BestHealthTactics

People get sore throats for all sorts of reasons. They may have yelled too much during a sporting event, developed allergies with post nasal drip, talked too much, or been around people who smoke. Whatever the reason, many people want to know how to soothe a sore throat naturally.

Sore throats are caused by inflammation to the back of the throat. Generally it’s more a nuisance than anything, but it can develop into something more serious. Dryness, burning in the throat, painful swallowing, and hoarseness are often associated with sore throats. They can be caused by bacterial of viral infections and be part of the common cold or flu, as well as more serious diseases such as mumps, measles, and tonsillitis.

Sure, you can purchase sore throat lozenges or sprays to help a sore throat feel better, but why spend the money when there are a number of options you can try from the comfort of your own home. These tried and true natural remedies may be right at hand, as the ingredients are commonly found in most homes.

Gargling with lemon juice in water is one of the most common home remedies for dealing with sore throats. The juice acts as an astringent which helps shrink the swollen tissues in the throat. It also creates a hostile environment for bacteria and viruses to live, much less thrive. Mix a teaspoon of lemon juice into a cup of water. Fresh lemon juice is best, but pre-squeezed lemon juice you can find in the store will work just as well. To make the gargle better, use warm water. It will soothe the throat as well as provide the above benefits.

Some people were told to gargle with warm salt water as a child when they had the first sign of a sore throat. This practice has been debated due to some concerns about further damage being caused to already irritated tissues. The consensus seems to be more recently that gargling with warm salt water is still a good idea. Add 1/4 teaspoon of salt to a cup of warm water and then gargle. TO kill even more germs, add a tablespoon of Listerine to the mixture.

You may also want to try a gargle made with hot water, powdered ginger, lemon juice, and honey. The ginger has anti-inflammatory properties, and honey is a natural antibiotic. Add the astringent properties of the lemons and you have the perfect sore throat gargle. Add one teaspoon each or powdered ginger and honey to 1/2 cup hot water and the juice of 1/2 lemon. Of course, you may want to use the same ingredients in tea, instead.

Cooler weather often brings sore throats for young and old alike. Learning how to soothe a sore throat naturally can not only solve your sore throat problems, but it can also save you money. There’s a reason people have been using these tried-and-true remedies for sore throats – they’ve been proven to work. Why not try one of these remedies the next time your throat feels sore?

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