Don’t just rinse your mouth out with the saltwater - gargle it. Tip your head back and make sure it hits the back of your throat, since that’s the part that’s inflamed. Gargle for about 30 seconds before spitting out the rinse. You can gargle salt water up to 3 times per day. Using the rinse more often could end up drying out the mucous membranes too much, leading to increased irritation. Try adding a drop of bergamot essential oil to the salt water to soothe your throat even more. [2] X Expert Source Andrea Rudominer, MD, MPHBoard Certified Pediatrician & Integrative Medicine Doctor Expert Interview. 6 May 2020.
Use a solution of 3% hydrogen peroxide. This should be clear on the label of the bottle you buy. Hydrogen peroxide has a bitter taste. You can add a little honey to the mixture to make it easier to rinse if you’d like. [3] X Research source The hydrogen peroxide may bubble in your mouth–that’s normal.
Melt 1 tablespoon of beeswax in a double boiler Stir in 1/2 cup coconut oil. Add 10 drops of peppermint oil Pour the mixture into a glass container and let it cool before using.
Mix 1/2 teaspoon mustard seed powder and 1 tablespoon of flour. Add enough water to make a thick paste. Spread the mixture onto a paper towel. Sandwich the paper towel between two clean pieces of cotton, such as dish cloths. Place the plaster on your throat and chest, making sure the mustard mixture never actually touches your skin. Leave it in place for 15 minutes, or until the skin becomes warm and rosy.
Aspirin is associated with a rare condition called Reye’s syndrome, so be cautious when you give it to children and teens. You might try sucking on a small aspirin tablet (81. 5mg) for relief. This dosage does not increase risk of Reye’s syndrome. Children and teenagers recovering from the flu or chickenpox should never be given aspirin. In general, children should not be given aspirin unless there is no other medication available. Alternatives like tylenol work just fine.
Make a soothing, healthful drink by adding 1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper and 1 teaspoon honey to 1 cup of boiling water. Let the mixture cool, then sip it slowly. If you’re very sensitive to hot peppers, reduce the amount of cayenne to 1/8 teaspoon or less. Honey should not be given to children under the age of 1, as it has been known to give babies botulism. [7] X Research source If you swap out the cayenne for one ounce of whiskey and add some extra lemon, this drink becomes a hot toddy.
Chamomile tea is widely available in supermarkets. Check the ingredients and choose a box made with pure chamomile flowers, or one in which chamomile is one of the main ingredients. Follow the instructions to brew your tea. Add a spoonful of honey and a squeeze of lemon (an astringent that helps to shrink swollen tissue) to make your tea even more beneficial.
Make a savory garlic broth to ease your throat irritation by peeling and crushing 2 garlic cloves and pouring a cup of boiling water over them. Add a pinch of salt to make the drink even more beneficial for your throat. If you love the taste of garlic, you can receive the same benefits by simply peeling a clove, crushing it, and sucking on it for a few minutes. If you aren’t a fan of garlic’s distinct taste and smell, try taking garlic tablets instead.
To make a delicious drink, mix 1 tablespoon licorice root and 1/2 tablespoon cinnamon with 2 cups of cold water in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then let it simmer for 10 minutes. Strain into a cup and enjoy. Stir in some honey or a squeeze of lemon to make the drink even more healthful.
Peel and chop about 1 inch (2. 5 cm) of fresh ginger root. Place it in a mug and pour a cup of boiling water over it. Let the drink steep for 3 minutes, then strain and enjoy. You can add honey, lemon or a dash of cayenne to taste.
Be sure to make the soup from scratch, or buy it from a place that makes it from scratch from a fresh chicken. Chicken soup from a can isn’t likely to have the same health benefits as soup made with a fresh chicken. If you want, you can strain out the solids and just drink the broth.
When you feel the first pricks of a sore throat coming on, take it easy for the rest of the day. Get plenty of fluids, eat healthy meals and stay in for the night instead of going out. You might need to take a day off of work or school to let your body rest. If that’s not possible, find times during the day to take a nap or at least be still for 15 minutes.
If you decide to take a warm bath, add some herbs or essential oils to the tub. Try a few drops of peppermint or eucalyptus oil to help soothe your throat the same way a vapor rub would. If you just want a quick steam, but not a bath, close the door to your bathroom and run the water at its hottest until it produces steam. Stand or sit in the bathroom and breathe the steam for 5 to 10 minutes. You could also do a quick facial steam by bringing a pot of water to a boil on the stove. Turn off the heat, drape a towel over your head and put your face over the pot, letting the steam bathe your nose and throat.
Be sure not to scald your skin. The water shouldn’t be so hot that it hurts when you apply the cloth to your throat. You could also use a hot water bottle for a longer application.
Chemical perfumes, such as those found in cleaning supplies, air freshener, body spray, scented candles, and other scented items around the house. Cleaning products like bleach, window cleaner and detergents. Smoke from cigarettes and other sources. Allergens, like dust, cat dander or hair, mold, pollen, and anything else you might be allergic to.
If you can’t stay home, try wearing a mask around your nose and mouth. Avoid coughing on others, and cover your mouth when talking near another person. It’s best to stand as far away from others as possible. Even if you’re only experiencing the first signs of a sore throat, you should avoid kissing and hugging other people.
Difficulty swallowing Joint pain Earache Rash A lump in your neck A fever over 101 °F (38 °C) Blood in your phlegm Red, inflamed tonsils or pus spots when you shine a light on the back of your throat A very bad taste in your mouth
