How to Get Rid of a Sore Throat Naturally

Why shell out money on expensive and sometimes ineffective over-the-counter medications to treat sore throat when you can manage the condition using some over-the-kitchen ingredients; inexpensive and safe! Sore throat is one of the most common and frequent conditions that affects people of all ages.

Pharyngitis refers to an inflammation of the back of the throat (also known as pharynx). And sore throat is primarily a symptom of this condition. However, in most instances, it is regarded as pharyngitis itself. Most commonly, sore throat is a result of an infection whose causal pathogen could be a virus or a bacterium. While less commonly, irritants and injuries could also cause the same. It is important to understand that, a viral infection, which is the most common cause of the problem, does not require any medical treatment. The causal virus would simply run its course, and resolve on its own in a matter of 5 - 7 days. However, if the sore throat symptoms do not subside or reduce even after a week or so, then it is most likely that it is caused by a bacterial infection. And depending upon the severity of the condition, the patient might be put on a course of antibiotics. Good news is, in most cases, following a few self-care measures at home is good enough to take care of the symptoms, and shorten the duration of the condition, especially when it has been caused by a viral infection. Understand that home remedies cannot cure the condition, as viral infection would take its own time to resolve, and a bacterial infection would certainly require antibiotics if it is a severe one. All they can do is reduce the severity of the symptoms, manage them, and probably help in a speedy recovery. The tips are as follows...

Natural Ways to Manage Sore Throat Symptoms

# The simplest of methods you can use to treat sore throat is a warm saline solution. In the morning, and whenever you feel irritation in your throat, gargle with a warm solution of water and salt. This would give you great relief, and soothe the throat irritation and pain, as well.

# Boil some holy basil leaves in clean drinking water, and strain the solution. The decoction can be either consumed or used for gargling.

# Prepare a mix with ingredients such as garlic cloves (4), honey (1 tbsp.) and cayenne (1/8 tsp.). When you feel the need, take a spoonful of this mixture and chew well before swallowing it.

# Get a handful of dried chamomile blossoms and boil them in a pint of water. Sip a cup of this tea after every few hours. This would calm and soothe the pain and irritation in the sore throat.

# Another natural method to relief sore throat symptoms is a mixture of apple cider vinegar, cayenne pepper (a pinch), lemon juice (¼ of a lemon), and honey (1 tsp.). Add all these ingredients to a cup of hot water, and drink 4 cups a day.

# The use of cinnamon has been an age-old natural method to counter ailments such as the sore throat. Get a powdered form of this spice and boil it in a pint of water. Add a pinch of pepper, some honey and drink.

Some More Self-Care Measures That Can Help

• Medical conditions such as sore throat make the body vulnerable to dehydrate. To avoid this, increase the intake of fluids in your diet while you are recovering from the sickness. Apart from drinking plenty of water, go for warm soups, broth, etc.
• Avoid eating food that is too hot.
• Suck on ice-pops, and other cold treats to soothe your throat.
• Avoid smoking. It is one of the worst things you can do to aggravate your sore throat. Also avoid smoky environment.
• Dry air may easily make your sore throat more sore. So make use of cool-air humidifier, or spend some time in a steamy bathroom.
• If you running a fever, then resting is very important. It helps the body to heal faster.

In most cases, the above tips are helpful enough to manage the condition of sore throat. However, for those with chronic conditions such as HIV, diabetes, heart conditions, or weak immune system, medications such as antibiotics may be essential if the cause behind the sore throat is a bacterial infection. Take care!