Did you know that a cough is essentially the body’s way of signaling that it is trying to clear the breathing passage? A sore throat can be the result of excessive mucus accumulation, dust, pollution, and other irritants entering the back of the throat. The condition can make you feel restless and irritable and spoil your days completely. In cases of a sore throat, several home remedies can help you fight the symptoms effectively.

7 tried and tested sore throat remedies

Saltwater gargle
Salt is an anti-infective and anti-inflammatory product that you can find in every household.  Most dental surgeons still suggest a saltwater gargle after a dental surgery to prevent any infections as well as promote faster healing. A saltwater gargle increases the pH levels in your mouth, making it difficult for bacteria to survive. To get the ideal saltwater gargle that will soothe an inflamed throat and give you relief from a sore throat, dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water. The goal is to get an isotonic solution that doesn’t irritate the mucus lining of the oral cavity. Try to keep the solution in your throat for as long as possible to be able to gargle thoroughly. Repeat this sore throat remedy several times in the day. 

Fresh ginger
There are scores of sore throat remedies for effective relief; however, ginger is one of the top 10 options for its strong anti-inflammatory qualities. Use a fresh rhizome to extract ginger juice, and mix it with an equal amount of honey to make an effective cough syrup. Do not overuse this combination; take only a few drops at a time to get rid of your sore throat instantly. You can repeat the syrup dosage 3-4 times a day to get relief. If not this, you can also make ginger tea and keep sipping on the hot liquid. Make 4-5 cups of this tea in one attempt and reheat it whenever you want. 

Turmeric milk
Traditional Chinese and Indian health practices have been using turmeric on a large basis to provide relief from cough, digestion, respiratory issues, and skin diseases. The spice is recognized for its excellent anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. The primary active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin, which gives it its yellow color. Turmeric has the capacity to fight both bacteria and viruses, which makes it ideal for severe sore throat remedies. Turmeric milk is easy to prepare, just mix a couple of teaspoons of turmeric powder with hot milk and have it twice in the day for instant relief. If you can get your hands on goat’s milk, then it can be slightly more helpful as compared to cow’s milk. You can also boil turmeric in water and then add a teaspoon of butter or coconut oil as fat. This is known to enhance the bioavailability of curcumin. 

Onion juice
Onion juice might not be the most known instant home remedy for sore throat relief, but it contains many organosulfur compounds and flavonoid polyphenols that give it antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory qualities. Onion juice is also used to treat chronic bronchitis and ease dry cough. The juice additionally prevents bacterial growth in the throat. Grate a red onion and squeeze out the juice from it. You can add honey or rock sugar to enhance the taste if you can’t stand the strong taste of this home remedy. 

Marshmallow tea
The liquid produced from the marshmallow plant works as an instant sore throat relief. The plant produces a viscous, mucilaginous liquid when you infuse it in water. It keeps the sore throat away as well as soothes the mucus lining and decreases inflammation. Even if the cough or mucus is caused by allergens and infections such as tonsillitis, laryngitis, and bronchitis, marshmallow tea can help ease the irritation. This makes it one of the top 10 sore throat remedies. It works particularly well for dry cough, as it moisturizes the mucous lining of the throat as well as the upper airways. Get a handful of marshmallow roots and put them in four cups of warm water overnight. Filter out the thick liquid in the morning and drink it; you can have it plain or sweeten it with honey.

Chamomile tea
One of the best home remedies for severe sore throats, it is a naturally soothing tea that has been long used for therapeutic purposes. Chamomile tea is known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and astringent properties. People suffering from sore throat can either use its steam or simply drink a cup of tea for relief. Apart from this, it also helps stimulate the immune system to fight infections causing sore throat.

Apple cider vinegar
Due to its acidic nature, natural antibacterial and antimicrobial effects, it is used to fight infections. ACV breaks down mucus, which stops pathogens from spreading further. It is recommended to dilute one or two tablespoons in a cup of water to gargle with it. Although it is an effective treatment, it is best to consult a doctor to know the body’s sensitivity to vinegar.