[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/12\/sore-throat-relief-home-remedies\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/12\/sore-throat-relief-home-remedies\/","headline":"Home Remedies for Sore Throats","name":"Home Remedies for Sore Throats","description":"For sore throat relief, head to your kitchen for natural home remedies. Learn more about these methods and discover the good science behind these cures!","datePublished":"2014-12-07","dateModified":"2023-06-14","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/urgent-care","name":"Urgent Care","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/urgent-care","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/urgent-care\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/sore-throat-relief-head-kitchen.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/sore-throat-relief-head-kitchen.jpg","height":325,"width":754},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/12\/sore-throat-relief-home-remedies\/","about":["Living and Wellness"],"wordCount":1110,"keywords":["American Medical Association","antibiotics","cayenne pepper","chicken noodle soup","chicken soup","fever","gargle","herbal tea","home remedies","honey","medicine","natural remedies","Popsicle","saltwater gargle","sore throat","sore throats","swallow","swallowing"],"articleBody":"Does your throat feel like razor blades? You may be familiar with the signs \u2014 a scratchy feeling in the back of your throat\u202for trouble swallowing. Those are some of the most common symptoms associated with\u202fsore throats, a common health complaint. Sore throats can be very painful and often are the first sign of a cold, the flu, or another illness. And many different things can cause them: viruses, bacteria, allergies, or even smoke.\u00a0Although sore throats can be painful, they are treatable. And even some of Grandma\u2019s trusted home remedies for sore throat relief have real science behind them.\u00a0Whenever it hurts to swallow, we\u2019re tempted to call the family doctor for a prescription. But the American Medical Association says that viruses are the cause of the majority of sore throats, making antibiotics ineffective.\u00a0So, do what Grandma did: Instead of reaching into the\u202fmedicine cabinet, head to your kitchen for natural, quick relief. You\u2019d be surprised at just how many effective home remedies are already hiding in your pantry or refrigerator.\u00a0What Causes a Sore Throat?\u00a0Sore throats are common, and may be a mere symptom of another condition. The typical sore throat goes away in about ten days. If you are experiencing a sore throat it may be a sign of one of the following:\u00a0Common cold\u00a0Flu\u00a0Strep throat\u00a0Sinus infection\u00a0Allergies\u00a0Remember that the common cold or the flu are viral infections that will resolve themselves in about two weeks if treated properly. If your sore throat lasts longer than ten days or if you experience a difficulty swallowing or breathing, you should contact your doctor.\u00a0Sore Throat Home Remedies\u00a0 Saltwater gargleBecause salt kills bacteria, a saltwater gargle is a favorite natural remedy. Just mix a teaspoon of salt with 8 ounces of warm water (the warmest you can tolerate), gargle for 30 seconds, then spit it out.\u00a0 Baking sodaThe antibacterial qualities of baking soda can have a health benefit, too. Mix baking soda with warm water and gargle for 30 seconds before spitting. You can add salt, too.\u00a0 Cayenne pepper.For a real kick, try gargling with cayenne pepper, which breaks up and moves the mucus in your throat. Add a healthy pinch of cayenne pepper to warm water and mix well. Don\u2019t swallow, though, to avoid upsetting your stomach.\u00a0 Breathing steam.Steam can open a stuffy nose and reduce mucus drainage into your throat.\u00a0Create your own \u201cpersonal steamer\u201d by pouring very hot (not boiling) water into a bowl. You can even add some aromatic herbs like oregano, crystallized ginger, or lavender from your spice rack.\u00a0Cover your head with a towel and lean in over the water, breathing deeply. You can also reap similar benefits by breathing in the steam while taking a long, hot shower.\u00a0 Hot herbal tea.The antioxidants found in herbal tea \u2014 with the added\u202fantibacterial properties of honey\u202f\u2014 help promote good health while delivering soothing relief to your\u202fsore throat.\u00a0NOTE: Honey should never be given to children under 1 year of age.\u00a0And a big bowl of\u202fchicken noodle soup\u202freally does much more than warm you up. Scientists have found that chicken soup has anti-inflammatory properties that help ease infections and loosen mucus. And, when swallowing is painful, soup is an important source of nutrition and\u202fhydration\u202f\u2014 both of which are key to faster healing.\u00a0Another option is a Hot Toddy, a drink consisting of a small amount of whisky, spices, honey, and mostly hot water. The whisky can thin out mucus as well as dilate the blood vessels of the throat to encourage white blood cells to fight the infection. Be sure to use only a small amount of whisky as too much can lead to dehydration.\u00a0 Peppermint.Peppermint has antibacterial, antiviral, and antioxidant qualities\u202fthat make it a remedy for illnesses of the mouth and throat. It\u2019s the source of menthol, a primary ingredient in cough drops and other medicines. Try drinking peppermint tea, or using peppermint oil in topical, spray, or capsule form.\u00a0Something cool.While savoring your favorite Popsicle\u00ae flavor may not have direct medicinal benefits, there\u2019s no denying its soothing effect on a sore throat. Ice chips, ice cream, and frozen fruit also help to reduce inflammation and provide temporary sore throat relief.\u00a0 Apple cider vinegar.Another option is to mix one part apple cider vinegar to two parts water. Apple Cider Vinegar is known to help fight inflammation in the body and might assist with easing the pain of a sore throat. For added relief consider mixing in honey as well.\u00a0When to See Your Doctor\u00a0A scratchy or irritated sore throat usually isn\u2019t cause for alarm. Most sore throats caused by colds or the flu go away in 10 days or fewer.\u00a0However, you should see a doctor if any of the following apply to you:\u00a0Severe sore throat pain lasting more than a few days\u00a0Difficulty breathing or swallowing\u00a0White spots or pus in the back of the throat, or red and swollen tonsils\u00a0A red rash that feels like sandpaper\u00a0Swollen, tender glands in the neck\u00a0Fever of 101 degrees or higher\u00a0Have a sore throat and have been around someone recently diagnosed with strep throat\u00a0Most sore throats are caused by viruses. However, bacteria can cause\u202fstrep throat, which can bring on a sudden, severe sore throat.\u00a0While strep shares common symptoms with other sore throats,\u202fthere are differences. Strep throat usually lasts longer. It doesn\u2019t usually come with a cough, as many sore throats do. You also may develop a fever, vomiting, lack of appetite, and red tonsils or white spots in the back of your throat. A swab test by your doctor can confirm whether you have strep.\u00a0Sore Throat Prevention\u00a0A sore throat is one of the most common illnesses, especially during cold and flu season. However, there are ways you can try to prevent one:\u00a0Wash your hands: Properly and frequently washing your hands is one of the best prevention methods for many illnesses. Washing your hands kills germs that can cause many different diseases. Use soap and water and scrub for 20 seconds, or use a hand sanitizer that\u2019s at least 60 percent alcohol. Don\u2019t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.\u00a0Avoid people who are sick: Stay out of close contact with people who have sore throats, colds, or other respiratory infections.\u00a0Don\u2019t smoke: Smoking can irritate your throat, which can cause a sore throat.\u00a0Feeling under the weather? Visit a UPMC Urgent Care\u00a0location near you.Editor's Note: This article was originally published on December 7, 2014, and was last reviewed on June 14, 2023."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2014","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"12","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/\/12\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Home Remedies for Sore Throats","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/12\/sore-throat-relief-home-remedies\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]