FAST AND EFFECTIVE REMEDIES FOR SORE THROATS

Sore throat symptoms can be rough. Your saliva goes down like sandpaper, every cough makes you wince, and the only thing you can think about is making that lump in the back of your throat go away.

But to ease the pain, you need to understand what’s causing your sore throat in the first place: dry air, smoking, acid reflux, viral infections like the flu or common cold, and bacterial infections like strep can all lead to a sore throat.

Gargle with salt water—but steer clear of apple cider vinegar.

Salt water is a great home remedy for sore throat, as it can reduce swelling and calm inflammation and irritation. It may also help draw infections or irritants to the surface of your throat, where your body is better able to deal with them. Dissolve 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of warm water and gargle every hour or two, advises Mia Finkelston, MD, a Maryland-based family physician who also treatsooth enamel—vinegar is acidic, and repeated use can damage tooth enamel.”

Fight dry air with a humidifier.

Dry air can irritate a sore throat, prolonging your recovery time. Taking a steamy shower or using a humidifier can bring moisture back into the air, thus relieving any discomfort. “The mucus membranes of the nose and throat love moisture,” Dr. Abramowitz says. “Steam provides moisture and warmth, which helps the vocal cords calm down and decrease in swelling.” The moisture in your nose can also help clear out mucus and gunk, which can be part of the problem, he adds.
Just be sure to clean your humidifier before turning it on. Left neglected, a humidifier’s water tank can breed bacteria and fungi, which then get pumped into the air, according to a U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSP) safety alert. While this may not make your throat feel any worse, it could cause flu-like symptoms or exacerbate allergies or asthma.


Sip herbal teas.
Turmeric is the trendy spice you should definitely be adding to your diet. While some of its benefits—including its potential to prevent cancer or brain diseases—require more study, its anti-inflammatory powers are well-established and may help get rid of your sore throat
You also try other teas if you prefer another flavor. “Many herbal teas have a positive immune effect and helps our body fight infection,” Dr. Abramowitz says. He recommends choosing a tea with Echinacea—it’s been shown to help boost your immune system.