Sore throat, also known as pharyngitis, typically occurs as a side effect of a bacterial or viral infection such as the common cold or flu. Most of the time, sore throat pain subsides in a week or less, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. In the meantime, you can use home remedies to help alleviate pain. Talk to your doctor, however, if the pain lasts for longer than a week or if you develop a fever, rash or swollen lymph nodes, which may indicate strep throat.
Honey and Lemon
A traditional remedy for sore throat, honey coats and soothes a sore throat and may even suppress coughs. A 2007 study published in the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine found that honey given to children before bed worked better than over-the-counter cold medicines at suppressing coughs through the night. The Mayo Clinic recommends combining honey and lemon juice to treat sore throat, as the lemon helps reduce mucus. Try stirring 2 tbsp. each honey and lemon juice in 1 cup of hot water and sipping as needed to relieve sore throat pain. This remedy works well for children, but never give honey to infants under 1 year old.
Warm Salt Water
Gargling with warm salt water, a common home remedy for sore throat, helps soothe irritated membranes and clears the throat of mucus. The Mayo Clinic recommends mixing 1/2 tsp. salt with 1 cup warm water, gargling for about 30 seconds and then spitting the water out. Adding 1 tsp. lemon juice to the mixture before gargling may also help. The astringent juice helps shrink swollen throat tissue and creates an acidic environment that prevents the spread of viruses and bacteria. Gargle with the solution several times a day as needed for relief.
Pomegranate Gargle
In her book “Jude’s Herbal Home Remedies,” Jude C. Todd recommends making a sore throat gargle from pomegranate rind. Though scientific evidence is lacking, many herbalists believe that pomegranate contains anti-inflammatory and astringent properties that help relieve sore throat and fight bacterial infections. Combine 2 tbsp. dried, grated pomegranate rind and 2 cups of water in a saucepan, bring to a boil and reduce heat to low. Simmer until half the liquid evaporates, strain and add 1/4 cup sugar. Gargle with the liquid several times daily as necessary to relieve your sore throat.
Wheatgrass Juice
Wheatgrass juice, a popular health drink that contains large concentrations of chlorophyll, may help reduce sore throat pain, according to the Reader’s Digest Association. In the book “1,801 Home Remedies,” the editors of Reader’s Digest recommend gargling with the juice a few times a day when suffering from a sore throat. For the best results, use freshly squeezed wheatgrass juice when possible. While no scientific proof exists to support the use of wheatgrass for treating sore throat, strong anecdotal evidence suggests it may be worth a try if you already have it on hand.
