6 Home Remedies for a Sore Throat

Most sore throats are not serious and will go away in a few days, but they can be incredibly uncomfortable and painful. Most sore throats are caused by viral infections, so antibiotics will not help them. There are some things you can do at home to treat a sore throat without seeing a doctor.

Salt water gargle
One of the most common remedies for a sore throat is to gargle with warm salt water. Dr. Hoffman, a frequent contributor to AllHealth.net, postulates that highly concentrated salt water tends to help draw fluid that is causing swelling from the mucosa of the throat.

A salt water gargle may temporarily bring relief for the symptoms of a sore throat by temporarily reducing swelling. Salt water does nothing to address the cause of the sore throat, so this is a temporary home remedy for the pain and swelling associated with a sore throat. It is not a cure.

OTC medicated sprays and lozenges
Medicated throat lozenges and over-the-counter medicated sprays help relieve the pain and discomfort of a sore throat. While lozenges may numb entire areas of the mouth a directional medicated throat spray can be used to directly numb the point of sore throat pain.

Lemon and honey
Over time many people have used honey to help relieve sore throat pain. A spoonful of honey, with a twist of lemon in a cup of hot tea or hot water will go a long way toward soothing a painful throat. The honey will soothe the throat while lemon helps reduce and thin mucus.

Humidifier
Breathing through the mouth, especially during the dry months of winter, can cause a dry irritated throat. In cases like these it is good to keep a glass of water by the bed to help keep yourself hydrated. It is also a good idea to use a cool mist humidifier to help moisturize the air for mouth breathers. Extra humidity in the air will help keep the throat moist and mucus thin.

Acetaminophen or ibuprofen
Over-the-counter acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen can help relieve the pain associated with a sore throat. These medications do not treat the condition, but may help relieve the symptom while you wait for a virus to run its course.

Fluids
Webmd.com recommends keeping your body well hydrated when you have a sore throat. Their recommendation is to drink 8 ounces of fluid every hour that you are awake.

Sources:
Drink Extra Fluids and Increase Humidity to Soothe Strep Throat
Good for What Ails You: How Salt Water Helps a Sore Throat
Just a Spoonful of Honey
Medicinenet.com
Sore Throat - National Library of Medicine, Medlineplus
The Sore Throat Advice that is Hard to Swallow