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A sore throat is often one of the first signs that you’re coming down with a cold. Swallowing, eating and even talking can become painful if your sore throat isn’t addressed. There are many natural remedies that can not only take the painful edge off but also help with healing. As a bonus, many of these remedies also work for coughs, because they tackle the underlying viral infection that’s likely the culprit behind your symptoms. The next time you feel a sore throat coming on, consider these natural remedies:
1. Hydrogen Peroxide — Pour a capful of 3% hydrogen peroxide in each ear. This works remarkably well at resolving respiratory infections, like colds and flu. You will hear some bubbling, which is completely normal, and possibly feel a slight stinging sensation. Wait until the bubbling and stinging subside (usually 5 to 10 minutes), then drain onto a tissue and repeat with the other ear.
2. Vitamin C — Foods high in vitamin C include kiwi, citrus fruits, red bell peppers, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, butternut squash, papaya, sweet potatoes, and tomatoes.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar — The antibacterial properties in apple cider vinegar may be useful for sore throats. Gargle with a mixture of about one-third cup of apple cider vinegar mixed with warm water, as needed.
4. Raw Garlic and Oil of Oregano — Garlic is packed with immune-boosting, anti-microbial compounds that may fight off viruses. Take a clove or two and chew them, letting the juice get into the back of your throat, then swallow. You can do the same with oil of oregano.
5. Lemons — You can use lemons multiple ways to soothe a sore throat. Try cutting a lemon in half and sprinkling it with natural unprocessed salt and black pepper, or making a potent "lemonade" out of fresh lemon juice, water, stevia, and cayenne pepper (this will help promote detoxification too).
6. Herbal Remedies — Herbs such as eucalyptus, peppermint, anise, slippery elm, and fennel (and their oils) act as cough suppressants. Sipping an herbal tea or using the essential oils (in a diffuser or hot compress for instance) may help relieve your cough, while Echinacea and sage may relieve a sore throat.
7. Licorice Root — Gargling with licorice root may soothe your throat. Look for it in liquid extract form, which has been shown to lead to less severe post-operative sore throat.
8. Raw Honey — Raw honey has antiviral and antibacterial properties, and may also boost your immune system.
9. Chicken Soup — Chicken soup made with homemade bone broth is excellent for speeding healing and recuperation from illness. In addition to the anti-inflammatory benefits of bone broth, chicken contains a natural amino acid called cysteine, which can thin the mucus in your lungs and make it less sticky so you can expel it more easily. Keep in mind that processed, canned soups will not work as well as the homemade version made from slow-cooked bone broth. If combating a cold, make the soup hot and spicy with plenty of pepper.
10. Salt Water — One of the simplest ways to soothe a sore throat is to gargle with natural salt, which helps kill bacteria, ease sore throat pain, and prevents upper respiratory tract infections. Try a solution of one-half teaspoon salt in one-half cup of warm water.