Menu

7 Home Remedies to Relieve You of a Sore Throat

Table of Contents

Sore throats could be due to several things, like enteroviruses, which spread pretty easily and other bacterial or viral infections, dry air, allergies, mouth ulcers, a burn from very hot food, overuse of your voice, dehydration or even sleeping with your mouth open. Whatever the case may be, having a sore throat is irritable, uncomfortable, and no fun at all.

A sore throat may seem minute but depending on the severity, an individual’s sore throat symptoms may vary.

Sore throat symptoms:

Featured on BlackDoctor
  • Scratchy sensation
  • Itchiness and/or irritation
  • Pain and/or irritation when swallowing
  • Pain and/or irritation when  talking
  • Swollen glands in your neck
  • A hoarse or muffled voice
  • A painful, burning sensation

As a mama of two, I always say at-home remedies are very important to have on hand because they are useful for managing and treating minor irritations like sore throat and other minor illnesses. 

 Here are seven at-home remedies, to help relieve you of  a sore throat:

1. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has antibacterial properties, meaning those properties work to destroy bacteria or suppress their growth or their ability to reproduce. The acetic acid in apple cider vinegar helps to fight off bacteria. There are a few ways to take apple cider vinegar. You can mix 1–2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with 8–12 ounces of water in a glass and drink, add to food like soup or stews, and even take it in pill form. However, for a sore throat, I’d recommend liquid form.

2. Peppermint Tea

Peppermint tea has anti-inflammatory properties and some antibacterial and antiviral qualities. Peppermint tea is exceptional at soothing the throat. You can find peppermint tea bags at any of your local grocery stores. 

3. Honey

Honey can reduce inflammation and irritation in the throat. Taken on its own or mixed in warm tea will be sure to relieve you of a sore throat because of honey’s therapeutic properties.

RELATED: 5 Reasons Your Throat Is Always Sore

4. Chamomile Tea

Chamomile tea has anti-inflammatory, astringent properties and antioxidants, which remove potentially harmful agents. You can find chamomile tea at any of your local grocery stores.

5. Salt Water

Gargling warm salt water kills off bacteria, loosens mucus and reduces inflammation. It’s super simple to prepare. Mix 1/4–1/2 teaspoon of salt into eight ounces of warm or cold water. Stir until the salt dissolves.

6. Marshmallow Root

Marshmallow root contains a gelatin-like substance that coats and soothes a sore throat. You can prepare marshmallow root tea and drink it.

RELATED: Sore Throat? How To Know If It’s Strep

7. Raw Garlic

Raw garlic has natural antibacterial properties. It contains allicin, an organosulfur compound known for its ability to fight off infections. To prepare, you can crush and chew, chew on a raw garlic clove, or suck on a slice for roughly 15 minutes, also try mincing the garlic and adding it to a spoonful of raw honey or olive oil. You can even blend it with other vegetables to make juice.

Sore throats are actually quite common and will usually subside within a week. If you have a sore throat and the symptoms have not subsided or it seems to be getting worse, that could be a sign of a more serious health condition. 

When it’s time to see a trusted healthcare provider:

  • You’re experiencing a sore throat that lasts longer than a week
  • You’re experiencing difficulty breathing 
  • Difficulty opening your mouth
  • Unusual drooling
  • Blood in your saliva
  • A growing lump in your throat /neck
  • Swelling in both your neck and face

If you’re in need of a trusted and culturally competent healthcare provider, search here. It’s an amazing resource to help you find a doctor in your area. Be sure to keep these seven at-home remedies in your back pocket as you will never know just when you might need them.

SHARE
Related Stories
Answer the question below

Gout Survey

People with gout often have sudden, painful flares of joint swelling and redness. How many gout flares have you experienced in the last 12 months?
Have you ever received intravenous medicine for your gout?

Get our Weekly Newsletter

Stay informed on the latest breakthroughs in family health and wellness. Sign up today!

By subscribing, you consent to receive emails from BlackDoctor.com. You may unsubscribe at any time. Privacy Policy & Terms of Service.

More from BlackDoctor

Where Culture Meets Care

BlackDoctor is the world’s largest and most comprehensive online health resource specifically for the Black community. BlackDoctor understands that the uniqueness of Black culture - our heritage and our traditions - plays a role in our health. BlackDoctor gives you access to innovative new approaches to the health information you need in everyday language so you can break through the disparities, gain control and live your life to its fullest.
✦ AI Search Disclaimer
This AI-powered search tool helps you find relevant health articles from the BlackDoctor.org archive. Please keep the following in mind:
✦ For Informational Purposes Only
The information provided through this AI search is for general educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
✦ Always Consult a Healthcare Provider
Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read through this search tool. If you have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.
✦ AI Limitations
This search tool uses artificial intelligence to help match your queries with articles in our archive. While we strive for accuracy, AI-generated results may occasionally be incomplete, outdated, or not fully relevant to your specific situation.
✦ No Doctor-Patient Relationship
Using this search tool does not create a doctor-patient relationship between you and BlackDoctor.org or any healthcare provider.
Explore over 35,000 articles and videos across black health, wellness, lifestyle and culture
Full AI Search Experience >
×

Download PDF

Enter your name and email to receive the download link.

BlackDoctor AI Search