Sore throat is one of the very conditions that you don’t want to wake up with. Your throat is dry, scratchy, or itchy and you feel this pain when you swallow.
The discomfort it brings is so disturbing that you wish it will just go away in a twinkle.
It can make you have anxiety and avoid breakfast.
These very signs of a sore throat could make you wonder if you have viral infection, like in a COV?ID-19 year.
Sore throat is an acute upper respiratory tract infection that affects the respiratory mucosa of the throat (1).
When you experience this conditions, you could try some very helpful home remedies immediately.
Causes Of Sore Throat
So, if you wake up having this feeling of soreness, or have it at any time, a few things could be the reason it is happening.
Acid Reflux
A digestive disorder could make your stomach acid come back up your esophagus into your throat.
When this happens, it triggers sore throat. The condition – gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) could make you have heartburn, a hoarse voice, or a sore throat in the morning.
Tumors
Also, a cancerous lump or tumor near or in your throat or on your tongue, or near your voice box (larynx) could cause a sore throat.
Dehydration
When you are not taking enough fluid, one of the signs is a sore throat.
For instance, during periods that you sweat a lot at night, you could wake up having that feeling in your throat.
Always ensure that you take adequate water daily. Also, take some water before you go to bed.
Basically, this ensures that you do not wake up with a dry mouth and a scratchy throat that make swallowing hard.
Bacteria Infection – Strep throat
You see, a bacterial infection can also present a sore throat. In this case, a common cause is a bacteria called Streptococcus pyogenes.
It causes strep throat and presents symptoms of fever, difficulty swallowing, swollen lymph nodes in the neck and tiny red sports on the roof of your mouth.
Viral Infections
This is one of the most common causes of this condition. A virus can cause infections like the common cold which also presents a sore throat.
You could notice you have a virus infection when cough is about to manifest.
Other symptoms that would alert you of a virus infection are runny nose, sneezing, fever, headache, body aches, and hoarse voice.
Allergies
Sometimes, when you are allergic to pollen, mold, dust mites, you could come down with this condition.
Basically, when this is the cause, you will notice that the sore throat appears to be seasonal.
Snoring While Seeping
This is another cause that people often overlook.
But the truth is that while you snore, there is a vibration of your throat muscles and that would leave you with a sore throat in the morning.
Natural Home Remedies For Sore Throat
If you have this condition, here are some natural home remedies that you can treat it with.
1. Garlic
Indeed, this is one of the very reasons we recommend that you always have garlic at home. Garlic contains natural antibacterial and anti-viral properties.
One of such compounds in garlic that is very effective is allicin. It is known to fight off infections.
According to a study, if you take garlic supplement regularly, you will prevent common cold virus (2)
To get a fast result, you can grate garlic and add to warm water in the morning. When you drink it, it helps fight the bacteria or virus infection.
If you are wary of the bad breath that may come with taking garlic, you can brush afterwards and take an apple.
2. Cloves
Cloves are also effective against Streptococcus pyogenes, a bacteria that could cause sore throat.
According to a study, cloves oil is effective against this bacteria (3).
You can add the oil in hot water and inhale.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar
Here again is another effective home remedy for this condition. Apple cider vinegar (ACV) contains natural antibacterial properties that are helpful (4).
In fact, the acidic natural of ACV makes it a good substance for breaking down mucus in the throat. This inhibits the growth of bacteria.
Dilute 1 or 2 tablespoons of ACV in one cup of water and gaggle with it.
You can also drink a little quantity of the mixture. Doing this several times in a day will give you relief.
4. Cayenne Pepper
This is one of the most helpful pepper species that you should have at home.
It is amazing how it works for sore throat. Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin. This is a natural compound that blocks pain receptors (5).
One way it has worked for people is to add it in warm water and add a little amount of honey.
However, bear in mind that this is pepper and it comes with a burning sensation.
Drinking this mixture will give you relief from the condition.
5. Honey And Sore Throat
One other good remedy for this condition is honey in warm water.
You see, honey can make wound heal faster. It is also a good remedy for cough and common cold (6)
A study says honey is effective in the treatment of sore throat (6). Although it was prescribed along with other antibiotics.
6. Slippery Elm
Furthermore, another remedy for this condition is slippery elm. Here, all you do is add a teaspoon of slippery elm in a cup of boiled water.
When you do, you will notice that it becomes a gel. This gel then coats and soothes the throat.
Other Helpful Common Cold Remedies
- 8 Natural Remedies For Cold
- Slippery Elm: 4 Health Benefits | How It Treats Heartburn
- Turmeric Tea: Great Health Benefits And How To Prepare It
Interestingly, slippery elm is a traditional remedy for sore throat.
However, the U.S. National Library of Medicine, says slippery elm may decrease the absorption of other medication you take (7).
7. Salt Water
You see, salt is a powerful substance and it can kill bacteria.
As a result, gargling with warm salt water will bring you a soothing relief for sore throat.
First, it will brake down secretions and then attack the bacteria causing the soreness.
Add half teaspoon of salt in a glass of warn water and gargle with it.
Experts recommend that you do this every 3 hours for effective result.
8. Chamomile Tea For Sore Throat
This tea is naturally soothing and it works very well for sore throat.
Chamomile tea contains anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and astringent properties and these make it effective.
Interestingly, you can add chamomile in hot water and inhale.
In fact a study says inhaling chamomile steam can help relieve symptoms of a cold, including a sore throat (8).
Also, when you drink chamomile tea you will get the same benefit and even more.
Apart from using it as a remedy for the soreness you feel, chamomile tea helps you sleep better.
Kindly share this article with your friends and loved ones to help them get remedy for this condition when they have it.