12 natural home remedies for a sore throat for quick relief

A sore throat can occur at any time and can have many causes. Fortunately, there are natural home remedies for a sore throat that you can use at home without having to take an antibiotic straight away.

Some sore throats may be due to a bacterial infection or strep throat, while others may be due to a viral infection. In most cases, sore throats are very contagious and it is important that they are treated as soon as the first symptoms appear.

Natural remedies for sore throats such as raw honey, vitamin C and licorice root relieve discomfort and speed healing. There are also effective essential oils for sore throats that can be used internally and externally to inhibit the growth of bacteria, relieve swelling and loosen mucus.

Contents

• Symptoms of a sore throat
• Causes and risk factors of sore throats
• 12 natural home remedies for a sore throat
  • 1. raw honey
  • 2. bone broth
  • 3. garlic
  • 4. water
  • 5. vitamin C
  • 6. echinacea
  • 7. licorice root
  • 8. zinc
  • 9. probiotics
  • 10. sleep
  • 11. lemon essential oil
  • 12. eucalyptus essential oil

Symptoms of a sore throat

A sore throat is any type of inflammation of the throat and tonsils that causes pain when swallowing. Around 10% to 30% of people who come to primary care every year complain of a sore throat.

The signs and symptoms of a sore throat vary depending on the cause. Some common sore throats are

• Pain that worsens when swallowing or speaking
• Difficulty swallowing
• Scratchy throat
• Painful, swollen glands in the throat or jaw
• Swollen, reddened tonsils
• White spots on the tonsils
• Hoarseness

If your sore throat is due to an infection, you may also have a fever, headache, aching limbs, cough, runny nose and nausea.

In otherwise healthy people, a sore throat rarely has serious consequences. It usually heals on its own, usually within a week.

 

Causes and risk factors of sore throats

A sore throat can be caused by bacteria, usually streptococci, or by viruses, usually rhinoviruses. However, it is difficult to distinguish between these two types of infection.

Viral infections are usually accompanied by cold or flu symptoms such as a runny or blocked nose, sneezing, coughing, mild fever and fatigue. In adults, viral infections are responsible for 85 to 90 percent of sore throats.

The symptoms of a streptococcal infection are usually not a runny nose or cough. Instead, look out for swollen throat lymph nodes, white patches on the tonsils, fever and sore throat, especially when swallowing.

A streptococcal infection can even lead to a rash and red spots at the back of the throat. Children between the ages of 5 and 15 have the greatest risk of contracting a streptococcal infection. Streptococcus causes only about 10 percent of sore throats in adults.

In addition to streptococcal infections, a sore throat can also indicate tonsillitis. Of course, streptococci can also trigger tonsillitis, so it can be a combination of problems that leads to a sore throat.

The same applies to Pfeiffer's glandular fever. This can cause a sore throat, often with spots on the tonsils that may look like streptococci.

It is difficult to distinguish between strep throat and mononucleosis, so you should see your doctor to get the correct diagnosis.

Sometimes a sore throat can also be the result of acid reflux or an allergy.

Acid reflux causes stomach acid to flow back into the oesophagus, which can lead to irritation and pain in the throat. Other symptoms of acid reflux include dry mouth, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, belching of acids or food, a bitter taste in the mouth and heartburn.

Certain foods or environmental triggers can cause an allergic reaction, resulting in a sore, irritated throat. Symptoms of seasonal allergies include scratchy and sore throat, watery eyes, congestion, sneezing, runny nose and tingling or itching in the ears.

Other causes of sore throat can be viral pharyngitis, postnasal drip and cold/flu.

 

12 natural home remedies for a sore throat

Want to know how to get rid of a sore throat naturally? Here are the 12 best natural home remedies for a sore throat:

1. raw honey

Raw honey has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that are very helpful in treating respiratory conditions such as sore throats. It can naturally soothe the throat and relieve swelling. Other benefits of raw honey include reducing the mucus and coughing irritation that can accompany a sore throat.

According to research published in the Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences, honey has an antibacterial effect on around 60 types of bacteria and some types of fungi and viruses. It also has an antioxidant effect due to a variety of compounds, including phenols, peptides, organic acids and enzymes.

Add raw honey to hot water or tea or mix with lemon essential oil for a fast-acting sore throat remedy.

 

2. bone broth

Consuming bone broth helps to maintain fluid balance and strengthen the immune system so that you can recover quickly. Bone broths are rich in nutrients, easily digestible, tasty and promote healing.

They contain important minerals in forms that the body can easily absorb, including calcium, magnesium and phosphorus.

Researchers at the University of Nebraska Medical Center have found that the amino acids produced during the production of chicken broth reduce inflammation of the respiratory tract.

 

3. garlic

The active ingredient allicin, which is found in freshly pressed garlic, has a variety of antimicrobial properties. Allicin in its pure form has been found to have an antibacterial effect against a variety of bacteria, including multi-resistant strains of E. coli. It also showed antiviral, antifungal and antiparasitic effects.

To use raw garlic as one of the home remedies for a sore throat, add it to your meals throughout the day or take a daily garlic supplement.

 

4. water

Sufficient fluid intake is important to flush viruses and bacteria out of the body and to keep the throat hydrated.

You can also drink hot water, either plain or with lemon, ginger or honey. A study carried out in the UK in 2008 showed that hot drinks provide immediate and lasting relief from the symptoms of colds and flu, including sore throats.

 

5. vitamin C

Vitamin C supports the function of the immune system and strengthens the white blood cells. Studies also show that vitamin C shortens the duration of respiratory symptoms, especially in people who are under physical stress.

As soon as you notice signs of a sore throat, you should take 1,000 milligrams of vitamin C daily and eat foods rich in vitamin C such as grapefruit, kiwi, strawberries, oranges, kale and guava. If eating solid foods is painful, try a smoothie as an alternative.

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6. Echinacea

Most of the active ingredients in this medicinal plant are powerful immune stimulants that have enormous therapeutic value. Research at the University of Connecticut has shown that the consumption of echinacea reduces the likelihood of catching a cold by 58% and shortens the duration of a cold by 1.4 days.

This proves that echinacea has antiviral properties and helps the body to fight infections that cause sore throats.

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7. licorice root

Licorice root is an effective remedy for sore throats and coughs as it is a powerful expectorant that helps to loosen and remove mucus from the throat. It soothes irritation and inflammation of the tonsils, making it an effective home remedy for sore throats.

Researchers have also found that licorice root has strong antiviral and antimicrobial effects. Numerous studies have shown that several constituents of this widely used herb are responsible for these effects via different mechanisms, including the 20 triterpenoids and almost 300 flavonoids contained in licorice root.

Flavonoids, especially chalcones, play an important role in the treatment of bacterial infections by reducing the formation of bacterial genes, inhibiting bacterial growth and reducing the production of bacterial toxins.

 

8. zinc

Zinc has an extremely positive influence on the immune system and has an antiviral effect. Taken over a period of at least five months, zinc can reduce the risk of catching a cold with a sore throat.

Taking zinc as soon as you feel ill can speed up the healing process, especially if it is taken at the first sign of illness.

Research shows that zinc can intervene in the molecular process that causes the deposition of mucus and bacteria in the nasal passages. Due to its electrical charge, ionic zinc is able to exert an antiviral effect by binding to receptors in the nasal epithelial cells and blocking their action.

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9. probiotics

Studies have shown that taking probiotics reduces the number of patients with one or more upper respiratory tract infections and reduces the use of antibiotics.

In a 2010 study, 638 children aged 3 to 6 attending preschool or daycare were randomly assigned to receive either a drink containing the probiotic strain Lactobacillus casei or a placebo for 90 days. The use of the probiotic led to a reduction in upper respiratory tract infections.

Similar results were obtained in another study with 742 children over one year of age who consumed 100 milliliters of a fermented milk product.

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10. sleep

Sufficient sleep plays a crucial role in combating sore throats. In fact, a lack of sleep can be just as harmful as a poor diet and lack of exercise. Try to get nine to ten hours of sleep until you feel well again.

According to a study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, sleep quality is an important factor influencing immunity and susceptibility to colds. 153 healthy men and women were given nasal drops containing a rhinovirus.

Participants rated their symptoms of illness daily, such as sore throat, nasal congestion, chest congestion, sinus pain and cough. The data showed that those who had poorer sleep efficiency and shorter sleep duration in the weeks prior to exposure to the rhinovirus had lower resistance to illness.

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11. lemon essential oil

Lemon essential oil has the ability to remove toxins from all parts of the body. Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties make it a useful home remedy for sore throats.

It also contains a lot of vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system, and stimulates salivation, which moisturizes the throat.

Simply add one or two drops of lemon oil to warm water or tea. You can also inhale the lemon oil directly from the bottle or add five to ten drops to a fragrance lamp.

 

12. eucalyptus essential oil

Eucalyptus oil is one of the most effective remedies for sore throats as it stimulates the immune system, provides antioxidant protection and improves blood flow to the respiratory tract. Research published in the journal Pharmaceutical Biology shows that eucalyptus oil is used as an antiseptic and to relieve the symptoms of sore throats, coughs, colds and other infections.

To soothe a sore throat with eucalyptus oil, use it in a fragrance lamp or apply one to three drops to your throat and chest. You can also gargle with eucalyptus oil and water.

For sensitive skin, it is recommended to dilute the eucalyptus oil with a carrier oil such as coconut oil before use. (Do not use on small children).

 

Precautions
If your child develops serious symptoms such as shortness of breath, difficulty swallowing or unusual salivation (which may mean that they are unable to swallow), contact your doctor immediately.

In adults, you should consult a doctor if you have a fever above 39.5 degrees Celsius or if you have difficulty breathing or swallowing. If the symptoms of a sore throat have not disappeared after a week, you should see your doctor.

 

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