Home Remedies for Sore Throat

Sore throat is irritation, pain or scratchiness in the throat. It occurs due to inflammation of the pharynx, so it is also called pharyngitis. You also feel difficulty swallowing water and food. Sore throat is the initial sign of cold, flu or might be an indication of strep throat. Viral infections are most common causes for sore throat and swelling in throat. Strep throat is less common, which occurs due to streptococcal bacteria. The severe bacterial infection may require antibiotic treatment in addition to home care or natural remedies.

It might be even caused by smoking, allergic reactions, postnasal drip or dry heat. However, before you worry about how long you have to suffer with this, you can consider taking some natural remedies at home. Below are few other home remedies that help treat sore throat easily.

Gargling with salt water

Gargling frequently with warm salt water is a traditional and effective home remedy for treating sore throat. Salt water soothes the throat and reduces irritation, inflammation and pain.

Take a glass of warm water and add 1/4 tsp. salt. Mix well and gargle with this water twice a day.

Cinnamon, Cardamom and black pepper for sore throat

Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It also helps in viral diseases in addition to its antibacterial action. Cardamom soothes the throat and reduces irritation. Black pepper enhances the medicinal value of cinnamon and cardamom by increasing their bioavailability in the body.

How to Use

Take ingredient in above specified amounts. Mix all ingredients in honey and make its paste. Lick this herbal mixture thrice a day for maximum benefits. It is highly effective home remedy for sore throat.

Holy Basil Tea

Holy basil leaves have potent antiviral and antibacterial properties. It is also good remedy for strep throat. It stops the growth of bacteria and reduces symptoms of sore throat. It is also anti-inflammatory and its tea has a soothing effect on the throat.

How to Use

• Take 10 to 20 fresh holy basil leaves and wash them properly.
• Now, take one glass of water in tea pan. Crush basil leaves and put them into the tea pan with water.
• Boil the water with basil leaves and simmer for 5 to 10 minutes.
• Strain the basil tea and discard residues.
• Add a teaspoon of honey when it becomes warm.

Drink the basil tea thrice a day and sipping warm tea will help well in sore throat and strep infection.

Fennel Seeds (Saunf)

Fennel seeds (also called Saunf) help in sore throat. It is also effective remedy for strep throat and sore throat. Fennel seeds also have antibacterial and antiviral characteristics, which helps fighting off bacterial and viral infections.

Fennel seeds also have soothing effect and reduce throat irritation.

How to Use

Chewing fennel seeds frequently in sore throat would help well in eradicating infection and eliminating throat irritation. You can also drink fennel tea for its soothing action.