When Sunshine and Kisses Aren't Enough: Healthcare Blogs

When you have a sore throat, it can feel like one of the worst things in the world. It can hurt to simply swallow your own saliva, and you wince every single time you cough. Sore throats can really be painful. Luckily, there are some home remedies that can actually eliminate the pain that you are experiencing. Here are four of them.

1. Gargle Salt Walter

If you have a sore throat, it means that your throat is inflamed. You can reduce that inflammation by gargling salt water. Take a glass of warm water and dissolve about ½ teaspoon of salt into the water. Gargle the salt water every hour to two hours.

2. Drink Turmeric Tea

Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce the inflammation in your throat. It also contains antibacterial and antiviral properties that can help when you are battling a cold or the flu. The easiest and most effective way to use turmeric is in a tea. There are several types of tea that you can make, including a basic tea that consists of water, turmeric root or powder, lemon and honey. If you want to make something more elaborate you can make this coconut milk golden turmeric tea.

3. Use a Humidifier

When the air in your home is dry, it can not only cause your sore throat to become worse, but it can only extend your recovery time from the sore throat. To help alleviate the pain that you are experiencing, you can either use a humidifier (if you have one) or take a hot, steamy shower. If you do use a humidifier, make sure to clean it thoroughly first to ensure that there is no fungi or bacteria that has decided to breed since the last time it was used.

4. Rest Your Voice

Maybe your sore throat isn't from allergies, a cold, or anything similar. Instead, maybe your sore throat is from cheering at a sporting event or yelling at a concert. If this is the case, your vocal cords are strained and the ideal treatment right now is to simply give your voice some much-needed rest.

If the aforementioned home remedies don't seem to be alleviating the pain that you are experiencing after at least a couple of days, give your family physician a phone call. There may be an underlying condition causing the pain and irritation in your throat that needs to be checked out by a professional, such as at Village Primary Care Providers LLC.