The winter season has practically become synonymous with sore throats. Sore throats can be caused by viral infections, like the common cold, laryngitis, mono, or by bacterial infections, like strep throat and tonsillitis. Irritants and injuries, like air pollution, heartburn, and chronic fatigue, can also cause our throats to feel sore. No matter what causes them, sore throats are painful, annoying, and get in the way of our daily lives.
Viral illnesses are the most common cause of sore throats, which means that antibiotics actually do more harm than good. More often than not, sore throats can be treated at home with natural remedies. Here are a few of the most popular natural home remedies to fight that pesky sore throat.
Licorice Root
A recent study published in the journal, Anesthesia & Analgesia, found that licorice root helped sooth patients’ throats and coughing after surgery. Try mixing it with water to create a gargle solution to use a couple times per day.
Salt Water
Speaking of gargle solutions, many of us grew up with mothers who recommended gargling with salt water to ease the pain of a sore throat. Well once again, mother knows best. Gargling with warm salt water can help break down secretions that cause throat pain and help kill harmful bacteria in the throat. Try mixing a half teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water to clean the throat and reduce swelling.
Honey
Honey has been a popular home remedy for a variety of ailments, including sore throats, for quite some time now. Researchers studied the effects of honey on 139 children in 2007 and found that it was more effective in subduing nighttime coughs and sore throats than the average cough suppressant medication at the drugstore.
Peppermint
Peppermint has the power to do much more than just freshen your breath. It contains menthol, which is known to help thin out mucus buildups and provide relief for sore throats and coughs. It also contains antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties that may boost bodily healing. Peppermint is often combined with other natural herbs in spray solutions, not to mention it’s delicious in hot tea.
If you frequently suffer from sore throats, we’d also suggest trying our Olive Leaf Throat Spray, which comes in a raspberry-spearmint flavor and an unflavored version. This all-natural spray provides temporary relief from cold, mouth, and throat irritations by incorporating the active ingredients of olive leaf extract, Baptisia, and Xylitol. Try using 2-3 sprays between 1-4 times daily to feel soothing relief without any of those unwanted chemical preservatives. No matter which natural remedy you try, leave artificial ingredients out of the equation to prevent long-term damage and unnecessary side effects.