Health Centre

Sore Throat Home Remedies

It’s that time of the year when many of us fall sick, and one of the most common sicknesses is a sore throat. Regardless of the cause of your sore throat, these at-home care strategies can help you ease your symptoms:

Rest. And rest your voice.

Drink fluids. Fluids keep the throat moist and prevent dehydration.

Try comforting foods and beverage. Warm liquids — broth, caffeine-free tea or warm water with honey - Studies have shown that honey is an effective wound healer, which means it may also help speed healing for sore throats. — and cold treats such as ice pops can soothe a sore throat.

Gargle with saltwater. A saltwater gargle of 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of table salt to a glass of warm water can help soothe a sore throat. Gargle the solution and then spit it out.

Avoid irritants. Keep your home free from cigarette smoke and cleaning products that can irritate the throat.

Warm Honey Lemon Water! (WHLW) The honey water itself is a wonderful throat relief. Lemon contains citric acid which helps break up the mucus that causes sore throat and is rich in vitamin C, a good boost for the immune system. Lemon is also a natural antiseptic which helps to kill the bacteria or viruses in the throat. Its juice increases salivation and helps to moisten or lubricate an irritated throat to get rid of the sore throat.  

It’s really easy to make WHLW! Just follow these simple steps:  

1. Get a fresh lemon and slice it to a thickness of your own preference, then boil them in hot water (the amount of water depends on how much honey lemon you wish you make). 

2. Pour it into a cup to cool then add honey while cooling. Adjust the sweetness using honey. 

Prevention

The best way to prevent sore throats is to avoid the germs that cause them and practice good hygiene.

• Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently, especially after using the toilet, before eating, and after sneezing or coughing.
• Avoid sharing food, drinking glasses or utensils.
• Cough or sneeze into a tissue and throw it away. When necessary, sneeze into your elbow.
• Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers as an alternative to washing hands when soap and water aren't available.
• Regularly clean telephones, TV remotes and computer keyboards with sanitizing cleanser.

When to See a Doctor

If you experience severe pain when swallowing, develop a high fever, or begin vomiting or feeling nauseous, you may want to make an appointment with your doctor.