Dealing with a Sore Throat: Soothing Remedies for Fast Relief

There’s nothing worse than being stuck with a sore, scratchy throat. It’s common to experience sore throats during the winter season when colds and the flu abound, but sore throats can also be associated with allergies, acid reflux, smoking, and common infections such as strep throat. Getting fast relief is key to calming the discomfort. Let’s take a look at some of the best remedies for soothing sore throats.

DRINK PLENTY OF FLUIDS

Staying hydrated is an important part of keeping your body healthy and feeling its best, and this is especially true when you’re dealing with a sore throat. Soothe your throat and help fight infection by drinking plenty of fluids, including room-temperature water, tea, warm broths, and juice. Avoid sugary sodas and alcohol, citrus juices (which can be too acidic) and caffeinated beverages.

TREAT WITH HUMIDITY

Humidity helps keep your throat moist and soothe a throat that’s feeling raw. Use a humidifier or vaporizer in any room where you spend time during the day. If you don’t have a humidifier or vaporizer, you can still benefit from some humidity by sitting in the bathroom when the shower is running, using a hot steamy sauna, or even taking a steamy bath.

TAKE MEDICATIONS TO REDUCE INFLAMMATION

For additional relief, your doctor may recommend an over-the-counter medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to reduce inflammation and pain. Additionally, for more severe symptoms, a doctor may prescribe medication to reduce the risk of infection.

END WITH HERBAL REMEDIES

For a sore throat, herbal remedies such as honey, licorice, licorice root teas, echinacea, and marshmallow root are popular options used to soothe the throat. Honey is reported to ease throat irritation and has antimicrobial properties. Licorice root and marshmallow root have demulcent effects, which means that it coats and protects the throats mucous membranes. Both licorice and marshmallow root are available in lozenge form, which makes them easy to use.

When you’re dealing with a sore throat, it’s important to remember to get plenty of rest, reduce stress, and maintain your overall health. Hopefully, following these steps and using a variety of these remedies will help bring your throat back to normal and repair your voice.