A sore throat is typically not a sign of a serious illness, but that doesn't make it an easier ailment to endure. The best way to get rid of the feeling of itchiness, irritation or dryness is to constantly take in an adequate amount of fluids. Water is certainly the most important fluid, but there are also other solutions to soften the throat, such as an infusion of honey and cayenne pepper, an infusion of garlic or chamomile: they all contain ingredients with beneficial properties that help to soothe the pain and to heal faster. Throat sprays and lozenges are also effective for reducing discomfort and relieving pain, just as steam treatments are great solutions to soothe irritation and relax so you can sleep better. If you are willing to try all sorts of remedies to get rid of throat irritation, read on.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Rinses, Ointments and Sprays
Step 1. Gargle with salt water
This is one of the oldest remedies to cure a sore throat and it works like magic. When you have pain in your throat, the mucous membranes are swollen and inflamed, causing pain and irritation. The salt absorbs the water present on the mucous membranes, thus reducing discomfort and helping you to feel better. To make the solution, combine half a teaspoon of salt in 240ml of hot water.
- You don't have to just rinse your mouth with salt water - you have to do some real gargle. Tilt your head back and make sure the solution reaches the deepest part of the throat, as it is the most inflamed. Gargle for about 30 seconds before spitting out the liquid.
- You can proceed with this remedy 3 times a day. If you repeat the procedure more often you run the risk of dehydrating the mucous membranes, increasing the sensation of irritation.
Step 2. Make a rinse solution with hydrogen peroxide
This substance has a mild antiseptic power and can soothe discomfort due to throat irritation. You can find it easily in pharmacies and supermarkets. To rinse, follow the instructions on the package, which generally recommend diluting a capful of hydrogen peroxide in 240 ml of water. Put the solution in your mouth and rinse the entire mouth, trying to reach even the deepest part of the throat. After a minute he spits out the mixture.
- Use 3% hydrogen peroxide solution; it should be well indicated on the packaging you buy.
- Hydrogen peroxide tastes rather bitter. If you prefer, you can add a little honey to the solution to tolerate the taste.
- Hydrogen peroxide may react by making bubbles in your mouth - this is normal.
Step 3. Use the Vicks vapoRub
It is an ointment that contains decongestant elements, such as mint or menthol, which soothe the throat and reduce cough. These active ingredients are mixed with petroleum jelly to create a conditioner. You can buy the product in pharmacies and parapharmacies. Apply some on the throat and chest to make breathing easier and calm coughs. If you prefer, you can also make an ointment with similar properties yourself by following these steps:
- Melt 1 tablespoon of beeswax in a double boiler.
- Add 120ml of coconut oil.
- Incorporate 10 drops of peppermint oil.
- Pour the mixture into a glass container and wait for it to cool before using it.
Step 4. Make a mustard poultice
This is an old home remedy that relieves a sore throat and relieves congestion. It is mainly used in case of a deep cough and when the pain also extends to the chest. Chopped mustard is believed to warm the chest and throat, thereby increasing blood circulation in these areas.
- Mix 1/2 teaspoon of powdered mustard seeds with 1 tablespoon of flour. Add enough water to make a paste.
- Spread the mixture on a paper towel and insert it between two pieces of cotton fabric, such as tea towels, as if it were a "sandwich".
- Apply the poultice to your throat and chest, making sure the mixture never touches your skin directly.
- Leave it in place for 15 minutes or until the skin starts to get warm and pink.
Step 5. Use throat sprays or lozenges
Both of these products contain substances that reduce discomfort and open the nasal passages. Look for honey-based lozenges that also contain menthol or mint. Optionally, you can also choose medical sprays or candies, which have a slight anesthetic property and numb the area a little, reducing the sensation of pain.
Step 6. Take some pain relievers
NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as ibuprofere or acetaminophen can soothe the inflammation that causes pain in the throat. Make sure you do not exceed the dose indicated in the leaflet.
- Aspirin has been linked to a rare but serious condition known as Reye's syndrome, so you should avoid giving it to children and teens.
- Children and teenagers who are recovering from the flu or chickenpox should never take aspirin.
- In general, children shouldn't take aspirin; only if you have no other medications available. Alternatives such as Tachipirina are fine, however.
Part 2 of 3: Soothing Liquids
Step 1. Make a honey and cayenne pepper drink
Honey is an important ingredient to add to herbal teas and other drinks you can make when you have a sore throat. Studies have found that people have used it for centuries because it protects the mucous membranes in the throat and soothes inflammation, as well as reducing coughs. Cayenne pepper is another element with calming properties against sore throats, as it contains capsaicin, a natural substance that reduces pain.
- To make this soothing and beneficial drink, add half a teaspoon of cayenne pepper powder and 1 tablespoon of honey to 240ml of boiling water. Wait for it to cool down a bit and sip it slowly.
- If you are sensitive to hot pepper, reduce the amount to a pinch.
- Babies under one year of age should not take honey, as it can cause infant botulism.
- If you want a cayenne pepper alternative, you can add 30ml of whiskey and some lemon to make a drink called Hot Toddy.
Step 2. Drink chamomile tea
Scientific studies have found that chamomile, a floral herb with a fragrant taste, has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for sore throats and colds, as it contains elements that can fight infection and relax the skin. muscles. Make an infusion and drink a few cups of it every day to soothe the pain in the throat and to help the whole body relax. It is particularly recommended before going to sleep, as it promotes better sleep.
- You can easily find it in all supermarkets. Read the ingredients and choose the product that contains pure chamomile flowers or the one that indicates this plant as the main ingredient. Follow the instructions on the label to prepare the infusion.
- Add a spoonful of honey and a squeeze of lemon (which has astringent properties and helps reduce tissue swelling) to benefit even more from the herbal tea.
Step 3. Try garlic infusion
This plant is known for its antiseptic and antibacterial properties, so it helps fight infection and strengthen the immune system. While there is no scientific evidence to show its therapeutic benefits, many holistic doctors recommend it for soothing a sore throat and fighting airway infection.
- To do this, prepare a strong-flavored tea by peeling and crushing 2 cloves of garlic to add to a cup of boiling water. Dissolve a pinch of salt to give the drink more beneficial properties.
- If you love the strong flavor of garlic, you can get the same benefits by simply peeling and mashing cloves and holding them in your mouth for a few minutes.
- If you don't like it, try the pads.
Step 4. Drink cinnamon and licorice tea
Licorice contains chemicals that help soothe throat pain by softening mucous membranes and reducing swelling. Licorice-flavored candies don't contain enough of these beneficial compounds, so it's best to make an infusion by taking the dried roots of the plant. Cinnamon, on the other hand, has antibacterial properties and combines nicely with the aroma of licorice.
- To make a delicious drink, mix 1 tablespoon of licorice root with half a tablespoon of cinnamon and add them to a saucepan with 480ml of water. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it simmer for 10 minutes. Strain it by pouring it into a cup and enjoy it.
- Add some honey or a squeeze of lemon to make the drink even healthier.
Step 5. Drink some water with ginger
You probably already know the properties of this spice against stomach ailments, but did you know that it is also an excellent remedy for a sore throat? In fact, it helps to open the sinuses and clear the nose and throat, as well as acting as an anti-inflammatory. For best results, be sure to use fresh ginger, not ground or ground ginger.
Peel and cut about 2.5 cm of fresh ginger root. Put it in a cup and pour 240ml of boiling water over it. Leave it to infuse for 3 minutes, then strain it and enjoy it. You can add honey, lemon, or a pinch of cayenne pepper if you prefer
Step 6. Make some chicken stock
If you want a different flavored solution to relieve your sore throat, you can try the "old grandmother's remedy" by making yourself a chicken broth. Recent scientific studies have found that this liquid actually contains ingredients that help reduce infections and open the nasal passages; it is not just an old popular belief. Because it contains a lot of nutrients, chicken broth is also a great option if you're not very hungry but want to get nutrients.
- If you want a really healthy product, you need to make the broth from scratch or buy it where you know it is made with fresh meat. If you buy ready-made canned one, know that it doesn't provide you with the same nutrients you need to heal at your best.
- If you wish, you can avoid eating the solid part and only drink the broth.
Part 3 of 3: Taking Care of Your Body
Step 1. Drink lots of water
Water helps the body heal and keep a sore throat moist. Try to drink lukewarm water, which is more suitable for fighting inflammation, as cold water can do more harm than good.
Step 2. Get plenty of rest
If you get up very early in the morning and go to bed late at night to do all your daily chores, your body doesn't have enough time to rest well. If you don't want your sore throat to worsen and turn into a flu or cold, you need to take time each night to rest and try to sleep well.
- When you feel the first hints of a sore throat, don't make any plans for the rest of the day. Drink plenty of fluids, eat healthy meals, and stay indoors at night instead of going out.
- You should also take a day off from work or school to allow your body to rest. However, if this is not possible, at least find time during the day to take a nap of at least 15 minutes.
Step 3. Take a hot bath or shower
The steam that forms with the heat of the water keeps the dry and irritated throat moist and soothes both physical pain and congestion. Breathe in the vapor through your nose and mouth trying to get it in depth.
- If you decide to take a hot bath, you can add herbs or essential oils to the tub. Try putting in a few drops of peppermint or eucalyptus oil to soothe the discomfort, these ingredients work just like a balsamic ointment.
- If you want to create steam without taking a bath, close the door to the room and turn on the water tap until it reaches a temperature sufficient to create steam. Stay in the room and breathe in the steam for 5-10 minutes.
- You can also make fumigations by placing your face over a pot of boiling water. Boil water on the stove, turn off the heat, take a towel to cover your head and place your face right above the pot, letting the steam enter your nose and throat.
Step 4. Turn on a humidifier
If the air in your home is particularly dry, it can be harmful to your throat, especially when it is sore. This tool creates moisture in the air and makes it gentler on the mucous membranes, accelerating the healing process. The humidifier is particularly useful in the winter months, when the air tends to be drier than usual.
Step 5. Apply a warm compress to your throat
Sometimes a little heat on the painful area gives better results than other remedies. Run a little boiling water on a cloth, squeeze it to remove excess moisture, fold it and rest it on your throat until it gets cold. The heat increases blood circulation to the area and helps reduce swelling somewhat.
- Make sure you don't get burned. The water shouldn't be too hot to burn you when you apply the cloth over your throat.
- If you want to keep the heat on the area for a long time, you can use a hot water bottle.
Step 6. Avoid exposing yourself to irritants
Make sure your home environment is free of chemicals that can aggravate the situation. In fact, when you breathe and inhale aggressive chemical vapors you can cause swelling and a feeling of irritation in the throat. Free your home air from the following irritants:
- Chemical flavors such as those found in cleaning products, air fresheners and body fresheners, scented candles and other similar items.
- Cleaning products such as bleach, window cleaner and other cleaning solutions.
- Cigarette smoke and smoke from other sources.
- Allergens, such as cat dust, dandruff or dandruff, mold, pollen, and anything else you are allergic to.
Step 7. Stay away from others
Your sore throat could be contagious, so stay home to avoid infecting others if possible. One student who coughs is enough for the whole class to fall ill.
- If you can't stay at home, wear a protective mask. Avoid coughing on others and cover your mouth when talking to someone. It is best to stay as far away from other people as possible.
- Even if you are in the early stages of symptoms of a sore throat, you should avoid kissing and hugging someone.
Step 8. Know when to see your doctor
If your sore throat doesn't go away after a few days and new symptoms arise, you need to make an appointment with your doctor to make sure it's not some more serious condition than a common cold. You may also have a bacterial or viral infection (such as pharyngitis, chickenpox, flu, or other infections) that cannot be cured without proper medical treatment. If you experience the following symptoms, see your doctor as soon as possible:
- Difficulty in breathing or swallowing
- Articolar pains
- Otalgia
- Skin rashes
- Nodules in the neck
- Fever over 38 ° C
- Blood in the phlegm
- Inflamed tonsils or pus spots in the back of the throat
- Bad taste in the mouth
Advice
- If you have a sore throat for more than 5 days, you need to see your doctor. You may have inflammation, tonsillitis, a strep infection, or other types of throat conditions.
- Take a long hot shower to release muscle tension, increase blood circulation, and loosen mucus in the nasal passages and throat.
- If you often have a stuffy nose, be sure to blow it gently, one nostril at a time, rather than holding the mucus, otherwise you won't be able to rid your body of phlegm in the airways.
- Do not eat sugar because it irritates the already aching throat even more.
- Make yourself a very hot herbal tea and, before drinking it, put your face over the cup to inhale the steam until it reaches a suitable temperature to be able to drink it.
- Use only the minimum amount of each specific ingredient, if you overdo it you could irritate your throat.
- Gargle with coconut oil and warm water (you can add some honey, ginger, or lemon).
- When taking a hot shower, try to inhale and exhale the warm, humid air that is created in the room. This also produces a small soothing effect.
- I use the nasal spray! It is very effective if you have rhinorrhea.
- Rest your voice and don't speak!
- Apply a warm oatmeal compress to your throat for real benefit.
- If you have recurring sore throats, replace your toothbrush, otherwise you could get infected again, as germs can continue to live on the bristles as well.
- Eat citrus fruits such as oranges or pomegranates to increase your vitamin C intake.
- Mix honey and lime in boiling water and drink the mixture. If you can, avoid going to school to avoid stress. Stay in bed and do your homework in advance for that day so you don't have to worry too much. Watch movies on television and deal with things calmly.
- Do not scream, because you may aggravate the situation, you need to rest your throat and not strain it. Drink warm beverages and regularly suck on balsamic candies or throat lozenges.
Warnings
- In most cases, a sore throat, even if annoying, is a fairly common ailment. However, if it lasts over time or recurs frequently, it can be a sign of some more serious condition. If the discomfort is painful and does not improve within a few days, you should see your doctor. He can swab your throat by simply rubbing a cotton swab into the back of your throat to check for strep bacteria.
- If you experience neck stiffness and muscle aches do not hesitate to contact your doctor, as you may have the flu.
