Read my list of of natural remedies for a sore throat and find out what works and why it works.
- Good old-fashioned saltwater—gargle and reduce the inflammation that can cause or worsen a sore throat
This works wonders! And is about as natural as it comes: Salt is sodium chloride and clears toxins, reduces inflammation from nasal cavities, and reduces bronchial swelling as well. Saltwater also serves to loosen mucus and helps to reduce pain … and you can mix a teaspoon of salt into 8 to 12 ounces of warm water and gargle, and then swish and spit it out! - Black elderberry—Studies do show that elderberry extract reduces the symptoms and duration of many viruses which can be the cause of many sore throats (think influenza and the many rhinoviruses that exist!); The benefits are usually greatest when started within 24 to 36 hours after symptoms begin. Most physicians would agree that elderberry is not recommended for young children, so please check with your family doctor first.
- Zinc—helps to boost/provide a defense to your immune system and zinc reduces inflammatory markers as well. We know zinc helps to reduce infection and heal wounds … hence, if you can find zinc in a lozenge or liquid form it can actually work at the localized level of where the throat is sore while you are improving … and your immune system is getting stronger.
- Honey—An oldie but a goodie! Honey has a great remedy for a sore throat because it has natural antibacterial properties that help honey not only act as a wound healer but it also helps to coat the area, which in turn, offers pain relief while also working to reduce inflammation … a teaspoon of honey by itself or mixed in a warm glass of water or with hot tea does wonders and is natural! Please remember: We should not give any honey to any children under the age of one due to the risk of botulism, secondary to clostridium bacteria that can be found in honey. This is rare, but believe it or not, most cases of infant botulism are found in the USA.
- Lemon—Loaded with vitamin C, lemons and lemon juice can help boost the immune system. You can mix lemon juice or a squeeze of lemon into warm water, and lemons also serve as a mucolytic, which means they break up mucus and can numb some pain of a sore throat.
- NAC—N-acetylcysteine is a supplement form of cysteine; NAC dramatically reduces viral symptoms and can also act as a mucolytic, which means that the NAC breaks up mucus, which can often be the cause of a sore throat, especially as it relates to postnasal drip.
If you you do not see improvements, make an appointment with Dr. Connor.