When you experience the symptoms of a sore throat, this is often the first sign that a cold is on its way! The most common cause of a sore throat is a viral infection that resolves itself on its own, while a strep throat is a less common type of sore throat that is caused by bacteria and requires treatment with antibiotics. While you should always contact your doctor if your sore throat symptoms are severe or long-lasting, here are the top 5 ways you can soothe a sore throat with home remedies including the best drinks for a sore throat:
1. Drink Plenty of Fluids
One of the best home remedies for a sore throat is to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day, as this helps to keep your throat moist and prevent dehydration. You should be careful to avoid drinks with caffeine and alcohol as these can dehydrate you and make the symptoms worse! Try to drink non-acidic juices such as grape or apple juice, as these juices will help you stay nourished without irritating your sore throat.
2. Use a Humidifier
It is quite possible that dry air may be the cause of your sore throat, especially during the cold days of winter. Therefore, you should consider the use of a humidifier to keep the air moist and to open your sinuses. A humidifier is a worthwhile investment to avoid a sore throat or to help cure your existing symptoms. You can also add in a tablespoon or two of vapor rub or hydrogen peroxide solution for additional relief.
3. Gargle with Salt Water
Although salt water may not provide immediate relief to your sore throat symptoms, it is still very effective for killing bacterial while loosening mucus and easing pain. Just mix half a teaspoon of table salt with 8 ounces of warm water, gargle the solution and then spit it out. If you find that the salty taste is too unpleasant, you can also add a small amount of honey to slightly sweeten the mixture.
4. Add Honey to Water or Tea
Another one of the best ways to soothe a sore throat at home is to add two tablespoons of honey to a warm glass of water or tea. This is because honey has natural antibacterial properties that help fight off viral infections and offer immediate relief for sore throat pain. If you are suffering from a bad cough along with your sore throat symptoms, the honey may also act as an effective cough suppressant.
5. Suck on Lozenges or Hard Candy
Since sucking on cough drops or sore throat lozenges stimulates the production of saliva, this can help to keep your throat moist and provide relief. However, many varieties of these products are no more effective than hard candies, so you can use hard candy as well. If you want an added benefit, you should choose brands with a cooling or numbing ingredient such as menthol or eucalyptus.
Now that you know some helpful ways to soothe a sore throat at home, learn more about how Mac’s Pharmacy can help you with all of your healthcare needs. We are dedicated to maintaining and improving your health, so we would be happy to assist you with all of your pharmaceutical needs!
