A sore throat can be very painful. It is the inflammation in the pharynx at the back of your throat that causes this pain. Normally sore throat goes away in a few days, and it is caused by a virus such as common cold or flu. But if it is caused by the bacteria, i.e., Streptococcus pyogenes, it needs extra care and must be treated by antibiotics.
Other major causes of the sore throat include:
- Allergies due to pollen, dust, mold, or dander
- Acid Reflux
- Irritants (Chemicals, pollution, spicy foods, smoking, and drinking alcohol)
- HIV
- Muscle strain due to singing or yelling loudly for an extended period.
- Throat cancer
Sore throat caused by the virus is normally common in winter or warm areas; however, there is no need to worry as they normally go away on their own. Sore throat due to the virus is spread via air in the form of droplets due to the coughs and sneezes.
Currently, according to the Homeopaths, a sore throat is one of the common symptoms of a COVID-19 as well. In that case, if you have a sore throat or any other symptom of COVID-19, you need to get yourself checked to protect yourself and your loved ones.
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Sore Throat Symptoms
Now coming back to the sore throat, the most common symptom of throat pain in adults in case of sore throat. Other symptoms in them include:
- Aches and pain
- Headache
- Fever
- Tonsils Inflammation
- Runny Nose
- Hoarseness
- Difficulty in swallowing
- Vomiting
- Swollen glands
- Scratchiness
In the case of the children, sore throat symptoms can be:
- Rashes
- Difficulty in breathing
- Bloody phlegm
- Swelling or joint pain
- Drooling
Natural Remedies for Sore Throat
There are many ways to cure a sore throat due to a virus. In case of a virus, sore throat is not treated by antibiotics. But, even then, it can help treat sore throat. So, if you are suffering from a mild sore throat, you can opt for any of the following remedies to feel better from the sore throat.
Proper Rest and Hydration
The first and foremost thing that anyone can opt for to get better is by taking adequate sleep and avoiding dehydrating the body. Good hydrating liquids include soup, broth, tea with honey, but they should be caffeine-free. Avoid drinks that are dehydrating to the body, such as alcohol or other caffeinated drinks.
Alternative Options at Home
While you must be getting medication that your doctor would have prescribed, you should also talk about your doctor if you have any medical condition towards the side effect of any medication. Now, while talking about natural remedies, here are some of the easy-to-use natural remedies that can help you with a sore throat.
So, let’s get started.
Salt Water for Sore Throat
It is one of the most common and simple remedies for sore throat. All you need is about 1/4th teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and simply gargle it twice or thrice a day, depending on your condition. The purpose of using salt is to loosen the mucus so that it can come out easily. The salt also helps the fluid come out from the throat tissues and thus helps in flushing out the virus.
Apple Cider Vinegar for Sore Throat
Naturally antibacterial, apple cider vinegar is good for stopping bacteria from further spreading and curing the sore throat. All you need to do is 1-2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar (ACV) in lukewarm water and gargle it every 2 hrs depending upon the severity of the sore throat.
Baking Soda for Sore Throat
Gargling with baking soda and salt helps in relieving sore throat. This particular solution helps kill and prevent the spread of sore throat, causing bacteria, fungus, and yeast.
All you need to do is simply add 1/8th teaspoon of salt, 1/4th teaspoon of baking soda in a cup of lukewarm water and gargle. You need to use it after every 3 hours.
Honey
It is one of my favorites and go-to remedies. Rich in antibacterial bacteria, honey is always a safe option for sore throat. Honey is particularly effective in curing the nighttime cough. You can simply take honey alone before sleeping or use it with milk or mix it with tea.
Marshmallow Root for Sore Throat
Another ancient remedy is the Althaea officinalis or marshmallow plant. When someone swallows it, this plant lubricates and coats the throat. It is also helpful in soothing both sore throat and dry cough.
All you need to do is take 1 ounce of 28 grams of marshmallow root, properly tie it in a cheesecloth and place it in 1 liter of water until it is completely submerged. Leave it at least for 8 hrs or overnight. After removing it, add it to a cup and drink. If you don’t like the taste, you can add honey or any other sweetener.
However, you need to make sure to get the best quality marshmallow root for this purpose.
Bottomline
A sore throat can be really painful. Apart from the remedies mentioned above, you can also opt for licorice root tea, chamomile tea, ginger root tea, peppermint, etc., for sore throat. A sore throat can be really painful. So, you need to be mindful, and if the situation doesn’t get better, you need to visit a medical health specialist as soon as possible.