8 DIY sore throat remedies so you don’t have to visit the doctor
Do you have a sore throat, but don’t want to go to the doctor’s office? Do you want to skip the waiting room and prescription hassle? Try these at-home sore throat remedies to cure your sore throat in no time.
Salt Water
Heat one cup of water until warm (not hot) and mix in a ½ teaspoon of salt. Gargle. The salt will ease the pain and lower swelling, while the warm water washes away bacteria and mucus. This in turn will alleviate a stuffy nose and allow it to drain properly. You may repeat up to three times in one day, as needed. Salt water is one of the more classic and traditional sore throat remedies.
Hot Toddy (with or without alcohol)
If using alcohol, pour two ounces of whiskey into a large mug. Add one tablespoon of honey, four ounces of hot water, and one teaspoon of lemon juice. Mix well. Heat in the microwave for about one minute, until hot, but not boiling. The honey and lemon work together to soothe your throat, and the alcohol induces sleep. This remedy is best used at night, but can be used during the day if you’ve stayed home from work or school.
Green Tea
Use one teaspoon of green tea leaves per cup of water. Drinking this tea will help fight infection, but you can also gargle with it to help soothe your throat and kill bacteria.
Honey
Add a spoonful to a cup of tea, or eat it plain. Honey can tame a cough, which helps with throat inflammation, and it heals raw or sensitive tissue in your throat, which will alleviate the pain and soreness.
Peppermint Essential Oil
Apply a drop or two directly to your throat, or swish in a small glass of water and swallow.
Peppermint helps to thin mucus, allow faster draining and soothe the pain. It also contains anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial properties.
Raspberry Tea
Pour one cup of boiling water over two teaspoons of dried tea leaves. Steep for ten minutes before straining. Drink and/or gargle for maximum effect. Raspberries contain anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help combat your sore throat.
Marshmallow Root
Put one tablespoon of dried root in a mug and add one cup of boiling water. Steep for 30-60 minutes before straining and drinking. Marshmallow root contains mucilage, which coats and soothes mucus membranes in your throat. It reduces swelling, pain and eases a dry cough, also.
Steam
Find a medium or large bowl. Boil enough water to fill that bowl halfway. Lean over the bowl so you can breathe in the steam, but don’t immerse your face. Drape a towel over your head like a tent to keep the steam in. You can add a few drops of peppermint or eucalyptus essential oil for added benefits. This is a good remedy if your throat is dry and raw, or if you’re congested. The steam provides moisture to your throat and opens up your airways. A hot, steamy shower will work as well.
