With 92 percent of the air in circulation contaminated, our body constantly fights bacteria and whatnot, our immune system kicking in and throwing tantrums when it can take no more. Sore Throat is one of those tantrums.
A sore throat can be very discomforting as much as it is negligible. Sore Throat is the response of your immune system to viral or bacterial infections, the response causes inflammation and swelling of the mucous membranes in the throat.
The most common type of sore throat (pharyngitis) is a viral infection brought on by a cold or the flu, which typically goes away with little or no effort. Some other types of sore throat require Antibiotics or more advanced treatment to prevent complications.
The primary symptom of sore throat is throat pain, other symptoms of sore throat may vary such as burning sensation, itchiness, dry and tender throat. It is usually accompanied by a hoarse voice and pain while swallowing.
While sore throat might not be a cause for alarm or hospital visit, it can be severe, we hope these home remedies help.
Lemon water
Lemon waters are known for many things, it also contains vitamin C and compounds that can relieve the pains of a sore throat. Lemon water contains antioxidants and also increases the amount of saliva you produce, which helps keep your mucous membranes moist.
Apart from the healing properties of lemon water, it can also serve as a refreshing tea to help the bouts of flu or cold that ushered in the sore throat.
To maximize the benefits of lemon water, its best combined with warm water, honey, or saltwater.
Saltwater gargle
This is an age-long sore throat home remedy, it is common across the globe. It is a go-to- remedy for toothache, saltwater gargle helps with the killing of microbes in the mouth. It helps reduce swelling by pulling bacterias out of your throat tissue.
To use the saltwater gargle: Combine 1 cup of warm water with 1 teaspoon of salt and stir to dissolve. Gargle with a mouthful of this mixture for 30 seconds, once per hour.
Ginger root tea
Ginger is a common house spice for cooking with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects that sometimes help alleviate throat pains. According to one study, a ginger extract was applied to throat swabs from someone infected by respiratory tract infections and it killed some of the bacterias.
Processed ginger root tea can be found in stores or prepared locally.
Apple cider vinegar
This is a fermented liquid made from crushed apples, from numerous research it has been proven that Apple Cider Vinegar contains antibacterials that can help fight infections.
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Apple cider vinegar helps with sore throats caused by bacteria, it might not cure it totally but it eases the pain. It can be taken as tea or gargled.
Honey
In most home remedies for sore throat, honey is a constant combination. Apart from serving as a sweetener for these home remedies, it is very effective in helping fight infections and providing pain relief.
Honey may not be given to children under 2 years as their bodies are not yet fit to fight off germs.
Peppermint tea
Like the other remedies, peppermint leaves contain anti-inflammatory compounds and helps to ease the throat.
Peppermint leaves are naturally sweet with no need for sweeteners, it is also caffeine-free.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a herbal spice that contains an antioxidant compound with an antibacterial benefit.
You can add cinnamon to your herbal/green tea to help soothe your throat pain and fight infections.
Licorice root
This is not common in Nigeria but you can get it online. Licorice is a plant native to Europe and South Asia, it has been in use for ages to treat several disorders.
Licorice root has aspirin-like qualities and may help soothe a sore throat when gargled or consumed as tea.
Chicken Pepper Soup
A spicy chicken pepper soup will go a long way to help your throat pain, might be a bit scratchy at first. It serves as comfort food that affords you the necessary fluids needed when sick, it is also a natural remedy for cold and flu. Adding garlic makes it better.
While all these home remedies are effective, if your symptoms persist we strongly advise that you go see a doctor as COVID-19 is still very much in circulation.
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