5 Home Remedies for an Irritating Sore Throat

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is all the rage right now! People are finally discovering the many uses of ACV, and one of them is fighting sore throats. ACV has natural, antibacterial properties, as well as antimicrobial effects that fight infections that lead to sore throats!

You might hesitate to use ACV because of the taste and acidic nature. However, that acid is what will help reduce the mucus in your throat and stop the spread of bacteria! So, how can you use ACV to soothe your throat? One of the easiest methods is to dilute one to two tablespoons of ACV in a cup of water, then gargle it. Try sipping the mixture as well (add honey to help with the taste).

Peppermint

Peppermint might give you fresh breath, but it also can help relieve sore throats. Some people create a diluted peppermint essential oil spray for their throats, similar to what people use for sunburns. Peppermint, which contains menthol, can calm your throat, cough and reduce mucus.

Why is peppermint a treatment for sore throats? It contains anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral properties. All of these amazing properties can help your throat soothe and heal. You might try diluting peppermint oil and rub it along your neck. Another great choice is drinking some peppermint tea!

Chamomile Tea

The last remedy that is commonly used is chamomile tea. You might already know that chamomile is known for its calming and soothing effects. Chamomile is typically used for aiding sleeping problems. However, it also can help soothe your throat due to its natural anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and astringent problems.

While chamomile tea is the most beloved choice, another trick is to inhale chamomile steam. How do you do that? Simply create a tent with a towel over a pot of hot water. You can either add dried, chamomile flowers directly to the pot or a few drops of chamomile essential oil. Either way, you get the same effect!

Chamomile tea is a great choice. If you grow your own herbs, making your own tea bags is easy and frugal. However, don’t fret if you don’t grow herbs. Chamomile tea is readily available in all grocery stores.

These five choices are far from the only options you have. Sage, ginger and marshmallow root are also known for their sore throat healing properties. Some people prefer to gargle with baking soda rather than salt water. The number of home remedies available seems to be endless.

Thankfully, a sore throat rarely is something to worry about, but there are some signs that it has developed into something more serious. Strep throat typically comes with a fever, headache, white or yellow patches on the back of your throat, and a severely red throat. If you think your symptoms are continuing to get worse and suspect strep throat, head to the doctors before it gets worse. Strep throat is contagious and rather uncomfortable.