To soothe a sore throat, you can try several effective home remedies and self- care measures:
- Gargle with warm salt water: Dissolve about half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and gargle several times a day. This helps reduce swelling and irritation by drawing out mucus and soothing inflamed tissues
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids such as water, warm teas, or broths to keep your throat moist and prevent dryness that worsens soreness
- Use throat lozenges or hard candies: These stimulate saliva production, keeping the throat moist and relieving irritation. Avoid giving these to young children due to choking risk
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers: Medications like acetaminophen (paracetamol), ibuprofen, or naproxen can reduce throat pain and inflammation
- Try soothing drinks: Warm tea with honey can soothe irritation and suppress cough. Herbal teas like chamomile or peppermint have anti-inflammatory properties
- Use a humidifier or steam inhalation: Breathing moist air from a humidifier or a steam shower helps loosen mucus and soothe throat tissues
- Rest your voice and body: Rest helps your immune system fight infection and reduces throat strain
- Avoid irritants: Stay away from smoking and smoky environments, which can worsen throat irritation
Additional remedies some find helpful include gargling with a baking soda and salt mixture, using throat sprays with local anesthetics or antiseptics, and consuming cold treats like ice chips or popsicles to numb pain
. Antibiotics are generally not needed unless a bacterial infection is diagnosed
. These approaches combined can provide relief and help your sore throat heal faster. If symptoms worsen or persist beyond about a week, consult a healthcare professional.
