics, mainly when they are unnecessary, can lead to antibiotic resistance. For instance, strep throat, which is caused by bacteria, is properly treated with antibiotics. However, most sore throats are caused by viruses, so antibiotics are not the best treatment for them.
3. Drinking Alcohol or Caffeinated Beverages
Alcohol and caffeinated beverages can cause dehydration, worsening symptoms like throat irritation and pain while compromising the immune system. Instead, focus on hydrating fluids like water, herbal teas, and clear broths. These will give throat pain relief, replenish nutrients, and support healing.
4. Avoid spicy and acidic foods:
Spicy and acidic foods can irritate an already inflamed throat, making throat pain and discomfort worse. Instead, use yoghurt, mashed potatoes, oatmeal, or warm soups. Chilli, tomato sauces, citrus items, and vinegar do the opposite and should be avoided at all costs, as they worsen the throat infection.
5. Avoid Smoking
Smoking and exposure to smoke can irritate your throat and hinder recovery from soreness or infection. It weakens the immune system, restricts oxygen, and increases pain and inflammation. To recover, avoid smoky environments and focus on drinking plenty of water and soothing teas with honey while taking deep breaths of cool, fresh air.
6. Seek Medical Help
Sore throats are usually not severe, although it is advisable to seek medical help if the sore throat pain extends for more than ten days, is excruciating, or shows itself together with fever, swollen lymph nodes, rash, or difficulty breathing. Conditions such as strep throat or mononucleosis may require treatment. Do not take health issues lightly; go for early intervention to facilitate quicker recovery with few or no complications.
FAQs:
What is the fastest way to cure a sore throat?
Gargle with warm salt water, drink honey and ginger tea, stay hydrated, and use lozenges or throat sprays for quick relief.
2. How long does a sore throat usually last?
Viral sore throats (like colds) last 3–7 days, while bacterial infections (like strep throat) may need antibiotics and last 5–10 days.
3. When should I see a doctor for a sore throat?
If it lasts more than a week, is severe, or comes with high fever, difficulty swallowing, or swollen lymph nodes.
4. Can a sore throat be a sign of COVID-19 or flu?
Yes, COVID-19, flu, and strep throat can cause sore throats. If you have a fever, cough, or loss of taste/smell, consider getting tested.
5. What foods should I avoid with a sore throat?
Avoid spicy, acidic, and fried foods, as well as cold drinks. Stick to warm fluids, soups, and soft foods for faster healing.