Did you get wet in the first showers last eve? And now you waking up with an uncomfortable feeling and a scratchy throat which gets worse when you try to swallow something. This is called a sore throat. You are likely to have a sore throat that’s caused by a virus. No! No! Not the coronavirus. However, a sore throat is certainly one of the biggest symptoms of Coronavirus. So, if you’re feeling something going wrong then here are some of the best home remedies for sore throat.
First, let’s look into different types of sore throat and what is the actual cause behind it? The common causes of sore throat can be classified into 1. Infectious 2. Non-infectious
Infectious – this type is mainly caused by Viruses, like those that could cause cold or flu. But sometimes a bacterium group called “A strep” is also responsible for sore throat in that case we call it a strep throat.
Non-infectious – while infectious sore throat happens due to pathogens, non-infectious is mainly associated with allergies, irritants like strong fragrance, cigarette smoke, talking or shouting in high pitch voice for a long duration and sometimes due to a gastrointestinal condition called Acid reflux where the stomach acid rises up in the esophagus and makes it sore.
You don’t particularly need medical attention for it, though if it pertains for a longer period, longer than 5-6 days then do give the doctor a visit.
Now, that we’re more aligned with what causes a sore throat and what are different types under it.
Let’s have a look at some of the best home remedies for sore throat.
Stay Hydrated
The first and the most important thing that you should take, are a lot of fluids. Due to pain and stiffness while you try to gulp anything many people face the problem of dehydration which only makes the condition worse.
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Gargle With Warm Water – Home Remedies For Sore Throat
Sore throats are most painful when you wake up in the morning to avoid that pain, you can gargle with some warm water. All you have to do is warm some water add some salt and a pinch of turmeric powder to this and gargle with it.
Honey
This sweet thing feels like the first shower after a draught (not the one in which you got wet and headed to read this article). Honey is a natural moisturizing agent and has antibacterial properties that ease the feeling of a scratchy throat. You can add a few teaspoons of honey in your tea or just have it with some crushed ginger. You can also add some raw garlic to this.
Chamomile Tea
Another one of the effective home remedies for sore throat is Chamomile tea which is naturally soothing. It is often used for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and astringent properties. It can also stimulate the immune system to help your body fight off the infection that caused your sore throat in the first place.
Indian Basil Leaves – Home Remedies For Sore Throat
Indian basil or tulsi, a medicinal and a holy plant you will find in almost every Indian household. This plant is termed as the “elixir of life” in the Ayurveda due to its amazing healing properties. For sore throat, you can brew a potion out of its leaves. All you have to do is take 200ml of water and add a handful of leaves of tulsi, boil it till the water remains half. Add two teaspoons of honey, drink this when it becomes a little warm. Never drink it steaming hot it will only burn your throat and make it more painful.
Inhaling Steam
This is one of the easiest and quickest way you can get relief from a sore throat if you have a nebulizer at home then it will do the job, just add some drops of peppermint oil with the nebulizer fluid. If you don’t have it, boil some water in a vessel with a big opening when it starts Steaming, add few dashes of peppermint oil and inhale the steam. You can also add some Vicks Vaporub to it.
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These home remedies for sore throat are tried and tested for a very long time and have been loved by generation to treat sore throat. Do note, these remedies might not be very helpful in treating bacterial type sore throat so if you’re suffering from strep throat, take some antibiotics and visit the doctor ASAP!