Signs and Symptoms of a Sore Throat
A sore throat is characterized by an intense burning sensation at the back of the throat. While most sore throats usually result in discomfort, they will typically disappear within a week. Additionally, some simple home remedies can be used to help soothe the pain. However, if you experience a recurrent sore throat or if it is accompanied by a fever, it is important to consult your doctor.
Causes of a Sore Throat
A sore throat is usually one of the earliest symptoms of a cold or flu. Other causes of a sore throat may include:
- Viral or bacterial infections
- Dry air
- Smoking
- Prolonged yelling or cheering (such as at a concert or sporting event)
Home Remedies and Natural Treatments for Sore Throats
Honey
Honey is considered to be one of the best natural remedies for sore throats. Therefore, a simple natural remedy to soothe a sore throat is to take one teaspoon of honey twice a day until cured. A warm herbal tea mixed with a teaspoon of honey is also an effective way to ease a painful throat. 1
Oregano Oil
Oil of Oregano is an excellent natural treatment for sore throats. It has been found that drinking a glass of juice mixed with 3 drops of Oregano Oil once per day can provide throat relief within a few hours. Or you may take 2-3 drops of Oil of Oregano under the tongue if you are able to handle the spicy taste.2
This can be repeated for up to 5 days until the symptoms are gone. It is usually best to start this remedy as soon as you feel a sore throat developing.
Garlic
Garlic has wonderful anti-viral and anti-fungal properties which make it an excellent treatment for sore throats caused by virus infections. 3
Therefore, a simple remedy is to add fresh or powdered garlic to your meals, or drink the following garlic vegetable cocktail once or twice per day:
- Add a cup of tomato juice or vegetable juice (such as V8) into a blender.
- Add two garlic cloves into the blender.
- Add a dash of Worcestershire sauce.
- Blend on high until the garlic is thoroughly mixed with the juice.
Gargling Salt Water
Many people have found that gargling salt water is an effective way to soothe a sore throat. 4 Simply stir a teaspoon of salt into a large glass of warm water and gargle with it every few hours. Do not swallow it.
Using Lozenges for a Sore Throat
Lozenges which contain benzocaine, such as Cepacol, and Chloraseptic, can help to numb the pain associated with a sore throat. 5 However, it is important to not rely on them for longer than three days, since they typically do not address the root cause of the pain (such as an infection).
I am just recovering from a strain of serious staph aureus bacteria, and taking probiotics in pill form once a day, as I was on Cloxacillan I.V for more than a month. Is this enough? I still have mild nausea and lethargy. I know it will take a long time to heal.
Carol, gargling with and taking a few drops of Oregano oil a couple of times daily helps! Also try gargling with Tea Tree oil mixed luke warm water.
Strep throat remedy please?
I think I have Strep throat. I am gargling with coconut oil and thinking about adding a few drops of oregano oil. I have a diffuser with oregano essential oil.
@ Sarfraz, I take 3-4 drops of oregano oil daily, whenever I have throat infection and it goes away within a week or so. Honey and black seed oil mix also helps with sore throat. Hope it helps!
I am suffering from throat infection and sore throat for one year. What can I do?
The best home remedy I have found is to gargle with a small amount of Apple Cider Vinegar in half a cup of water a few times a day. I know it sounds awful but it really helps if you can get through it.
Oil of oregeno tastes THE WORST but absolutely does miracles! :)
@ Livenika, you can try giving him a quarter (1/4) teaspoon of organic and cold pressed Black seed oil before he goes to sleep. For adults 3-4 drops of Oil of Oregano works great for sore throat and cough but because of your son's age I think it would be better to stick with Black Seed Oil for now. Good luck!
My son is 6+ and he always gets a bad sore throat. He can't sleep well when the cough gets really bad. Please tell me the best remedy. I have already given honey but no relief.