Looking for ways to ease a painful throat naturally? Our list of the best home remedies for a sore throat is here to help!
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Autumn is upon us and with it comes the usual batch of seasonal illnesses. Coughs, colds, and sore throats are frequent visitors at this time of year as the days shorten and the weather grows colder, so it is time to stock up your cupboards with some nourishing herbs to soothe the symptoms and help you recover more quickly.
While there are plenty of over-the-counter painkiller that can help to ease a painful and scratchy throat, sometimes you want to take a more natural approach. So, if you are looking for alternative home remedies for a sore throat, you’ve come to the right place.
We’ve compiled this list of simple and cost-effective options you can easily try at home. Many use ingredients you likely already have in your cupboards – or can purchase for little money and have on hand to see you through the colder months.
1. Drink Fluids
Staying well-hydrated is important at any time but especially when you are unwell. Getting enough fluids can help to loosen mucous build-up and clear congestion. In the case of a sore throat, drinking either warm or cold liquids can also help to soothe the irritated tissues and ease the pain.
In the colder months, we prefer to go for a warm drink that leaves you feeling comforted and cosy. Herbal tea is a perfect option when you have a sore throat.
2. Try a Salt Water Gargle
Another popular home remedy for a sore throat is gargling with warm salt water – or you can also try baking soda instead. The warmth can feel soothing, while the salt helps to prevent infection and reduce swelling. Even the NHS recommends salt water gargles to treat a sore throat.
To do it, dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water. Take a big gulp and gargle it in the back of your throat, being careful not to swallow. Spit out the salty water and repeat.
3. Take a Steam Bath
We’ve looked already at the power of warm water to ease a sore throat as part of a drink or a gargle. Another option is to take a steam bath – the warm, moist air can relieve dryness, loosen mucous, and soothe irritation in your throat and sinuses.
This is an especially good option if your sore throat is accompanied by a blocked nose or painful sinuses, as the steam will also help to relieve these symptoms. You might choose to add some herbs too – eucalyptus and peppermint are good decongestants to try.
4. Turn to Herbs
There are several herbs that have a long history of use for treating a sore throat. Typically, these are herbs that are high in mucilage – a gel-like substance that forms a protective coating on the irritated tissues of your throat, soothing some of the pain.
Some options include marshmallow root, liquorice, slippery elm, chamomile, and peppermint. You can find all of these in our NutraThroat herbal tea blend.
5. Add Honey
While we’re on the topic of herbal tea, another way to boost the throat-soothing powers of your chosen blend is to add some honey. Naturally antibacterial, honey can often help to fight off the pathogens causing your sore throat.
Like mucilaginous herbs, honey also soothes the irritated tissues of your throat by forming a protective layer. And it is known to reduce coughing too, which may also help to prevent further pain and damage to your throat.
