14 Fast Tips to Cure a Sore Throat

There’s little that’s more annoying than a sore, scratchy throat, and around 3 million people in the U.S. alone are diagnosed with strep throat every year.

Treating a sore throat early before it can get a hold is the best bet, and here are several simple home remedies that you can try.

1. Gargling with Salt Water

This is a very old remedy, but it works wonders for sore throats. It helps heal your throat by pulling mucus out of the inflamed tissues.

Mix half a teaspoon of table salt with 8 ounces warm water, stirring it until the salt has dissolved.

Gargle with the mix for a few seconds, several times a day. You can also add lemon juice to help kill more viruses and bacteria.

2. Runny Honey

Honey is a natural cough suppressant, and simply swallowing a spoonful of honey can cut down annoying night-time coughs.

You can also add the honey to warm tea or water to help a sore throat, or make honey lollipops by freezing honey on a stick.

3. Steam

Humidifiers are good for treating coughs and sore throats, but you can use steam to reduce throat swelling if you don’t have one.

A steamy shower should help, or you can boil some water, add menthol ointment, and breathe in the steam.

4. Chew Garlic

This is one for when you’re home alone! Chewing garlic is a great way to soothe sore throats, because it contains a substance called allicin that can kill the bacteria causing you pain.

Peel a fresh clove, slice in half and suck on both pieces between your cheeks. Crush your teeth against the garlic, but don’t actually bite it.

5. Nibble on a Popsicle

Cold foods can help sore throats, and you can just eat a juice bar or fruit popsicle. You have to eat the treat, not just suck on it. Allow small pieces of it to melt in your mouth.

6. Lime Juice with Honey

Lemons and limes can help soothe your throat. Mix a spoonful of honey with lime or lemon juice and drink as often as you need. The drink should only be sipped on, so use a straw.

7. Horseradish

Mix one tablespoon of pure horseradish or horseradish root with a teaspoon of honey, a teaspoon of ground cloves, and a glass of warm water.

Mix it up, and drink it slowly.

8. Apple Cider Vinegar

Make a throat remedy by mixing half a cup of apple cider vinegar with a teaspoon of salt. When the salt dissolves, mix in a cup of warm water, and gargle with the mixture every 15 minutes.

9. Mix Coconut Oil Into Food

Coconut oil has health benefits that can soothe sore throats. It can help to fight infection, inflammation, and pain. It will help to lubricate your throat, and you can add a spoonful of the oil to tea, water, or soup. You can also let a spoonful melt in your mouth.

10. Eat Dairy Products

Although milk and dairy can make your phlegm thicker, it doesn’t increase it. Dairy can help soothe sore throats by coating it. Mix milk with some honey and drink it.

11. Marshmallow Root

Marshmallow root has been used as medicine since ancient times, and when it’s taken orally, it can be used to soothe your throat and calm a dry cough.

12. Echinacea and Sage Throat Spray

You can buy throat sprays, but you can make an echinacea and sage one at home. Use some sage and mix in echinacea tincture and some essential oil, then put it in a spray bottle.

13. Keep Your Head Raised When Sleeping

Try to keep your head raised when sleeping to help you breathe easier. It also helps you to keep your mouth closed, so your throat doesn’t get irritated further.

14. Golden Milk

This is an Indian specialty, and is often called turmeric tea or golden milk. It’s used to heal many illnesses, and you can make it by crushing turmeric sticks and mixing the powder with boiling water and milk. Add some honey or palm ginger, and add ghee before drinking to really help your sore throat.