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Sore throat is something that we all have experienced at least once in our life. It is so common that 9 out of 10 people get a sore throat once a year. A sore throat is often extremely uncomfortable. It causes pain, irritation, and itchiness. One of the most bothersome things about a sore throat is that we have trouble swallowing food, isn’t it?
There are multiple different reasons why a person would get a sore throat. The cause often determines how long it lasts. It can go away in just a couple of days or even take as long as 10 days to heal. The duration also depends upon the severity of the cause.
In most cases, sore throat is caused as a response to the viruses or bacteria in our body. It is nothing but a natural response that is caused by our body’s immune system to fight the infection in the body. In such cases, it is not something we should worry about but it is definitely painful.
There may be more serious problems like tonsillitis or pharyngitis, where it is important to see a doctor. No matter what the cause is, we all have one question and that is, how to get rid of sore throat fast? Everyone looks for instant relief, which in this case is possible given that the problem is not very serious.
Even if a common sore throat is not a reason why you should visit a doctor, it needs treatment as it is painful enough to disrupt the everyday routine. There a number of remedies that can help to relieve the problem. However, do you know how to get rid of sore throat fast? Well, if you don’t, I am here to tell you that. So, let’s begin!
Some Home Remedies | How To Get Rid Of Sore Throat Fast
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is one of the natural remedies that will help you with a sore throat. Vinegar has acidic and antibacterial properties that help to render an instant relief. The acid in the vinegar helps to fight the bacteria that may be present.
You won’t get the best of taste with the apple cider vinegar but it will work fast and help you get relief. All you have to do is take a cup of warm water, a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and consume it warm. You can do it with normal water as well but warm water is recommended as it is easier to swallow.
You can also add a little honey to the mixture as it will help to work better. However, while using apple cider vinegar you need to be careful with it. An undesired amount of it can cause some digestive problems as it has acidic properties.
Honey
Honey is best known to solve throat problems itself. It has antibacterial soothing properties that help to relieve a sore throat quickly. In this article, you will find a lot of places where I will mention honey in combination with other remedies as well.
You can simply consume a teaspoon of honey or add it to some warm water. Another method is to add a little honey to green tea as it will serve as an antioxidant and help to reduce inflammation. It works great on cough which may be one of the underlying causes of throat pain.
It is important that infants below one year of age should not be given honey as their gut has not developed healthy bacteria that help to fight germs. Well, honey may have some fine germs which are killed in adult guts.
Ginger
Ginger is one of those substances that have a lot of benefits for the human body. It has both antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties which help render relief in throat problems quickly. Ginger kills the infection creating bacteria that cause sore throat.
One can consume ginger in some warm tea with a teaspoon of honey in it. You can even add a little ginger extract to warm water. Adding ginger to lemon water is also found to be effective. Ginger is so effective that it helps to reduce inflammation in people who suffer from tuberculosis.
Garlic
Many of you must be surprised that how does garlic help in relieving sore throat. But, yes it certainly helps to relieve sore throat like all the other remedies. It has natural antibacterial properties that work to fight any trouble-causing bacteria. Mainly, it contains allicin, which is an organosulphur compound and it works to fight infections.
You can directly suck on a clove of garlic for instant relief. Instead, you can also roast the garlic on a pan a little and then consume it. You can pick whatever works for you. Adding a little extra garlic to your daily meals or soup can also do the job but it will take time to come into effect.
As garlic has antimicrobial properties it helps to relieve pain by reducing the effect of bacteria. However, make sure that you brush your teeth after consumption as there are enzymes in garlic that are strong enough to cause harm to your teeth.
Salt Water
Salt water is pretty much the very first answer you will get if you ask someone how to get rid of sore throat fast. Gargling with salt water is proven to be one of the best remedies to help soothe a scratchy throat.
It helps to break down secretions and render relief. The salt here does all the work by extracting water or mucus stuck in the throat tissues. It also plays an important role in killing some microbes. With the help of salt, there is a reduction in inflammation and it helps to reduce discomfort.
All you have to do is take a teaspoon of salt and add it to warm water. Make sure that the water is warm enough to provide heat to your throat. Gargle with this water for about 30 seconds or whatever you are comfortable with. Repeat this process every two or three hours for the best results.
Holy Basil
Holy basil leaves or Tulsi have been helping to relieve sore throat since ancient times. If you were to ask your grandma how to get rid of sore throat fast, she would probably suggest you chew some basil leaves or add them to boiling water with some honey and turmeric in it.
Tulsi leaves or basil leaves act as a decongestant that helps to clear congestion and reduce phlegm. These leaves have both anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that help to counter throat infections.
As I mentioned in the beginning, you can simply chew some leaves once in a few hours. However, it has proved to be the most effective when it is added to boiling water with some honey. Also, you can inhale the steam of hot water with basil leaves in it.
Turmeric
Turmeric is one of the powerful antioxidants out there. Just like honey and the holy basil, turmeric is one of those remedies that has been working for years. It acts not only as an antioxidant but also contains antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties.
Since turmeric has so many properties that fight the possible reasons for sore throat, it is a great option for getting rid of sore throat in less time. It helps to soothe pain and irritation. Turmeric has been proven to fight a number of infections and bacteria.
You can add some turmeric powder to your gargling salt water or even to black tea with some honey, ginger, and basil leaves. Adding turmeric to warm milk is also found to be effective. Also, adding turmeric powder to lemon water with ginger can do the job for you.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has a number of health benefits and helping to soothe a sore throat is one of them. It may be a surprise to some of you but yes it helps to relieve a sore throat as well. The fact that coconut oil has antimicrobial properties that help fight bacteria and infections says it all.
It also has anti-inflammatory properties which help to reduce inflammation. With the help of coconut oil, you can get a soothing effect as it helps to lubricate the mucus membrane. It helps to calm the itchiness and irritation in the throat.
Add a tablespoon of edible refined coconut oil to a warm beverage like hot tea or cocoa and consume it warm. You can also add a spoonful of oil to hot soup for some soothing sensation. Another way is to keep a spoonful of oil in your mouth for about 5 to 10 minutes and spit it out. If you think you can’t do this, you might as well try the other two methods.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a spice that brings delicious taste to many dishes, also helps with helping relieve a sore throat. It is very high in antioxidant properties and also exhibits antibacterial properties. This package of antioxidants also acts as an analgesic and even reduces inflammation. Cinnamon has been used to fight cold and flu symptoms for ages.
Just like coconut oil, you can add cinnamon to any hot beverage for instant soothing. You can also boil cinnamon, ginger, and honey in boiling water and consume it. Adding cinnamon to warm almond milk and consuming it warm is also an option to consider.
Peppermint
Peppermint is a herb that contains menthol. Now, menthol is best known to help relieve cough as it works on thinning the mucus. It contains antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties that provide a full package to fight bacteria or viruses that cause a sore throat and it promotes healing.
You can take some peppermint oil in some hot beverages just like coconut oil and cinnamon. However, always remember that never use peppermint oil without mixing it with other softening oils like olive oil, refined coconut oil, or sweet almond oil. Peppermint oil is one of the essential oils, so, you have to take care while using it.
If you are not sure about using peppermint oil, you can go for peppermint tea which will also help to relieve pain. A big advantage of peppermint tea is that it does not contain any caffeine. You can avail yourself with peppermint tea from any grocery store or you can always order it online.
Sage or Echinacea
Sage and echinacea are both herbs that are used for medicinal use as well. Sage is generally used during cooking like any other herb out there. Whereas, echinacea petals are generally harvested to make tea. What both these herbs have in common is that they both exhibit anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
There are sage and echinacea sprays that are available out there in the market as both these herbs work really well together for soothing sore throats. These sprays are proven to be very effective on scratchy and painful sore throats as they contain chlorhexidine and lidocaine. If you don’t want to use the spray, you can also try echinacea tea. Also, inhaling the steam of echinacea with water is proven to be effective.
Chamomile
Chamomile is a flowering plant that is used in a wide range of medicinal use. It has been in medicinal use right from ancient times. Chamomile has anti-inflammatory, astringent, and antioxidant properties that promote soothing and healing of a sore throat. It helps to fight infections and trouble-causing bacteria.
All you have to do grab some chamomile tea and sip it warm. It will help to instantly soothe any itchiness in a throat and also help to promote restful sleep. Just like peppermint tea, chamomile tea also does not contain caffeine which is a great advantage.
Warm Beverages & Fluids
Any warm beverages perfectly answers the question of how to get rid of sore throat fast. Hot beverages promote a highly soothing effect to the throat as swallowing food and fluids is already a task when suffering from a sore throat. Warm or hot fluids or beverages are easy to swallow and at the same time, they help to reduce any itchiness, pain, or irritation quickly.
You can consume hot tea with ginger, basil leaves, and cinnamon or just simply consume warm water. A hot soup with ginger, garlic, and turmeric would also work wonders. You can have any vegetable soup or even chicken soup, as per your preferences. Make sure that you prepare your soup at home for the best results.
Marshmallow Root
The marshmallow roots have a substance that is effective for soothing sore throats. These roots work on the mucus membrane in the throat and render relief. All you have to do is just add some dried marshmallow roots to the tea you prepare and consume it warm. You can sip this tea twice or thrice a day for the best results. However, people who suffer from diabetes should be careful while consuming marshmallow root as it may cause the blood sugar level to drop. It is always best to consult a doctor first.
How Are Home Remedies So Effective On Sore Throat?
Let’s go a little biological! The epidemiology of sore throat is generally related to bacteria and viruses. In this antibiotics may be prescribed in a chronic condition, which causes phagocytosis or breakdown of the bacteria. This is due to the binding of the antibiotic with a specific substance called receptor present on the bacteria surface. After binding it penetrates into it and engulfs the cell, thus destroying it.
But generally for sore throat, no specific antibiotics are required due to the immunological response that is generated in our bodies. This causes the release of certain immunoglobulins leading to humoral immunity. Hence, home remedies act by intensifying the body’s innate immune response to the diseased state. This is why most of the time home remedies are the answer to the question, how to get rid of sore throat fast.
Cessation | How To Get Rid Of Sore Throat Fast
These were all possible home remedies for a sore throat. It is a very common discomfort and can be treated well at home. However, it is important that you see a doctor if the symptoms last for more than ten days and any remedy is not working. It is vital to consult a doctor as there may be some serious underlying problem like tonsillitis or pharyngitis.
I hope that I have successfully answered the question, how to get rid of sore throat fast. If you have any questions or suggestions regarding the same, you can freely mention those in the comments section. Also, if you want to know about some other problems, do mention that in the comments as well.
