If you have a sore throat, there are several effective home remedies and treatments to try for relief:
- Gargle with warm salt water several times a day to reduce swelling and kill bacteria. Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water, gargle, then spit it out. Avoid swallowing the solution.
- Honey can soothe throat irritation due to its antibacterial properties. Take it alone or add it to warm tea.
- Drinking plenty of fluids keeps the throat moist and helps ease pain. Warm teas such as chamomile, peppermint, fenugreek, ginger root, or turmeric also have anti-inflammatory and soothing effects.
- Use over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Suck on throat lozenges or hard candy to stimulate saliva and keep the throat moist (avoid for young children due to choking hazards).
- Use a humidifier or inhale steam to moisten dry throat passages and loosen mucus.
- Avoid smoking and smoky environments which can worsen throat irritation.
- Rest your voice and get plenty of sleep to help your body heal.
Seek medical advice if your sore throat is severe, persists longer than a few days, is accompanied by a high fever, swollen glands, difficulty breathing, or difficulty swallowing, as these may indicate a bacterial infection like strep throat requiring antibiotics.
