Top 10 Home Remedies for Recurring Sore Throat

Sore throat is an associated symptom of common cold that usually resolves within a few days by itself. But if you wake up with a sore throat frequently or experience persistent throat pain, then it may indicate some serious problem. Recurring sore throat can take many forms - it can be itchy or you may feel a burning sensation or experience pain while swallowing. Some of the possible causes of recurring sore throat are infection of the tonsils or tonsillitis, allergies, strep throat, smoking, mononucleosis, influenza or the flu, exposure to air pollutants, inhaling through the mouth due to blocked nose. Chronic sore throat can affect a particular region of the throat. You may experience sore throat left side or only right side of the throat. In this article, we have listed some of the home remedies for sore throat that can provide you relief from chronic throat pain.

Home Remedies for Recurring Sore Throat

Salt Water Gargle:

This is one of the time tested sore throat remedies that you can rely on and you can repeat it as many times you want without worrying about side-effects. Gargling with lukewarm salt water soothes the irritation and breaks down mucus secretions. In addition, it also kills the infection-causing bacteria present in the throat. You can prepare a salt water solution by adding 1/2 teaspoon of table salt to a glass of lukewarm water.

Honey:

Honey is one of the most effective home remedies for sore throat that is frequently used in strep lozenges, candies and syrups. The antibacterial properties of honey fight infections and boost the healing process. Honey works as a hypertonic osmotic that draws out water from the inflamed tissues and reduces swelling. You can have a teaspoon of honey every night before going to bed or enjoy a few cups of honey tea throughout the day for lasting relief.

Garlic:

Raw garlic is another effective natural remedy for chronic sore throat that helps to relieve the pain, itchiness and swelling of the throat. Garlic works as a decongestant and expectorant that helps to break down the mucus and expel it. The presence of vitamin C, several enzymes, sulphur and selenium play a role in relieving the bacterial infection and irritating symptoms. You can chew on a clove of garlic or prepare a garlic tea by boiling a few garlic cloves in a cup of water for 5 minutes.

Ginger:

This is one of the functional sore throat remedies that provide quick results. The powerful analgesic properties of ginger work as a pain killer and reduce the pain and swelling of the throat. The antibacterial and antifungal properties of ginger fight infections that cause sore throat. The pungent taste of ginger triggers secretions that clear throat congestion. You can prepare a soothing ginger tea by boiling a few slices of ginger in a cup of water for 5 minutes.

Turmeric:

The three curcuminoids - curcumin, desmethoxycurcumin and bis-desmethoxycurcumin present in turmeric work against sore throat by reducing inflammation and offering relief against burning and itching feeling along with pain and swelling of the throat. You can opt for a turmeric gargle that coats the tissues of the throat with a layer of turmeric and helps to remove bacteria completely. Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4th teaspoon of turmeric powder to 1/2 cup of warm water and use this concoction to gargle every morning. Don't eat or drink anything for 30 minutes after doing the gargle.

Cinnamon:

Cinnamon is an extremely popular spice and a wonderful remedy for treating sore throat. The anti-bacterial properties of cinnamon prevent the infection from spreading and worsening, whereas the warming properties of cinnamon soothe the swelling, pain and irritation in the throat. Cinnamon is also effective for treating phlegm coughs. You can prepare a cinnamon gargle solution by adding a teaspoon each of cinnamon powder and black pepper powder to a glass of warm water and gargle with it 2 to 3 times a day.

Apple Cider Vinegar:

Apple cider vinegar is an elixir for great health and one of the best sore throat remedies at your disposal. The acidic nature of the vinegar balances the pH of the throat and kills the bacteria that cause throat infection. Being a natural expectorant it thins the phlegm in the throat. You can prepare an apple cider vinegar gargle by mixing 1/4th cup of vinegar with 1/4th cup of warm water. Use this solution to gargle your throat 2 to 3 times a day.

Lemon:

Lemon juice is also a useful remedy for sore throat relief. The citrus juice of lemon helps to break up the mucus that cause sore throat and also soothes pain and inflammation of the tissues. The antiseptic properties of lemon kill the infection causing bacteria in the throat. Lemon juice boosts salivation, which in turn moistens the irritated tissues of the throat. You can enjoy hot lemonade made with lemon juice, honey and water and sip it slowly.

Cloves:

Cloves are often uses to ease toothache and pain in the throat because of its wonderful anaesthetic property. Cloves contain eugenol - a natural pain killer and anti-bacterial that numbs the pain in the throat. You can suck on a couple of cloves until they turn soft and then chew and swallow them afterwards.

Fenugreek:

This is a less-known natural remedy for sore throat but it is highly effective. Fenugreek dissolves and clears the mucus build-up in the lungs and throat and relives irritation, itchiness and pain in the throat. Brew a teaspoon of fenugreek seeds in a cup of water and steep for 15 minutes. Strain the liquid, warm it once more and sip it slowly.

You can try a few of these home remedies for sore throat to get lasting relief from this problem. But if you experience recurring sore throat after antibiotics treatment then you should not ignore it. If you are suffering from chronic throat pain and cough that doesn't seem to go away with home remedies then it is best to see a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.