8 Natural Ways to Soothe a Sore Throat

In about 90 percent of cases, a sore throat doesn’t require a trip to the doctor (or antibiotics to treat it). Most often, they’re related to allergies, viruses (such as a cold virus), dry weather or even acid reflux. Still, a painful, scratchy throat can make eating, talking and sleeping through the night difficult. The next time a sore throat strikes, don’t simply suffer through it. Be prepared with some of these tried-and-true natural remedies that really work to soothe a sore throat. 8. Eat Raw Garlic It’s not the most pleasant solution, but crushing a garlic clove or two (this activates its active compound, allicin) and eating it provides your body with a flood of immune-boosting, anti-microbial compounds that can help fight the infection causing your sore throat. 7. Licorice Root Licorice root is a traditional remedy for sore throat in both Easten and Western medicine.Try gargling with it in liquid extract form, as research shows those who did so prior to surgery had less severe post-operative sore throat. 6. Echinacea/Sage Sore Throat Spray Research shows an echinacea/sage throat spray worked just as well as a chlorhexidine/lidocaine spray in relieving symptoms of sore throat in 12-year-olds. Look for one over the counter at a health food store. 5. Get a Humidifier Dry air is an underlying cause of many sore throats, so a small humidifier in your bedroom may make your sore throat disappear. 4. Try Zinc Lozenges Zinc has been shown to reduce the length and severity of the common cold (which is often behind a sore throat), but you have to take it within 24 hours of your first symptoms. Sucking on a lozenge also increases saliva production, which is soothing for your throat. 3. Honey Try a tablespoon of raw honey to soothe and coat your throat. Research shows it can relieve symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection in children, and honey also has antiviral, antibacterial and immune-boosting properties. 2. Eat Chicken Soup Sipping hot chicken soup helps to ease congestion and respiratory tract inflammation, according to researchers at the University of Nebraska. It also contains carnosine, a compound that may stimulate your immune system to help it fight off infections. 1. Gargle with Salt Water Salt kills bacteria, eases sore throat pain and is even an effective tool for preventing upper respiratory tract infections. Try using one-half teaspoon of salt mixed in one-half cup of warm water, and gargling for 30 seconds, three times a day