10 Ways To Soothe A Sore Throat

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Whether your sore throat is caused by a change in the weather, an illness or allergies, there are many ways to help relieve the pain and heal inflamed, irritated tissues.

A sore throat occurs when the tissues become inflamed and irritated. It is often the first sign of a common cold, but it can also be caused by more serious medical conditions, such as tonsillitis, strep throat, or damaged vocal cords. No matter the cause of your soreness, there are many ways to relieve the pain, and enjoy eating and talking once again. Let's look at ten practical ways to soothe irritated and inflamed tissues.

Gargle with Salt Water

Gargling with salt water is a great way to relieve a sore throat. Mix one teaspoon of salt in two cups of warm water, stir well to dissolve the salt, and then gargle several times daily. The warm salt water soothes inflamed tissues, loosens mucus, and flushes out bacteria. The saltwater pulls fluids from the inflamed tissues, removing viruses and bacteria.

Marshmallows

Believe it or not, marshmallows can help ease throat pain. Marshmallows are created by combining sugar, gelatin, water, and air. These tasty treats help relieve soreness by coating your irritated tissues in gelatin. Furthermore, when your pharynx is swollen and sore, it can be challenging to eat anything. Marshmallows are slippery. They can easily be converted into energy to help your body fight off infection. Eat two or three large marshmallows or a handful of miniature marshmallows for best results.

Vitamin C for a Sore Throat

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps improve immunity. When you are sick, your immune system sends white blood cells to fight infection. Therefore, you need a strong immune system to have enough white blood cells to overcome an illness. Vitamin C reduces the duration of a sore throat and reduces the amount of inflammation. Lemons are filled with vitamin C, which boosts immunity. These tart fruits also cut mucus and provide pain relief. Mix one teaspoon of lemon juice in a cup of warm water and drink to boost your immune system and relieve your discomfort.

Drink Tea

Tea contains antioxidants that will help fight off infection. The tannins found in tea help strengthen your immune system. Instead of using sugar to sweeten your tea, try adding a little bit of honey. Honey contains natural antibacterial properties to help fight infection and reduce inflammation. Several herbal teas offer anti-inflammatory properties and pain-relieving capabilities, including green tea, peppermint tea, raspberry tea, chamomile tea, and clove tea. Chamomile tea also acts as a natural lubricant to help with a hoarse voice. Finally, peppermint tea naturally numbs irritated tissues, relieving your sore throat.

Chicken Soup for Your Throat

Chicken soup has been used for years to relieve common cold symptoms. Researchers believe the sodium in chicken broth can help fight infection, while the heat soothes discomfort and inflammation. Chicken contains an amino acid called cysteine, which can help thin mucus secretions and make swallowing easier. Furthermore, chicken soup helps keep you hydrated, which can be difficult when swallowing hurts.

Anti-inflammatory Medications

Did you know that anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, can help relieve a sore throat? These nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) reduce swelling and provide pain relief. Additionally, if an infection causes discomfort and you are running a fever, anti-inflammatory medications can help reduce your fever.

Cough Drops

If an incessant cough causes your pain, you must choose a cough syrup, cough drop, or lozenge that contains menthol to help calm your cough and relieve your pain. Additionally, sucking on a cough drop that contains a numbing ingredient like benzocaine can help ease discomfort. Benzocaine works by causing your nerve receptors to be unable to register pain sensations. If you do not have a cough drop handy, grab a piece of hard candy and suck on it. Either of these will help increase saliva production, which can help keep irritated tissues moisturized.

Rest

Although resting is not the fastest way to ease discomfort, it is one of the best things you can do. While you sleep, your body produces white blood cells to destroy the infection causing your illness. Most sore throats are caused by a cold. Unfortunately, there is no cure for the common cold other than rest and recuperation. If you are suffering from a cold or other illness, try to stay home in bed and avoid talking as much as possible so your body can fight off the virus and get well quickly.

Water

A sore throat is typically caused by swollen, irritated tissues. When this occurs, the mucus membranes thicken, resulting in congestion. Drinking fluids like water, fruit juices, and soups can thin mucus secretions, lubricate the pharynx, and prevent dehydration. When choosing a beverage, opt for a warm rather than a cool one. Warm beverages typically soothe irritated tissues and ease congestion.

Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar contains antibacterial compounds that help destroy bacteria and viruses that cause sore throats. Several different methods can be used. For example, mix a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with two tablespoons of honey in a cup of warm water. Add a teaspoon or two of apple cider vinegar and lemon juice to a cup of hot green tea to help reduce inflammation and increase immunity. Finally, apple cider vinegar can be mixed with warm water and salt for an effective gargle mixture.

Whether your pain is caused by a change in the weather, an illness, or allergies, there are many things you can do to help relieve the discomfort and heal inflamed, irritated tissues. The next time you have a sore throat, try one of these ten remedies to help soothe your pain, reduce inflammation, and give your voice back.

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