Try These Effective Home Remedies To Treat Sore Throat
Sore throat refers to the irritation, pain and itchiness in throat often triggered by allergies, dry air, smoking and bacterial/viral infections. Swallowing of food, beverages and even saliva becomes particularly painful- giving the sensation of a sandpaper roughing down the throat. Find below a listicle of simple yet effective home remedies that'll calm your throat and treat the soreness.
Home Remedies For Sore Throat
1. Gargle with salt water
Gargling with salt water is one of the most popular remedies for sore throat, recommended by doctors from all over.
Scientifically speaking, saltwater is known to have hypertonic properties, which indicate that it has more osmotic pressure than the fluids in our mouth. In simpler terms, it creates a high salt barrier, pulls out a lot of fluids from the throat area and washes out the infectious microbes.
It wouldn't be wrong to say that saltwater gargling also effectively clears out the phlegm hanging on the back of the throat. In addition to this, it also moisturises the throat and helps in relieving its inflammation.
Dissolve half or one fourth a teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of warm water and gargle at least twice a day. However, if you suffer from high blood pressure, refrain from his remedy. You can try gargling with chicken soup broth instead.
2. Turn on the humidifier
Dry air conditions are known to harbour the growth and spread of many infectious germs and viruses. This is precisely why a greater number of cold and cough infections is reported in the dry season.
Similarly, under dry conditions, cilia (tiny hair lining nasal passages) are unable to move back and forth effectively to prevent bacteria, germs, dust, and other foreign particles from entering the nasal passage and triggering infections.
Reduce the likelihood of cold and cough by keeping a check on the humidity levels with the help of a humidifier. To put it in other words, a humidifier helps in moisturizing the nasal, throat, and lung passages. An ideal humidifier helps in maintaining a humidity level between 45% and 50% relative humidity and curbs the spread of germs.
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3. Head Elevation While Sleeping
However surprising it may sound, sleeping with a slightly elevated head is known to help with cough and cold problems.
It helps in draining the sinuses more easily and thus prevents coughing induced by postnasal drip. This sleeping position is also effective against coughing induced by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
However, sleeping with multiple pillows under the head might have counter-productive effects. Alternatively, you can roll up the head-side of the bed by rolling towels below the mattress.
Note: Babies under one and a half years of age should not sleep with any pillows.
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4. Honey based drinks
Honey has popularly been used in Ayurveda and herbal therapies for sore throat. Not only is it rich in natural anti-oxidants and bio-active compounds, but also serves as a demulcent by the throat and soothes mucus membranes.
It has been found to be even more effective at taming nighttime coughs than common cough suppressants, as per a study published in Punmed Central.
It can either be taken with warm water or along with teas and other concotions for best results.
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5. Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea is not only a delight for the taste buds, but also puts on the table multiple health benefits. This naturally healing beverage has long been used for medicinal purposes, like soothing a sore throat. It's often used for its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and astringent properties.
As confirmed by several studies, besides drinking it the traditional way, inhaling chamomile steam can also help in relieving a sore throat. It also stimulates the immune system to help your body fight off the infection that caused your sore throat in the first place.
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Also Read: Kadhas For Immunity Boost
Try These Effective Home Remedies To Treat Sore Throat
| Product | Price in India |
|---|---|
| Tata Salt, 1kg | ₹ 19 |
| Allin Exporters J66 Ultrasonic Humidifier Cool Mist Air Purifier for Dryness, Cold & Cough Large Capacity for Room, Baby, Plants, Bedroom (2.4 L) (1 Year Warranty) | ₹ 1,799 |
| Sleepwell Starlite Discover 4-inch Firm Single Size Foam Mattress (72*36*4 Inches) | ₹ 3,999 |
| Dabur Honey Squeezy | ₹ 278 |
| VAHDAM, Chamomile Mint Citrus Green Tea Bags (15 Count) Low Caffeine, Non-GMO, Gluten-Free | Sweet & Floral | Individually Wrapped Pyramid Tea Bags | Direct from Source | Chamomile Tea, Mint Tea Bags | ₹ 209 |
A multi-media journalist and writer, Vaibhavi views the world as one big piece of poetry. Time and again she tries to capture this poetry through words, as well as, the lens. She loves to explore the depth of human psyche, philosophy, cultures, and oceans! Carrying forward this quest for exploration she reports on various beats ranging from tourism, culture, art, social issues, business, market trends, science and environment to technology. For her, the life mantra can be summarised with the catchphrases, “Hakuna Matata” and “Carpe Diem”.
