When flu season is upon us, the viruses circulating in our communities contribute to cold symptoms such as sore throats that make us uncomfortable. There are several remedies for sore throats, some very effective, others less so.
Since viruses are the main cause of sore throats, there are no medications to relieve them. However, there are certain natural remedies that can make your sore throat go away.
Eliminate sore throat
First of all, you should consume plenty of fluids. If your sore throat is accompanied by other upper respiratory symptoms, such as a runny nose, stuffy nose, or cough, you should drink chicken broth a few times a day.
Several pieces of research confirm what grandmothers have always told us about chicken broth – it definitely helps when we are sick! According to scientific findings, chicken broth thins mucus in the respiratory tract, stops excessive mucus production, and relieves nasal congestion. Therefore, chicken broth reduces cough irritation and can reduce post-nasal drip, which often leads to a sore throat.
Excessive coughing can also lead to a sore throat. Since cough medications are not effective in controlling cough, resort to honey. It is recommended to take a teaspoon of honey 4 times a day. It can be eaten off a spoon, taken with warm water or lemon tea, or sprinkled on buttered toast, pancakes, or whole-grain crackers.
Other natural remedies for sore throat
- Ginger tea. Peel the ginger root and cut it into thin slices. Boil the slices in water to make a tea. Add a tablespoon of honey, drink a cup, and then gently clear your throat. Clearing your throat at the end should loosen the loose mucus. This tea can soothe your throat and help you regain your voice if you have lost it.
- Drinking a mixture of cinnamon and paprika powder along with a teaspoon of honey in a glass of warm water is very effective in soothing a sore throat.
- Gargle with chamomile tea – it has anti-inflammatory properties.
- Drink orange juice. They can cause pain, but vitamin C immediately numbs the throat.
- Eat fresh or canned pineapple. Pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme with anti-inflammatory properties.
- Drink a hot tea with honey and lemon. The honey coats the throat and the lemon juice quickly numbs it.
Bottom line
If your sore throat lasts for more than 3 to 4 days or is accompanied by fever or headache, you have difficulty salivating or choke on food, see your doctor as soon as possible.