What is Sore Throat?
A Sore Throat is a painful feeling in the throat aggravated by swallowing. It can be the first sign of a cold, a side effect of strained vocal cords, or an indication of something more serious. Bacteria or virus causes sore throat, medically known as Pharyngitis. Most often it will be a symptom of an underlying illness like cold, flu, mumps, tonsillitis etc.
Causes of Sore Throat
-Viral infection
-Bacterial infection
-Fungal infection
-Gastroesophageal Reflux
-Infected Tonsils, Adenoids and Epiglottis
-Allergies
7 Home Remedies for Sore Throat Pain
Cinnamon
Cinnamon can be used to treat a sore throat caused by the common cold. Just add one teaspoon each of cinnamon powder and black pepper powder to a glass of warm water. You may also add cardamom. Strain the solution and gargle with it two to three times a day.
Ginger Tea
Though it has a spicy flavour, ginger works brilliantly as a sore-throat remedy. It helps flush out toxins from your body and boosts your blood circulation. Its anti-inflammatory properties also help kill bad bacteria. So, grate some ginger root in in a warm, soothing cup of tea.
Garlic
Garlic has antibacterial and antiseptic properties along with other medicinal properties that can help treat or prevent sore throats. Eat a raw garlic clove daily to release the chemical known as allicin that helps kill the bacteria may be causing the sore throat. Also try to eat garlic in raw and cooked form. If you do not like the taste, you can take garlic pills.
Warm Saltwater Gargle
Rinse the mouth with a warm saltwater gargle (1 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of water) and then spit it out. Don’t swallow the salt, and don’t use too much salt, as this could further dry out the sensitive throat membranes. Gargling with saltwater is an easy and economical way to help cleanse the throat and loosen phlegm. Gargle frequently to relieve symptoms of throat irritation caused by postnasal drip.
Honey
Adding bee’s honey to warm water or tea is considered a steadfast treatment for a sore throat. It has antibacterial properties and it also acts as a hypertonic osmotic, which means that it draws water out of inflamed tissues. Honey intake reduces the swelling and discomfort in the throat. Add honey to 1 cup of hot water or herbal tea for better results.
Hot Tea
Hot liquids can soothe inflammation. The heat also increases blood flow, which can help relieve pain in irritated tissues. Drinking hot tea or soup also increases your intake of liquids, helping to keep throat tissue moist.
Inhaling Water Vapor
With the help of a humidifier or a vaporizer, take deep breaths of steam. You can also try leaning over a sink with the hot water running. Cover your head with a towel and inhale the steam. Do this for 10-15 minutes every day. This helps clear the whole throat area. Think of it as a car wash for your throat!
Sources include:
Also look: