Ease sore throat pain with home remedies

Sore throat pain is a common symptom experienced by cold and flu sufferers, and can also be caused by anything from allergies to chickenpox. Most sore throats do not require professional treatment, but the following remedies will help ease the pain and irritation of a sore throat.

1. Fluids

   • The best way to keep the pain of a sore throat at bay is to stay fully hydrated, which will keep your throat lubricated and your immune system running smoothly. Drink plenty of water, and choose foods such as soup over dry foods that can further irritate your throat.
     Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and soda, which can irritate the throat and dehydrate the body.

   Salt Water

   • A warm salt water rinse and gargle is one of the simplest and most effective remedies for sore throat pain. The salty water loosens and clears mucus and post-nasal drip, and soothes sore throat tissues.
     Instructions: Stir one teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water until it dissolves. Gargle with a mouthful of the salty water for thirty seconds, and then spit it out. Repeat every two- to three- hours, or as needed.

   Medication

   • An over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen (Advil), aspirin, or acetaminophen (Tylenol), can help ease your sore throat pain and reduce any swelling or inflammation. Anesthetic sprays such as Chloraseptic can also provide short-term pain relief.
     Only use pain medications according to their package directions, and if your throat pain continues for more than two days, you should contact your doctor.

   Lozenges

   • Sucking on throat lozenges can also help ease the pain of a sore throat. Lozenges mainly help the pain by stimulating saliva production and keeping your throat from drying out. Use all-natural herbal lozenges if possible, to avoid further irritation.

   Honey and Lemon

   • Use honey and lemon. The lemon cuts any mucus or postnasal drip, and the honey coats your throat to provide tasty relief.
     Instructions: Stir one tablespoon of honey and one tablespoon of fresh lemon juice into a glass of very hot water until completely mixed. Allow the mixture to cool to a drinkable temperature and sip; repeat as desired.