6 Effective Home Remedies for Sore Throat

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Everybody hates a sore throat. It makes your throat feels painful, scratchy or irritating. Sore throats aren’t life-threatening. But they sure as hell annoying because it can affect your daily routine and prevent you from getting a good night’s sleep. While seeing a doctor is often the most logical solution, you can try these list of home remedies to soothe your sore throat effectively.


1) Honey, Ginger and Lemon Water

These common supermarket staples are best for treating cough and of course, sore throat. You see, honey helps moisten and reduces inflammation in the throat. Ginger contains anti-inflammatory properties, while lemon is packed with antioxidants and Vitamin C. To make the remedy, simply add 1 or 2 tablespoons of honey (preferably raw type) in a cup of warm water. Add fresh ginger paste or powdered ginger and stir together with a few drops of fresh lemon juice. Remember not to give honey to children below one-year-old.

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2) Saltwater Gargle

This age-old remedy needs no introduction. Your old folks would likely recommend this if you have a sore throat. Gargling with salt water helps reduce the swelling as it draws out water of mucous membranes in the throat. Just mix a one-and-a-half teaspoon of table salt in a glass of warm water. Then, gargle the solution and spit it out. Repeat at least 3 times a day.

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3) Apple Cider Vinegar

As a superfood, apple cider vinegar sure packs a potent punch. It boasts plenty of health benefits and one of them happens to be treating a sore throat. Thanks to its antibacterial properties and its acidity level, apple cider vinegar helps eliminate the bacteria in the throat. Just add 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar (choose trusted brand like Bragg) into a warm water and drink it. If you can’t stand the strong taste, you can sweeten it with some honey.

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4) Popsicles

Guess what? These kid-friendly frozen treats can actually help numb the throat and reduce the pain. If possible, make your own popsicles using the ice pop molds. For instance, you can mix honey and lemon juice and freeze them until they are ready to eat.

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5) Turmeric Tea/Milk

A kitchen staple of many Indian cuisines, turmeric also contains medicinal properties that help to suppress the inflammation in the throat. Add one tablespoon of turmeric powder into a glass of warm water. For better result, add some honey and lemon juice. Alternatively, you can substitute warm water with warm milk. Remember to add some black pepper since it helps the body absorb turmeric upon drinking.

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6) Garlic

Three words: suck on garlic. Given its strong yet pungent taste, it sure sounds like a turn-off for most people. But hear us out. Garlic is actually a natural remedy that helps fight off the throat infections, thanks to a compound known as allicin. Simply place a clove of garlic on each cheek and suck on it like a throat lozenge. Of course, you don’t really have to bite it since what you need the most is the juice of the garlic.

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