Natural Remedies for Throat Pain

Having minor or severe throat pain can be a real drag. Although throat pain is normally just a common nuisance associated with the common cold or flu, it is an ailment that most people want to get rid of as quickly as possible. There are several natural remedies for throat pain relief that include plants, herbs and roots that come from the earth. Below are a list of several natural remedies for a nagging throat pain infection.

Lemon water

Lemons contain natural anti-bacterial properties that help alleviate the common sore throat. By adding a squeeze of fresh lemon to your tea or water, you can help alleviate and cure your sore throat efficiently and rapidly. Along with its anti-bacterial properties, the astrigent and acidic juice of a lemon will help shrink the swelling of the throat tissue and create an enviroment where more bacteria won’t want to grow.

Ginger mixed with honey

The combination of mixing freshly peeled ginger with a tablespoon of honey may help alleviate a sore throat. The honey will coat your throat with a soothing shield that will protect against any more bacteria that want to settle in the lining of your throat. Ginger may also act as an analgesic, a natural pain killer. Ginger and honey is an optimal mix for combatting the pain and bacteria associated with minor throat infections.

Tumeric

Try this: Add one cup of hot water, mixed with a teaspoon of salt and a 1/2 teaspoon of tumeric. Tumeric is a potent and powerful spice that includes anti-fungal, antioxidant, and anti-septic properties, all of which are a powerful agent in fighting off a scratchy throat infection. Tumeric also works as an anti-inflammatory and provides fast relief for symptoms like the burning, scratching and intense pain associated with a throat infection.

Salt Water

That old wives tale about gargling with salt water is actually not a myth. Studies show that gargling with salt water can help break down the secretions that are often produced when a person is suffering from a sore throat. If you are experiencing a throat infection, try gargling with water that contains a 1/2 teaspoon of salt three to four times a day. The salt will help elimate bacteria, clear build-up of secretions and reduce swelling in the lining of the throat wall.

Peppermint

Peppermint oil can be used as a natural remedy to clear and treat throat infections. Peppermint oil contains a natural soothing property that helps thin mucus buildup. Peppermint also contains anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial properties. When used in a spray solution, this natural remedy is said to be most effective.

Eucalyptus

An ideal natural remedy used as a sore throat soother, eucalyptus, can be found as an ingredient in many over-the-counter lozenges. Eucaluptus can also be purchased in spray form and used as needed for throat pain. Eucalyptus can also be used as a calming agent and added in drop form to a steamy hot shower.

Rest

Seems obvious, but the number one natural remedy for a sore throat infection is rest and then more rest. If you feel the onset of a scratchy throat, take one complete day to rest and remedy your throat. A sore throat means there is most likely an underlying condition lurking below the system. If you can catch it at the beginning, you may stop a cold or a serious flu in its tracks. That means taking the day off from work, taking it easy and trying to stay in bed for the majority of the day. If you already have a sore throat, or a cold, take at least 48 hours to rest and heal.

Other natural remedies

Chamomile tea, sage and echinacea are all potent holistic remedies that can aid in curing the common throat infection. Studies also show that herbs such as sage and echinacea can boost the immune system by increasing the amount of white blood cells in the body. Echinacea and sage can also be used in spray form to provide rapid relief. You can also by lozenges that contain the list of natural ingredients mentioned above. Doctors support the idea that sucking on cough drops stimulate saliva in the mouth, which help aid in keeping your throat moist. Most spray solutions and lozenges can be purchased at local natural health stores.