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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.
Steps
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Stay hydrated. 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] X Research source
- 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.
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Drink orange juice. 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] X Research source
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Try making hot tea. 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] X Research source
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Drink hot soup. 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] X Research source Chunkier soups may further irritate your throat.
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Make a “hot toddy”. 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] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
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Try garlic broth. 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] X Research source [7] X Research source
- 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. [8] X Research source
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Gargle with warm salt water. 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. [9] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source
- 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. [10] X Research source
- 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. [11] X Research source
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Dab honey and cayenne pepper on your throat. 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.
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Make a hydrogen peroxide rinse at home. 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. [12] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
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Use a vapor rub on your nose or chest. 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. [13] X Research source
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Eat marshmallows. 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.
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Soothe your throat with a warm compress. 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. [14] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
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Use a humidifier. 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. [15] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
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Use over-the-counter pain relievers. 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. [16] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source
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Find a cough syrup. 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. [17] X Research source
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Purchase an anesthetic throat spray. Most throat sprays contain a numbing agent, which numbs your throat and reduces swelling that causes discomfort. [18] X Research source
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Try using throat lozenges. 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. [19] X Research source
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Breathe through your nose. 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.
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Avoid pollution and other allergens. Stay indoors during smog days. Limit your outdoor activities at times of the year when common allergens like pollen and ragweed saturate the air. [20] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School's Educational Site for the Public Go to source
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Avoid talking. When you talk, air rushes through your throat. This added activity can further irritate your throat, leading to prolonged inflammation. [21] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
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4Stick 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. [22] X Trustworthy Source Cedars Sinai Hospital Website of one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source Ice cream is not recommended.
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Don’t smoke. 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. [23] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source
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See a doctor. In some situation, you may need to get medical treatment for a sore throat. Seek medical help if: [24] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source
- 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. [25] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School's Educational Site for the Public Go to source
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How Do You Treat a Sore Throat?
Heal a Sore Throat With This Expert Series
Heal a sore throat fast with these expert articles. Learn how to soothe it, sleep with it, and even cure it naturally.
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QuestionWhat if I swallow and my throat hurts?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.If your throat hurts when you swallow, you should try an anesthetic throat spray to numb the pain.
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QuestionWhat if it is still hurts?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.If you have exhausted the remedies listed here with no relief, you probably should seek medical attention.
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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
References
- ↑ https://uhs.umich.edu/strep
- ↑ https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/vitamins-common-misconceptions
- ↑ https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/health-and-wellness/2018/february/sore-throat
- ↑ https://www.journalijar.com/article/13885/effect-of-tonsillectomy-on-children%E2%80%99s-general-health/
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/sore-throat-remedies-that-actually-work/
- ↑ https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jnoa/article/view/55584/44059
- ↑ https://www.ajol.info/index.php/ajb/article/view/56901/45310
- ↑ http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/cold-guide/chicken_soup_and_recipes_for_cold
- ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sore-throat/
- ↑ https://albanyentandallergy.com/does-gargling-with-saltwater-really-help-a-sore-throat/
- ↑ https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/26895293.2021.1893834
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7262503/
- ↑ https://patient.info/ears-nose-throat-mouth/nasal-congestion
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15219-swollen-lymph-nodes
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22220223/
- ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002208.htm
- ↑ https://www.umms.org/coronavirus/what-to-know/treat-covid-at-home
- ↑ https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=ut2479
- ↑ https://www.ajol.info/index.php/safp/article/view/76190/66655
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/allergic-rhinitis-your-nose-knows
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/10-ways-to-save-your-voice/
- ↑ https://www.cedars-sinai.org/blog/best-medicine-childs-cough.html
- ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/sore-throat/about/index.html
- ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sore-throat/
- ↑ 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
- "Thanks for the remedies! The ones that helped the most were: eating soft foods & not talking a lot. It's hard not to talk though & sing but my throat is better, thank you so much. " ..." more
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"Thanks for the remedies! The ones that helped the most were: eating soft foods & not talking a lot. It's hard not to talk though & sing but my throat is better, thank you so much. "
..."
more
"I thought the gargling with salt was good. I thought the marshmallow tip was helpful for kids and adults."
"It helped me because I have a sore throat and I solved it but not talking and eating some Popsicles."
"Overall it all helped me a vigorous amount, but the best tip was to gargle saltwater."
"This article helped me help my boyfriend get rid of his pain from his tonsil surgery."
