Sore throats typically arise due to viruses and will resolve themselves within several days without medical intervention; however, some cases require soothing measures like throat sprays, lozenges or non-caffeinated hot tea with honey for relief.
Make sure to consume plenty of fluids to stay hydrated and protect your throat from dehydration. A humidifier could also come in handy if the air in your home is particularly dry.
Cold Liquids or Foods
Sore throats can make eating, drinking and sleeping difficult and may be caused by any number of things. Following some simple steps can help minimize symptoms and keep the sore throat from worsening into something more serious.
Avoid foods or drinks that irritate your throat, such as rough or scratchy foods and acidic beverages. If you have dry throat, try investing in a humidifier; humidifiers can soothe your throat while potentially helping prevent coughs that often accompany sore throats.
Cold liquids like tea and broth can provide comfort when your throat is feeling sore or irritated, especially if added honey has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe it. Organic or raw honey provides additional health benefits; you could also try sipping on hot steamy chicken soup or sipping on an antioxidant-packed smoothie made up of fruits and vegetables such as berries and kale for extra nutrition boost.
Lozenges or hard candies may help stimulate salivation and soothe your throat. Some varieties are flavored with menthol or eucalyptus for added relief of throat discomfort and pain relief. You could also take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as Tylenol as prescribed on its packaging – always follow instructions carefully when taking medication!
Most sore throats are caused by minor illnesses like colds or influenza, and typically resolve on their own after a few days. If your sore throat persists for more than seven days or becomes severe, contact K Health providers to discuss treatment options and symptoms. K Health offers online urgent care service with instant connection to a healthcare provider within minutes; download the app for faster service if it takes less than an hour to see one locally. In cases of more serious conditions like strep throat, your provider will conduct physical exams and run lab tests as part of treatment plans.
Heat
Keep this in mind when suffering from a sore throat: it is usually just a symptom. Most sore throats are caused by viral infections like colds or flus, while some bacterial infections like strep throat can also contribute to its symptoms. Self-care strategies and over-the-counter medicines often can help relieve your sore throat symptoms quickly.
One of the best remedies for sore throats is drinking plenty of fluids, particularly hot liquids like broths, tea and sugar-free hot chocolate. Avoid caffeinated beverages like coffee as these dehydrate you; lozenges may provide temporary relief as well. Chamomile and marshmallow roots contain mucilage which coats and soothes your throat – while honey makes for an amazing sore throat treatment; use it in tea recipes!
Eucalyptus oil can be an effective sore throat remedy, as it promotes immunity, provides antioxidant protection, and enhances respiratory circulation. To take advantage of eucalyptus’ benefits, add some drops to a steaming cup of water or inhale directly from its bottle; or put some in your diffuser at home.
If your sore throat is accompanied by other symptoms, such as high fever or swollen lymph nodes in your neck, it is time to visit a physician immediately. Sore throats could be symptoms of more serious illnesses, and antibiotics could be necessary in treating them.
Some people try alternative treatments to soothe a sore throat, though the evidence supporting these methods is limited. Over-the-counter pain relievers may help, with proper dosage on their label being essential in managing this discomfort. Aspirin should never be given to children as it can lead to Reye’s syndrome and should instead be replaced with either acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Children’s Motrin). As with herbal remedies, always consult with a healthcare professional before trying any herbal remedies as these could interact with prescription medication as well as be harmful in young children, pregnant women or those with preexisting health conditions.
Honey
Honey can be one of the best sore throat remedies you can try at home, thanks to its natural anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can ease symptoms. Plus, its moisturizing qualities soothe dry coughs. Plus, raw honey can even be applied directly onto skin as wound dressing for cuts, scrapes and bruises!
Organic, raw honey offers more benefits than its processed counterpart, with higher concentrations of antioxidants and antimicrobial properties than processed varieties. If possible, add one teaspoon to warm water or tea as part of a warm beverage and sip periodically throughout the day for soothing relief from sore throat symptoms.
Chicken soup and ginger root can provide comforting remedies for sore throats. Garlic is another natural sore throat remedy, helping relieve coughs and reduce mucus accumulation in the airways. Studies have found allicin to possess antimicrobial activity against bacteria, fungus and parasites – making garlic an excellent sore throat remedy either added directly into food or taken as a supplement.
Avoid irritating substances like tobacco smoke and harsh cleaning products which can aggravate sore throat symptoms. Sleep is essential in recovery; getting plenty of restful nights rest will speed up recovery more rapidly. OTC pain relievers and antihistamines may also prove helpful. If your sore throat is caused by allergies, over-the-counter decongestants can help clear airways and avoid postnasal drip. While alternative therapies may offer temporary relief, they cannot replace traditional medication or vaccines as effective forms of treatment. Before starting any new home remedies, always consult your physician first, particularly if you have children, are pregnant/nursing or experiencing health conditions like high blood pressure or heart disease. When prescribed antibiotics, be sure to strictly adhere to their dosage regimen and not exceed it.
Bone Broth
Most food fads don’t last more than a few years before they fade from our consciousness, but bone broth stands the test of time. Made popular through the paleo diet, this collagen-rich drink provides immune system support while providing soothing sore throat relief and is loaded with nutrition such as proteins and essential fatty acids that aid in healing processes in our bodies.
To create bone broth, simmer meaty bones and connective tissue for at least 24 hours in water before adding vegetables, herbs and spices for flavor – carrots, celery, garlic cloves, parsley stems and thyme are often included. A splash of wine or apple cider vinegar may also help break down bone tissue more efficiently so nutrients can be extracted more easily from its matrix; once complete, this liquid can then be used as the basis for soups, sauces or gravies or enjoyed simply on its own!
Bone broth’s protein can contain amino acids to aid in digestion. Gelatin may soothe digestive tract linings and may reduce inflammation, while glutamic acid helps repair damaged tissues. Sipping on bone broth before bedtime could even improve sleep for some people.
If you don’t have time to make your own bone broth, buy it in boxed form from health food stores or add powdered versions like Bluebird Provisions’ into juices and smoothies – these products can usually be found at most major nutrition stores.
Yogurt is an excellent sore throat remedy packed with immune system-supporting ingredients. Its creamy texture soothes throat discomfort while its bacteria and probiotics work to kill infections. Furthermore, yogurt is also an excellent source of vitamin C which can boost immunity.