What Are Some Natural Remedies for Sore Throats?

Struggling with a sore throat? While very common, sore throats can be a sign of illness. They are your body’s natural response to potential infections and they are very uncomfortable. After all, the inflammation and swelling can lead to pain and other issues such as headaches, sinus pressure, and more.

A lot of people like to treat their sore throats with over-the-counter medication. However, there are many natural remedies that can be used to soothe a sore throat. These include:

Honey

Honey isn’t just a sweetener. It’s actually a great remedy for sore throats! Mixed with tea or taken by the spoonful, honey is an effective wound healer. It soothes inflammation and helps heal the infection. It is also great at preventing further disease, especially if you use local honey. Doing so will help you build up immunity to local allergens. 

Note: honey should not be given to children under 1 year, due to potential allergy issues. 

Saltwater

Believe it or not, gargling a cup of warm salt water can help soothe your sore throat. This is because salt water breaks down mucus secretions in the throat and helps kill bacteria. All you have to do is mix a half-teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water. Gargle it for a minute to reduce swelling and keep the area clean. Repeat every few hours until the soreness subsides.

Chamomile tea

There’s nothing better than a warm cup of tea when you’re feeling under the weather. This is especially true for chamomile tea! While often used as a sleep aid, chamomile is also naturally soothing and perfect for sore throats. Drinking chamomile tea while battling a sore throat can help your body relax and fight off any infection. Not a fan of the flavor? You can also put the chamomile tea into a humidifier if you’d prefer to inhale the steam. 

Peppermint

Have you ever eaten a peppermint and found that it not only freshens your breath but cools the throat as well? This is because peppermint contains menthol, which helps thin mucus and calms both sore throats and coughs. It has plenty of anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral properties, which can all promote healing. 

If you’re fighting a sore throat, you can suck on a hard peppermint candy or you can use peppermint essential oil. If you use the oil, though, make sure to dilute it in other oils and water before putting it into a humidifier. Never ingest the oil directly.

Garlic

Garlic isn’t just for fighting off vampires. It’s also got plenty of natural antibacterial properties that help fight sore throats! Garlic contains allicin, a compound that is known to fight off infections. In fact, studies have shown that taking a garlic supplement can help prevent the common cold. Not sure you want to take it as a daily supplement? No problem! You can also increase garlic in your diet via garlic capsules, or suck on a garlic clove when your throat is bothering you. 

Cayenne pepper

You might be thinking that heat isn’t what you want when your throat hurts, but hear us out! Cayenne pepper contains a substance called capsaicin. This natural compound is known for blocking pain receptors. Therefore, ingesting the pepper mixed with warm water and honey can help relieve sore throat pain. This should be done sparingly though, and never when there are open sores present in the mouth. 

Apple cider vinegar

Before apple cider vinegar became a popular weight loss supplement, it was actually known for its healing properties. Apple cider vinegar is great at fighting infections. Because of its acidic nature, it helps break down mucus in the throat and stops bacteria from spreading and causing illness. If you want to try it yourself, just dilute a few tablespoons in one cup of water and gargle it. 

Try to limit how often you use this method, though, if you’re not used to apple cider vinegar or highly acidic foods. The body’s sensitivity to vinegar can vary per person, so consult a doctor if you’re not sure about this product. 

Mountain Meadow Herbs

Are you interested in learning more about natural remedies and supplements? If so, contact us at Mountain Meadow Herbs! We offer natural solutions for all ailments, in addition to supplements for daily use. We can help you find the perfect natural remedy for your pains so that you can get back to living your life normally.

Don’t treat your pain with over the counter chemicals - find a natural solution with us today!