Natural Sore Throat Remedies

Article contributed by:

Vivianna Wou, Principal Nutritionist

Food Advisory Group

Be it the haze or your immune system, here are 8 natural ways/home remedies to help soothe your sore throat and assist in reducing inflammation and your discomfort:
 
1. Gargle Salt Water

Gargling warm salt water is probably the oldest remedy for sore throats. Salt has natural antibacterial properties and works by reducing inflammation and drawing bacteria from the infected tissue lining your throat.  It is also an easy remedy to put together when you have nothing else to hand.

 
2. Add some Honey

Honey mixed in herb tea or a little hot water or juice or simply taken straight up has long been a home remedy for sore throat, helping to coat your dry, irritated throat.

 
3. Keep hydrated

Although it may be uncomfortable because of the soreness, drinking plenty of liquids to keep yourself hydrated is important as it helps to keep your irritated throat moist.  When your throat is sore, lukewarm water is better than cold water, which can hurt more than it helps.

 
4. Have a hot drink

A warming drink such as a cup of Chamomile tea or Echinaforce drops offer immediate, soothing relief.  Hot drinks are also favoured by many for their simple therapeutic effects, helping to bring comfort and relief from cold & flu symptoms such as sore throats, aches & pains and shivers.

 
5. Chicken soup

This is not only comforting, but will give you the nutrients you need when swallowing hard food is too painful. It is also thought that the sodium in the soup has anti-inflammatory properties which will help ease your sore throat.

 
6. Have a sweetie

Sucking on lozenges and hard boiled sweets can help soothe a sore throat by keeping your mouth moist and therefore more comfortable.

 
7. Boost your immune system

Keeping your immune system in top condition will help fight off viral infections and speed up recovery. Echinacea can be taken as a quick short-term measure to boost your immune system or as a longer-term support to strengthen your immune function.

 
8. Rest up

This is an obvious one but still very important.  If you don’t want that sore throat to progress to a full-blown cold or flu, you need to take time to rest and get a good night’s sleep every night.  Not getting enough sleep lowers your immune function, so it can weaken your ability to fight off infections.

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Article contributed by:

Vivianna Wou, Principal Nutritionist

Food Advisory Group

Dated: November 2015

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