Sore Throat Home Remedies

A sore throat can really spoil your plans and if it comes with a cough, it can be really painful. Fortunately there are some great home remedies, to ease the symptoms of a sore throat, while your body recovers.

The types of sore throats

There are 2 kinds of sore throats, those caused by viral infection and those caused by bacterial infection. A bacterial infection can be cured by antibiotics, while only time gets rid of a viral infection.

What to eat

Eat some vitamin C rich food and Garlic. These foods can help your body fight the disease. Also keep taking fluids as this kind of infection can dehydrate you and that will make you feel terrible.

Russian remedy - Mix 1 tablespoon of pure horseradish, 1 teaspoon honey, 1 teaspoon ground cloves in a glass of warm water. You have to keep stirring it, as the horseradish sinks to the bottom.

Take some aspirin - Aspirin is a mild pain reliever, so that can help with the discomfort.

Steam open your head - In severe cases you can pour some very hot water into a basin. Hold your head over it and drape a towel over your head and the basin. Inhale deeply through your mouth and nose for 5 to 10 minutes.

Throat wrap - Take 1 tablespoon of dried chamomile flowers add it to one cup of boiling water. Let it steep for 5 minutes then strain it. Now soak a clean cloth in the mix. Apply the cloth directly to your throat.

When is gargling useful

Gargling only works if the infection is high in your throat. So, if it is painful when you swallow, you should try gargling. If it only hurts when you cough, then the problem is too low down.

Salt Water - Mix 1 teaspoon of table salt with half a liter of warm water. That's just about as salt as your blood and is very soothing.

Chamomile tea - Steep 1 teaspoon of dried chamomile in a mug of warm water. Let it cool to room temperature, then gargle with it.

Whiskey - Ad a spoon full of whiskey to a large glass and gargle with that. It numbs a sore throat.

Mix lemon juice and honey into hot tea or plain hot water. Sip the mix throughout the day.

Once your sore throat has gone away, throw out your toothbrush. The virus or bacteria can hide in there and reinfect you a couple of weeks later.