Sore throats can make everyday activities difficult. It’s hard to eat or drink when you can barely speak and even harder to get a good night’s sleep. And let’s not forget the cough! While sore throats are often nothing more than a minor inconvenience, it can also signify a more serious problem. If your sore throat doesn’t enhance after many days, it’s time to see your doctor. In the meantime, here are five quick ways to cure sore throats.
Gargle With Saltwater
Another effective and easy way to soothe sore throats is to gargle with salt water. The saline solution helps to clear away any bacteria or congestion that may be causing your sore throat. In addition, the warm water will help to loosen up any mucus and phlegm. Dissolve 1/4 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water and gargle for 60 seconds to make a saltwater gargle. Spit out the solution and repeat two to three times per day.
Drink Fluids
One of the best ways to speed up the healing process is to drink fluids. Fluids help in thinning out the mucus in your throat, making it less difficult to swallow and clearing the way for your body to heal. Choose soothing drinks that help coat and protect your throats, such as warm apple cider or lemon water. You can also drink ample pure water to help flush out any infection.
Drink Warm Beverages
Warmed beverages are the key to soothing sore throats. They help soothe the area physically and help in loosening congestion and phlegm. Drinking plenty of fluids will help in flushing out the infection and speed up the healing process. Your favorite warm drinks for sore throats include ginger tea, honey, lemon tea, and warm chicken soup.
Honey is a natural remedy that many people swear by if you have a sore throat. Honey is a good source of hydration, and it has anti-inflammatory properties. It also helps to soothe the throat and fight off infection. To make honey tea, mix one teaspoon of honey with two cups of hot water and drink as soon as possible. Mix a tablespoon of honey in hot water and drink immediately for a more robust honey throat remedy. Honey also makes a great cough syrup and is a great way to replenish electrolytes lost during the cold and flu season.
Humidify The Air
Another straightforward way to help sore throats is to humidify the air. It will help you breathe better, and the added moisture will help soothe the throat. Place a humidifier near your bed or in the room where you spend the most time, and it will work wonders overnight.
Take OTC Medication
If the sore throat is mild, over-the-counter (OTC) medications may be all you need to feel relief. Flu and common colds are the most common causes of sore throats, so chances are you have something like ibuprofen or acetaminophen in your medicine cabinet. When choosing OTC medication, read the label and take the recommended dose. Don’t think twice about asking the pharmacist if you have any questions.
Conclusion
Sore throats can make everything complicated, but luckily there are some quick ways to cure them. From gargling with salt water to taking over-the-counter medication, these methods can help you feel better in no time.
