How to Stop Your Throat from Hurting

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Sore throats are caused by allergies, excessive talking or yelling, pollution, or respiratory infections. Just as there are numerous causes of a sore throat , there are also many remedies. If you’re tired of having a sore throat, there are many at-home and over-the-counter remedies you can try.

Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

Drinking Fluids

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  1. Drink a lot of water and other liquids designed to replenish nutrients in your body. Sports drinks are normally great options. They rehydrate you fast and come in great flavors. [1]
    • Drinking a lot of liquids can also help wash away thin layers of mucus or other allergens that may have coated your throat, resulting in inflammation and discomfort.
  2. Orange juice is filled with vitamin C, which is an antioxidant. Vitamin C is crucial to the health of bones, muscles, and blood vessels.
    • Many people swear by vitamin C supplements, but no medical studies have proven whether or not vitamin C actually affects the length of the common cold. [2]
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  3. Chamomile tea, mixed with a little honey and lemon, is a great way to soothe your throat. Grocery stores offer teas specifically designed to combat irritated throats too. Most work equally well as normal chamomile tea with honey and lemon. [3]
  4. Chicken soup is a classic at-home remedy for sore throats. Soups have a lot of nutrients and are soothing to your throat. Stick to soups that are primarily broth-based. [4] Chunkier soups may further irritate your throat.
  5. Oftentimes, you will just have to wait until your throat gets better on its own. In order to numb the pain in the meantime, try a hot toddy. Choose a hot beverage you enjoy like coffee, tea, cider, hot chocolate, or simply hot water with lemon or honey in it. Many will add cinnamon also. What makes a hot toddy effective is the alcohol or spirits you add next. Traditionally, hot toddies are made with whiskey, brandy, or rum. The warm liquid will soothe your throat. The liquor will take your mind off of your troubles. [5]
  6. Many believe garlic to have antiseptic and antibacterial properties. Many also think that garlic can build your immune system. While no firm proof exists to support this theory, many holistic practitioners prescribe drinking garlic broth. [6] [7]
    • Peel and crush 2 garlic cloves. Pour a cup of boiling water over them. Add salt to improve the taste.
    • If you prefer the taste of ginger over garlic, feel free to replace the garlic in the above recipe with ginger. Ginger helps to clear up sinuses and ease sore throats.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

Trying At-Home Remedies

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  1. Dissolve 1 tsp (5 g) of salt in 8 fl oz (240 mL) of warm water. Gargle salt water four times a day. Don’t drink the salt water as it will dehydrate you faster. [8]
    • Don’t just swish the salt water around in your mouth. Be sure to gargle it. Get it in the back of your mouth and let the salt do its job.
    • Salt sucks all the moisture out of your throats inflamed tissue. Harmful bacteria need this moisture to survive. So salt will both reduce the inflammation in the back of your throat. [9]
    • You can gargle Listerine too. The antiseptics in the Listerine meant to attack plaque and harmful bacteria in your mouth will also help fight infections in your throat. It will sting at first, but will quickly get better. [10]
  2. Mix some honey and cayenne pepper together. Use a Q-tip to rub the concoction on the back of your throat. Cayenne pepper is a natural anti-inflammatory, which will reduce the swelling of your throat. The honey helps the cayenne pepper stick to the back of your throat.
  3. You can find hydrogen peroxide at any grocery store or pharmacy. It is a mild antiseptic that will kill off most bacteria that may be irritating your throat. Take a capful of hydrogen peroxide and mix it with a tablespoon of water and a dash of lemon juice for flavor. Put it in your mouth and swish it around, making sure that it hits the back of your throat. Spit it out after a minute. [11]
  4. Most vapor rubs are intended to help decongest your nose. The mint in the rub can also help soothe sore throats. Pick up vapor rubs at any grocery store or pharmacy. [12]
  5. This seems strange at first. For centuries, people have used marshmallows to soothe sore throats. The gelatin in the marshmallow coats the back of your throat, protecting it from other irritants.
  6. Wrap a warm compress, like a warm heating pad, a hot water bottle, or a warm, damp cloth, around the outside of your throat. We often soothe sore throats from within, but forget that we can help reduce pain and irritation from the outside too. [13]
  7. Humidifiers increase the moisture content in the air. If your throat is dry and scratchy, a humidifier can make you more comfortable. Use one in your bedroom at night to help you sleep. You can also take longer hot showers. The moist air in the shower will act just like a humidifier. [14]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

Using Over-the-Counter Products

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  1. Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen work well. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) such as Advil or Aleve are probably already in your medicine cabinet and will help reduce throat swelling. [15]
  2. Cough syrups aren’t just for coughs. They treat most throat issues too. Pay close attention to cough syrup's side effects. Many formulas cause drowsiness. If you are headed to work, about to get in the car, or going to operate heavy machinery, choose a non-drowsy formula. [16]
  3. Most throat sprays contain a numbing agent, which numbs your throat and reduces swelling that causes discomfort. [17]
  4. Like anti-septic sprays, many “cough drops” also contain numbing agents (in this case, menthol), which will reduce swelling and numb the back of your throat. They come in all different flavors and strengths. Try a couple of different kinds to see what you like best. Be sure to read the details on the package to see how many you can take in a day. [18]
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Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

Taking Other Precautions

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  1. Breathing through your nose can help to keep moisture inside of your throat, which may help to prevent your throat from hurting. Avoid breathing through your mouth and try to breathe through your nose.
  2. Stay indoors during smog days. Limit your outdoor activities at times of the year when common allergens like pollen and ragweed saturate the air. [19]
  3. When you talk, air rushes through your throat. This added activity can further irritate your throat, leading to prolonged inflammation. [20]
  4. 4
    Stick to foods that are easy to swallow. Try a plain popsicle, which will cool your throat, and may numb it additionally from the pain. However, if it seems to be getting worse because of the popsicle, do not continue to suck on it, and instead, some warm water with honey may soothe it. Ice cream is not recommended.
  5. The tar from cigarettes and secondhand smoke can further irritate the lining of your throat. If you suffer from repeated sore throats and suspect that smoking may be the cause, visit your doctor. Consider quitting. [21]
  6. In some situation, you may need to get medical treatment for a sore throat. Seek medical help if: [22]
    • The condition does not improve after a couple of days.
    • There is a fever present, swollen glands, or patches of white forming in the throat. These maybe signs of strep throat.
    • The inside of your throat is scratched or bleeding.
    • Your sore throat is coupled with stomach pains. You may have acid reflux issues. [23]
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How Do You Treat a Sore Throat?


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  • Question
    What if I swallow and my throat hurts?
    Carlotta Butler, RN, MPH
    Registered Nurse
    Carlotta Butler is a Registered Nurse in Arizona. Carlotta is a member of the American Medical Writers Association. She received her Masters of Public Health from the Northern Illinois University in 2004 and her Masters in Nursing from the University of St. Francis in 2017.
    Carlotta Butler, RN, MPH
    Registered Nurse
    Expert Answer
    If your throat hurts when you swallow, you should try an anesthetic throat spray to numb the pain.
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  • Question
    What if it is still hurts?
    Carlotta Butler, RN, MPH
    Registered Nurse
    Carlotta Butler is a Registered Nurse in Arizona. Carlotta is a member of the American Medical Writers Association. She received her Masters of Public Health from the Northern Illinois University in 2004 and her Masters in Nursing from the University of St. Francis in 2017.
    Carlotta Butler, RN, MPH
    Registered Nurse
    Expert Answer
    If you have exhausted the remedies listed here with no relief, you probably should seek medical attention.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      Things You'll Need

      • Lemons
      • Tea
      • Throat lozenges/cough drops
      • Pain relievers like Advil or Aleve
      • Anti-septic sprays
      • Water
      • Salt
      • Listerine
      • Honey
      • Cayenne pepper


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      References

      1. ↑ https://uhs.umich.edu/strep
      2. ↑ https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/vitamins-common-misconceptions
      3. ↑ https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/health-and-wellness/2018/february/sore-throat
      4. ↑ https://www.journalijar.com/article/13885/effect-of-tonsillectomy-on-children%E2%80%99s-general-health/
      5. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/sore-throat-remedies-that-actually-work/
      6. ↑ https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jnoa/article/view/55584/44059
      7. ↑ https://www.ajol.info/index.php/ajb/article/view/56901/45310
      8. ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sore-throat/
      9. ↑ https://albanyentandallergy.com/does-gargling-with-saltwater-really-help-a-sore-throat/
      1. ↑ https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/26895293.2021.1893834
      2. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7262503/
      3. ↑ https://patient.info/ears-nose-throat-mouth/nasal-congestion
      4. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15219-swollen-lymph-nodes
      5. ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22220223/
      6. ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002208.htm
      7. ↑ https://www.umms.org/coronavirus/what-to-know/treat-covid-at-home
      8. ↑ https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=ut2479
      9. ↑ https://www.ajol.info/index.php/safp/article/view/76190/66655
      10. ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/allergic-rhinitis-your-nose-knows
      11. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/10-ways-to-save-your-voice/
      12. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/sore-throat/about/index.html
      13. ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sore-throat/
      14. ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/digestive-health/9-ways-to-relieve-acid-reflux-without-medication

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To stop your throat from hurting, start by drinking hot liquids like tea with honey and lemon or a broth-based soup, which will help soothe the pain while providing nutrients. For more severe sore throats, take menthol throat lozenges and over-the-counter pain medication like cough drops or sough syrup to alleviate any discomfort. If you are having trouble sleeping, run a humidifier in your room overnight. To see what our Medical reviewer recommends, like mouth rinses and when to see a doctor, continue reading the article below!

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      Reader Success Stories

      • Yelmi Polinar

        Nov 27, 2017

        "Thanks for the remedies! The ones that helped the most were: eating soft foods & not talking a lot. It's ..." more
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