Homemade Remedies for Sore Throat

This blog is intended for educational purposes, and should rot replace a medical diagnosis by a licensed medical professional. If you are in an emergency, please contact your local emergency room. 

Is your throat sore? Does the pain get worse when you try to swallow? Your sore throat might not be serious enough to warrant a trip to your local Bulverde ER, but it may still be bothersome and might prevent you from getting a good night’s rest.

Having a sore throat is actually part of the body’s immune response to bacterial or viral infections. This immune response leads to swelling and inflammation of the mucous membranes of the throat.

Here’s some good news: there are a variety of homemade remedies for sore throat that may provide some relief.

• Honey – Taken on its own or mixed with tea, raw honey is a superb, time-honored remedy for soothing a sore throat. To get the most out of honey’s antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits, we recommend that you do not mix it with other beverages. Instead, take a spoonful (or two) of honey.
• Turmeric – You are probably familiar with this yellow spice that gives curry its distinct taste and color. This super ingredient contains curcumin, which has powerful antibacterial, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Mix turmeric and salt with warm water for a potent gargle solution.
• Apple Cider Vinegar – Apple cider vinegar has a lot of antibacterial uses, including fighting infections. Because it is naturally acidic, it can help stop the bacteria from spreading and break down mucus in the throat.
• Garlic – We all know that garlic is rich with antiseptic properties. Garlic contains allicin, a compound that is proven to help fight off infections. Chewing on a raw clove is the best way to go. For some, this may be hard to handle, so why not mince it, then mix it with olive oil and honey? They key is to eat it raw right after crushing for the allicin to do its magic.
• Marshmallow root – Since the middle ages, the marshmallow plant has been used to treat a sore throat. It contains a mucus-like substance called mucilage, which lubricates and coats the irritated tissues of the throat. Marshmallow root can also help loosen mucus. To prepare, simply add some dried marshmallow root to a cup of boiling water to make tea.

If your sore throat is caused by a bacterial infection, it’s best to go to your doctor for an antibiotic prescription. If you can’t wait for your primary care doctor, Physicians Premier, your local Bulverde Emergency Room is close by and is open 24/7 for the community.

Full Medical Disclaimer:

This blog is intended for educational purposes, and should rot replace a medical diagnosis by a licensed medical professional. You should always consult a doctor before performing any actions  related to a specific diagnosis or condition. No information on this site should be relied upon to determine what qualifies as an emergency, make a medical diagnosis, or determine treatment for a medical condition. The information on this website is not intended to replace an emergency room visit or a relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice.