15 Proven Home Remedies For Sore Throat (With FAQs)

   

   

   

   

What Is Sore Throat And Its Causes?

   

Sore throat, also known as pharyngitis, refers to the inflammation of the pharynx which is located at the back of your throat. Its symptoms mainly include pain and itchiness in the throat. A sore throat can be caused due to viral or bacterial infections, allergies, smoking, or exposure to pollution with viral infections being one of the most prominent causes of sore throats.

   

A sore throat typically goes away within a week but it’s still painful and can cause you great discomfort. That is why we have some of the best home remedies for sore throat here such as salt water gargling, honey, cinnamon, and many more that can bring relief from all that annoying pain.

Sore throats are usually not serious and don’t require a trip to the doctor but if it is followed by other symptoms such as difficulty in breathing or swallowing, or if it doesn’t improve after trying these home remedies for sore throat, or it doesn’t improve after a week and instead has gotten worse, please consult a doctor immediately. This article is in no way a replacement for medical advice. 

Note: If you are taking any other medication or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your doctor before trying these home remedies.

 

Do check out our guide on home remedies for puffy eyes to find out the 3 most effective remedies for treating puffy eyes at home.

  

15 Best Home Remedies For Sore Throat

    

 

1. Turmeric Milk For Sore Throat

Ingredients: ½ teaspoon turmeric, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ¼ teaspoon cinnamon powder, 1½ glass milk, honey to taste

How to: Add milk to a medium saucepan and bring it to a boil. Once the milk has come to a boil, add turmeric, black pepper, and cinnamon. Let it cook for about 3 to 4 minutes. Strain into a cup. Add honey to taste.

Frequency: Drink once a day

Why it works: While turmeric milk has gained popularity in the West only recently, it has been a prominent Indian home remedy throat infection gets treated efficiently. Turmeric is the star ingredient of this home remedy. It contains a compound called curcumin which possesses anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties. Black pepper and cinnamon are full of antioxidants and bring relief to the throat. Cinnamon also has anti-inflammatory properties that make it effective against sore throat.

 

Turmeric and milk are common ingredients for face cleansing home remedies as well. These are very effective if you are looking to exfoliate your skin and get a clean face.

    

  

 

2. Tulsi TeaFor Sore Throat

Ingredients: 4 tulsi leaves, ½ inch ginger, ½ teaspoon cinnamon powder, 1 teaspoon honey, 1½ cup water

How to: Bring water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add tulsi leaves, crushed ginger, and cinnamon. Let them boil for another few minutes till the water has reduced to half. Strain into a cup and add honey.

Frequency: Twice a day

Why it works: Tulsi, also known as holy basil is a trusted Indian home remedy throat infection can be a thing of the past. Rich in antioxidants, tulsi also shows anti-inflammatory properties, boosts immunity, and reduces congestion. Ginger helps fight infection and cinnamon soothes inflammation of the throat. Honey has also been found to be an effective sore throat remedy in several studies. With such effective ingredients, tulsi tea is one of the best home remedies for sore throat during pregnancy. However, honey must not be given to children below one year.

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3. Licorice Root And Apple Cider Vinegar Tea For Sore Throat

Ingredients: 1 tablespoon dried licorice root powder, 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar, ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, ½ teaspoon honey, water

How to: Bring a cup of water to a boil. Add licorice root powder and let it boil for another 2 minutes. Strain into a cup and add the remaining ingredients. Stir and drink while warm.

Frequency: Once a day

Why it works: Many studies have found licorice root to be effective at relieving the symptoms of a sore throat. It inhibits the growth of infection-causing bacteria and acts as a natural lozenge making it one of the most effective remedies for burning sensation in throat. While there is not much scientific proof about the effectiveness of apple cider vinegar against sore throat, there is still some anecdotal evidence that it brings relief. Cayenne pepper contains a compound called capsaicin which gives it antibacterial properties. Honey soothes the throat and helps relieve the pain.

 

Along with sore throat, Honey is one of the main ingredient for home remedies for dark spots on face and has been found out to be very effective.

    

 

4. Ginger And Cinnamon Tea

Ingredients: ½ inch ginger, ¼ teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon honey, 1 green tea bag, 2 cups water

How to: Boil 2 cups of water in a medium saucepan. Add the crushed ginger and cinnamon powder. Boil for another 2 minutes. Add into a cup and put in the green tea bag to steep the tea. Once done, add honey to taste.

Frequency: Twice a day

Why it works: Ginger has long been used for treating throat infections. It contains bioactive compounds such as gingerols and shogaols which give ginger its anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory nature. It fights off infection-causing bacteria and viruses while also boosting immunity. Cinnamon, too, has anti-inflammatory properties which makes it a favored ingredient for treating sore throats. It is also considered safe for pregnant women and is one of the best home remedies for sore throat during pregnancy.

    

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5. Hot Toddy Remedy For Sore Throat

Ingredients: 45 ml whiskey, 2 teaspoon lemon juice, 2 teaspoon honey, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ½ cup water,

How to: Heat some water in a saucepan and pour it into a mug. Add the remaining ingredients and give it a good mix. You can adjust the quantity of lemon juice and honey as per your taste. You can also add clove and nutmeg for that extra boost of flavor and health.

Frequency: Once a day

Why it works: Hot drinks of any kind are good for a sore throat. And hot toddy is great at it. Yes, it is an alcohol-based drink but it serves its purpose. Lemon juice comes packed with vitamin C and helps fight off the infection and is a good decongestant. Honey and cinnamon are rich in antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties. Whiskey is also a great decongestant and allows you to take much-needed rest.

 

 

6. Lemon Honey Ginger Tea Remedy For Sore Throat

Ingredients: 1-inch ginger, 1 green tea bag, 2 teaspoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon honey, 1½ cup water 

How to: Heat water in a saucepan. Bring it to a boil. Add ginger slices and let it boil for another 2 minutes. Put it into a cup. Steep the green tea bag to the desired amount. Add the lemon juice and honey.

Frequency: Two to three times a day

Why it works: Teas are great for sore throats but nothing beats the good old cup of lemon honey ginger tea. Lemon juice is a good decongestant and relieves throat pain. It is also a good source of vitamin C and other antioxidants that aid in fighting off the infection and boosting immunity.  Honey has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that allow it to offer instant pain relief. Ginger also fights off the infection owing to its antimicrobial properties. This is one of the most effective home remedies for sore throat, especially for a sore throat caused by bacterial infections.

 

If you are facing lice issues and are looking for home treatment options, do check out our guide to find 15 best home remedies for lice.

    

 

7. Apple Cider Vinegar, Honey, And Ginger

Ingredients: 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon honey, 1 teaspoon coconut oil, ½ teaspoon ginger powder

How to: Mix a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar with honey and coconut oil. Add the ginger powder and mix everything in a cup of warm water to prepare a nice tea tonic

Frequency: Once a day

Why it works: Apple cider vinegar is a popular ingredient that is said to have multiple health benefits including its ability to help treat a sore throat. There is little to no scientific data to support these claims. However, there is some anecdotal evidence to show that ACV has antibacterial properties and can bring relief to a sore throat. Coconut oil fights off infection-causing bacteria and reduces inflammation. Ginger has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties while honey has soothing properties. This tea tonic is, thus, one of the best home remedies for burning sensation in throat as well as for treating sore throat caused by bacterial infections.

 

 

8. Cinnamon Ginger Milk For Sore Throat

Ingredients: 1 cup milk, 1 teaspoon ginger powder, ½ teaspoon cinnamon powder, 1 teaspoon honey

How to: Add milk to a saucepan and heat it on a simmer. Take it off the heat before it boils. Add the ginger and cinnamon followed by a teaspoon of honey.

Frequency: Once a day

Why it works: Cinnamon ginger milk is one of the best home remedies for sore throat during pregnancy and otherwise. Cinnamon has been used in traditional Chinese medicine as a remedy to ease several ailments including throat pain and sore throat. It is a rich source of antioxidants owing to which it has anti-inflammatory effects along with mild analgesic effects. Ginger is known to be one of the most effective ingredients to treat a sore throat. It has bioactive compounds called gingerols and shogaols which give ginger its antimicrobial properties. Ginger, thus, soothes a sore throat by fighting off the infection. Honey is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. It is also a mild decongestant.

 

 

9. Asafoetida, Ginger, And Honey For Sore Throat

Ingredients: 1 teaspoon asafoetida, 1 teaspoon ginger powder, ½ teaspoon honey, water

How to: Take a glass of warm water and add asafoetida, ginger powder, and honey to it.

Frequency: Twice a day

Why it works: Asafoetida or hing has antimicrobial and anti-allergen properties which is why it is such a great ingredient for relieving a sore throat. Ginger with its bioactive compounds can relieve pain and bring down inflammation. It is also known to be anti-microbial. Honey is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. This is one of those home remedies for sore throat that not only soothes a sore throat caused by a bacterial or viral infection but also those that are caused due to exposure to pollution.  

 

 

10. Honey And Ginger Home Remedy For Sore Throat

Ingredients: ½ teaspoon honey, ½ teaspoon crushed ginger

How to: Mix the ingredients to consume.

Frequency: 3 to 4 times a day

Why it works: This is one of the most common home remedies for sore throat and especially one of the most effective home remedies for burning sensation in throat. Many studies show that honey is more effective at treating sore throat than many other traditional remedies. It soothes the throat and relieves the pain due to its anti-inflammatory effect. It is a good source of antioxidants and fights off infection. Ginger too helps with a sore throat. It is anti-inflammatory and thus, gives much-needed relief. It contains bioactive compounds with the most notable ones being gingerols and shogaols which give ginger its antimicrobial properties among other health benefits.

 

 

11. Peppermint Tea

Ingredients: 10 fresh mint leaves, 1 teaspoon honey, 2 cups water

How to: Add the fresh mint leaves and some water to a saucepan. Let it heat at a low flame. Once it has come to a boil, bring it down. Strain into a cup. Add honey and stir well.

Frequency: Twice a day

Why it works: Peppermint is another one of the most common home remedies for sore throat. It not only has anti-inflammatory properties but also mild antibacterial and antiviral effects. It contains a compound called menthol which has effective decongestant qualities and calms the throat. Research suggests that honey is yet another ingredient that is effective for treating sore throat. While it is not clear as to how it works, it is said that honey has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties which make it effective.

 

 

12. Baking Soda And Salt Water

Ingredients: ¼ teaspoon baking soda, ¼ teaspoon salt, 1 glass of water

How to: Take a glass of warm water and mix in the remaining ingredients. Use it to gargle.

Frequency: 3 to 4 times a day.

Why it works: Saltwater gargle is popular but here is another one of the home remedies for sore throat that is equally as effective if not more. The baking soda-salt water mixture fights off infection and prevents the further growth of infection-causing bacteria.

 

13. Slippery Elm

Ingredients: 2 teaspoons slippery elm powder, 1 cup water

How to: Mix the slippery elm powder in a cup of lukewarm water. Drink as a hot beverage or use this mix to gargle

Frequency: Once a day.

Why it works: Slippery elm is a traditional remedy for treating sore throats.  There are also quite a few studies that suggest slippery elm’s effectiveness as a remedy for sore throat. It is because slippery elm forms a gel-like substance called mucilage when it is mixed with water. And this mucilage coats the throat to bring relief.

 

 

14. Saltwater

Ingredients: ½ teaspoon salt, 1 glass of water

How to: Take a glass of warm water and add half a teaspoon salt to it. Mix well and use it to gargle

Frequency: Once every two hours

Why it works: This is one of the easiest and most effective home remedies for sore throat during pregnancy. Anyone can try it. Saltwater has traditionally been used to soothe a sore throat and is even recommended by doctors. Saltwater gargles dissolve mucus and kill off bacteria to relieve pain and discomfort.   

 

 

15. Chicken Soup

Ingredients: 250-gram chicken, 1 onion, ½ celery stalk, 1 carrot, 1 tablespoon ginger, 1 tablespoon garlic, 3 cups water, salt to taste

How to: Add the chicken, and water to a pot. Cook until the chicken is tender enough to fall off the bones. Separate the chicken and keep it aside. In another pan, sauté onion, ginger, and garlic. Add celery and carrot and fry them for a bit. Strain the chicken stock and add it to this pan. Cook the veggies till they are tender. You can also add other vegetables of your choice. Add the seasoning and the shredded chicken. Cook for a minute and turn off the heat. Garnish with some lemon juice.

Frequency: Twice a day

Why it works: You must have heard several anecdotes about chicken soup after all it is a tried and tested home remedy for respiratory and throat infections including a sore throat. Chicken soup provides much-needed relief by reducing the activity of the immune cells that lead to inflammation. Ginger and garlic have antimicrobial properties while the vegetables come packed with essential nutrients that give your body the energy to further fight off the infection.

     

    

   

Sore Throat FAQs

      

       

   

Q. What is the fastest home remedy for sore throat?

The fastest home remedy for sore throat is saltwater gargles. You can also try honey and ginger-based home remedies for sore throat instant relief.

    

  

Q. What drink helps a sore throat?

Any hot tea with honey such as peppermint tea, ginger tea, and cinnamon tea can help a sore throat.

    

  

Q. How long do sore throats last?

There is no definite amount of time and the duration of a sore throat largely depends on what is causing it. However, it mostly lasts a week. Consult a doctor if the sore throat is not resolved within a week.

    

  

Q. What is the best medicine for a sore throat?

For a sore throat caused by bacteria, you can take an antibiotic such as penicillin or amoxicillin after consulting your doctor. For other infections, you can try home remedies such as turmeric milk, tulsi tea, ginger-cinnamon tea, peppermint tea, and saltwater gargling among others.

    

  

Q. Which is the best home remedy for sore throat and dry cough?

The best home remedy for sore throat and dry cough is a mix of ginger and honey. You can also try slippery elm for effective relief.

 

Q. What kills a sore throat fast at home?

Gargle with salt water, drink hot beverages like a hot toddy, tulsi tea, ginger tea, and peppermint tea, consume licorice and honey, have nutritious food, and rest well.

 

Q. What kills a sore throat fast overnight?

No remedy can kill a sore throat overnight. But, some remedies can bring instant relief such as salt water gargling, licorice tea, asafoetida, ginger, and honey tonic, and ginger-cinnamon tea among others.

 

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