Sore throat occurs due to inflammation. Some of the main causes of sore throat are viral, bacterial, or fungal infections, environmental pollution, smoking, dry air, excessive yelling, allergic reaction, and so on. The symptoms of tonsillitis are very similar to viral infections and are often accompanied by headaches, abdominal pain, cold symptoms.
Since this can be a symptom of a serious illness, it is important to start treatment as early as possible. Instead of seeing a doctor, you can use folk remedies for sore throat treatment.
Here are the top 10 folk remedies for sore throat.
Saltwater
One of the best ways to relieve sore throat is to gargle with salt water. Salt acts as an antiseptic and draws moisture from the throat’s mucous membrane. This reduces phlegm, reduces inflammation, and gives you instant relief. Take half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water, and use this solution to gargle. Do not swallow the water, spit it out after gargling. If you don’t like the salty taste, add a small amount of honey to the solution. Gargle with salt water at least four times a day to improve the condition of your throat.
Honey for sore throat relief
Honey is also one of the readily available ingredients that can be used for sore throat treatment with folk remedies. Honey has antibacterial properties that aid in the healing process. At the same time, honey acts as a hypertonic solution, meaning it draws water from inflamed tissues, thus reducing swelling and inflammation. Add one to two tablespoons of honey to a cup of hot water and drink several times a day. You can add honey to a cup of herbal tea. Before bed, eat one teaspoon of honey, as it will relieve your sore throat and help you enjoy a good night’s sleep.
Lemon
You can also use fresh lemons to get rid of a sore throat. Take half a lemon, sprinkle it with salt and pepper, and slowly lick it. You can gargle your throat with freshly squeezed lemon juice diluted with warm water. At the same time, you can take a hot drink with honey to get relief from the pain. To make lemonade, add the juice of half a lemon and one tablespoon of honey to a cup of warm water and drink this beverage slowly to get instant relief from the pain.
Garlic
Garlic has antibacterial, antiseptic, and other healing properties that can help treat or prevent tonsillitis. Take a fresh clove of garlic, cut it in half, and suck on it. If you chew on a clove of garlic, the chemical compound allicin contained in garlic will help kill the bacteria that cause sore throat. You can also use garlic oil. Add a few drops of garlic oil to a quarter cup of water and gargle. Also, try to eat garlic raw and cooked. If you don’t like the taste of garlic, you can take garlic pills.
Cinnamon
Another ingredient that can be used for sore throat treatment with folk remedies is cinnamon. Take a small piece of cinnamon stick, a pinch of pepper, and boil in two cups of water for a few minutes. Strain the decoction, add a teaspoon of honey. Drink this decoction while it’s warm to get instant relief from sore throat. Take this remedy once a day for a week to get rid of sore throat. To relieve pain and inflammation associated with sore throat, you can take a mixture of a few drops of cinnamon oil and one teaspoon of honey twice a day.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is used to treat sore throat due to its antibacterial properties. Add two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to half a cup of warm water and sip slowly. You can also gargle with apple cider vinegar solution. For this, you’ll need one teaspoon of salt and half a cup of apple cider vinegar. Mix both components in a cup of warm water, and use it to gargle several times a day.
Marshmallow Root
Marshmallow root is used for sore throat treatment with folk remedies. Marshmallow root tea is the best way to treat sore throat along with cough and cold. To make this herbal tea, add one tablespoon of dried marshmallow root to a cup of boiling water and let it steep for half an hour. Then strain the solution, add some honey, and drink. You can drink three cups of this herbal tea a day. Diabetic patients, pregnant women, and breastfeeding women should not take this remedy.
Slippery Elm
Slippery elm contains a mucilaginous substance in the form of gel that, when coating the throat, relieves pain and reduces irritation. The inner bark of slippery elm is used for sore throat treatment. Take one teaspoon of slippery elm bark and steep it in two cups of boiling water. Let it steep for a few minutes, then strain the solution and slowly drink it warm. This remedy can be used for treating any respiratory conditions and laryngitis. If you don’t have slippery elm bark, you can buy slippery elm in capsule form at any pharmacy.
Fenugreek
Another powerful component for sore throat treatment is fenugreek. You can prepare a gargle with fenugreek seeds, which is very effective for treating sore throat. Add two tablespoons of fenugreek seeds to six cups of water and boil for about half an hour. Cool to room temperature, strain, and use this decoction as a gargle. The mucilage present in fenugreek will help alleviate pain and inflammation in the throat. Gargle with this decoction three to four times a day.
Turmeric
Another simple and excellent folk remedy for sore throat is turmeric, which has powerful antiseptic properties. Add a quarter teaspoon of turmeric to a glass of warm drinking water and mix well. Slowly drink this solution on an empty stomach in the morning. Take this remedy once a day for three to four days. Additionally, you can drink a mixture before bed consisting of one teaspoon of turmeric powder, one teaspoon of ground black pepper, and one glass of warm milk. You can also gargle with turmeric to soothe the pain. Add half a teaspoon of turmeric powder and half a teaspoon of salt to a glass of warm water and gargle twice a day.
Conclusion: If you have a sore throat, simply use some of the aforementioned folk remedies to feel better. However, if sore throat persists for more than two or three days, it’s necessary to see a doctor.
