Natural Remedies for a Sore Throat
By Sara Butler
It's that time of year again: Time for scratchy, painful, itchy throats to make their appearance! Sore throats are often side effects of a cold or flu, but still, other types of sore throats can just appear out of nowhere and make you feel miserable. If your throat is excessively sore and you have other symptoms too, it's time to see a medical professional. But if you simply want to soothe your sore throat as you power through a cold, then there are some natural remedies you can employ.
Honey
The old sore throat standby, honey has been used to soothe scratchy throats for a long time. It offers a protective coating to your throat and has antibacterial properties that can help. Just remember never to give honey to children under the age of one, since it's not pasteurized and can contain botulism, which can make a small child very sick.
Frozen Food
When you have a sore throat a popsicle, or some other frozen food, can be just what the doctor ordered. In fact, anything frozen such as ice, frozen yogurt, or fruit pops can help numb the nerves sending pain signals to your brain from your throat and bring your relief. Plus, a treat might help to raise your spirits a bit.
Tea
Tea, or some other warm drink, can also help to soothe your throat. Herbal teas, especially those containing licorice root, marshmallow root, or elm inner bark can help with the pain caused by a sore throat. You can also try chamomile, sage, ginger, or thyme teas to help.
Gargle With Saltwater
Another proven remedy to help with a sore throat is to gargle with warm saltwater. This can help reduce swelling and keep your mouth clean. All you have to do is warm up a cup of cold water and add one-quarter of a teaspoon of salt. You can do this several times per day to help you cope with throat irritation and its perfectly safe.
Chicken Soup
Yes, chicken soup really can help when you're sick. The warm liquid combined with the anti-inflammatory compounds naturally present in the ingredients of the soup can help with your throat and also with inflammation in your sinus cavities and nasal passageways. It's worth noting that research has found homemade versions to be more helpful than the kind you can buy in the store.
A sore throat is not pleasant, but there are things you can do to try to feel better.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Arvada, Colo.