Whether your sore throat is caused by a change in the weather, an illness or allergies, there are many ways to help relieve the pain and heal inflamed, irritated tissues.
A sore throat occurs when the tissues become inflamed and irritated. It is often the first sign of a common cold; however, it can also be caused by more serious medical conditions, such as tonsillitis, strep throat, or damaged vocal cords. No matter the cause of your soreness, there are many ways you can relieve the pain and enjoy eating and talking once again. Let’s take a look at ten effective ways to soothe your irritated and inflamed tissues.
Gargle with Salt Water
Gargling with salt water is a great way to help relieve a sore throat. Mix one teaspoon of salt in two cups of warm water. Stir well to help dissolve the salt and then gargle several times a day. The warm salt water helps to soothe inflamed tissues, loosen mucus, and flush out bacteria. The salt water pulls fluids from the inflamed tissues, which help to remove viruses and bacteria.
Marshmallows
Believe it or not, marshmallows can help ease throat pain. Marshmallows are created by combining sugar, gelatin, water, and air. These tasty treats help relieve soreness by coating your irritated tissues in gelatin. Furthermore, when your pharynx is swollen and sore, it can be difficult to eat anything. Marshmallows are slippery and can easily be converted into energy to help your body fight off infection. For best results, eat two or three large marshmallows or a handful of miniature marshmallows.
Vitamin C for a Sore Throat
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps improve immunity. When you are sick, your immune system sends out white blood cells to fight off infection. Therefore, you need a strong immune system to ensure you have enough white blood cells to overcome an illness. Vitamin C reduces the duration of a sore throat and reduces the amount of inflammation. Lemons are filled with vitamin C, which boosts immunity. These tart fruits also cut mucus and provide pain relief. Mix one teaspoon of lemon juice in a cup of warm water and drink to boost your immune system and relieve your discomfort.
Drink Tea
Tea contains antioxidants that will help fight off infection. The tannins found in tea help strengthen your immune system. Instead of using sugar to sweeten your tea, try adding a little bit of honey. Honey contains natural antibacterial properties to help fight infection and reduce inflammation. There are a number of herbal teas, including green tea, peppermint tea, raspberry tea, chamomile tea, and clove tea, that offers anti-inflammatory properties and pain relieving capabilities. Chamomile tea also acts as a natural lubricant that can help with a hoarse voice. Finally, peppermint tea naturally numbs irritated tissues, providing pain relief for your sore throat.
Chicken Soup for Your Throat
Chicken soup has been used for years to help relieve the symptoms of a common cold. Researchers believe that the sodium in the chicken broth can help fight off infection, while the heat in the soup helps soothe discomfort and inflammation. Chicken contains an amino acid called cysteine, which can help thin mucus secretions and make it easier to swallow. Furthermore, chicken soup helps keep you hydrated, which can be difficult when it hurts to swallow.
Anti-inflammatory Medications
Did you know that an anti-inflammatory, such as ibuprofen or naproxen can help relieve your sore throat? These nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) work by reducing swelling and providing pain relief. Additionally, if your discomfort is caused by an infection and you are running a fever, anti-inflammatory medications can help reduce your fever.
Cough Drops
If your pain is caused by an incessant cough, you will need to choose a cough syrup, cough drop, or lozenge that contains menthol to help calm your cough and relieve your pain. Additionally, sucking on a cough drop that contains a numbing ingredient like benzocaine can help relieve discomfort. Benzocaine works by causing your nerve receptors to be unable to register pain sensations. If you do not have a cough drop handy, grab a piece of hard candy and suck on it. Either of these will help increase saliva production, which can help keep irritated tissues moisturized.
Rest
Although resting is not the fastest way to ease your discomfort, it is one of the best things you can do. While you rest, your body produces white blood cells to destroy the infection that is causing your illness. Most sore throats are caused by a cold. Unfortunately, there is no cure for the common cold other than rest and recuperation. If you are suffering from a cold or other illness, try to stay home in bed and avoid talking as much as possible so your body can fight off the virus and you can get well quickly.
Water
A sore throat is typically caused by swollen, irritated tissues. When this occurs, your mucus membranes thicken, resulting in congestion. Drinking fluids like water, fruit juices, and soups can thin your mucus secretions, lubricate your pharynx, and prevent dehydration. When choosing a beverage, opt for a warm one rather than a cool drink. Warm beverages typically soothe irritated tissues and ease congestion.
Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar contains antibacterial compounds that help destroy bacteria and viruses that cause a sore throat. There are several different methods that can be used. You can mix a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with 2 tablespoons of honey in a cup of warm water. You can also add a teaspoon or two of apple cider vinegar and lemon juice to a cup of hot green tea to help reduce inflammation and increase immunity. Finally, apple cider vinegar can be mixed with warm water and salt for an effective gargle mixture.
Whether your pain is caused by a change in the weather, an illness, or allergies, there are many things you can do to help relieve the discomfort and heal inflamed, irritated tissues. The next time you have a sore throat, try one of these ten remedies to help soothe your pain, reduce inflammation, and give you your voice back.
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by Satish Mantri in Wellness
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