10 home remedies for sore throat

Gargling with lemon, ginger tea and barbatimão tea are home remedy options that can help relieve a sore throat, as they have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

Furthermore, it is recommended to consume plenty of fluids to stay hydrated, such as water, coconut water, infusions or broths, keep the environment humid and avoid exposure to irritating agents, such as smoke, for example.

A sore throat can occur without a specific cause, or be related to the flu or cold, for example. It is important that the doctor is consulted when the pain does not improve with the use of home remedies or if it is very intense, lasts more than 3 days or is accompanied by fever or other symptoms, such as headache or weakness. See the main causes of throat pain and what to do in each case.

Some teas that can be used to soothe a sore throat are:

1. Mint tea

Mint tea is a natural remedy popularly used to treat colds and flu, mainly because it is capable of relieving a sore throat. According to some scientific studies, this plant contains a good concentration of menthol, a type of substance that helps to make mucus more fluid and soothe an irritated throat.

Furthermore, mint tea also has anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antibacterial properties that help heal a sore throat faster.

Ingredients

• 1 stalk of mint;
• 1 cup of boiling water.

Preparation mode

Add the leaves of 1 mint stalk to the boiling water and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Then strain and drink when warm. This tea can be taken 2 to 3 times a day.

Lemon is a very common ingredient in the preparation of home remedies to treat throat discomfort, flu and colds. This is due to its composition of vitamin C and antioxidants, which gives it a strong anti-inflammatory action.

Therefore, gargling with concentrated lemon water can help reduce the discomfort of a sore throat.

Ingredients

• ½ cup of warm water;
• 1 lemon.

Preparation mode

Mix lemon juice with ½ cup of warm water and then gargle. This gargle can be done up to 3 times a day.

3. Chamomile tea with honey

Chamomile tea with honey is a very effective mixture against a sore throat, as in addition to honey helping to hydrate irritated tissues, chamomile has a strong anti-inflammatory and astringent action that helps soothe a sore throat.

Furthermore, some investigations also seem to indicate that chamomile can stimulate the immune system, helping to fight flu and colds.

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon of dried chamomile flowers;
• 1 teaspoon of honey;
• 1 cup of boiling water.

Preparation mode

Place the chamomile flowers in a cup of boiling water, cover and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Finally, add a spoonful of honey, strain and drink while still warm, 2 to 3 times a day.

In the case of babies under 2 years old, only chamomile tea without honey should be offered, as the consumption of honey in early life can cause a serious intestinal infection, known as botulism. Understand better the risk of giving honey to your baby.

4. Gargle with warm salt water

This is another of the most popular home remedies for treating sore throat, but it actually has a quick and strong effect against pain. This effect is due to the presence of salt that helps dissolve mucus and secretions that may be in the throat causing discomfort, in addition to having an antibacterial effect, which eliminates possible bacteria that may be contributing to a sore throat.

Ingredients

• 1 glass of warm water;
• 1 tablespoon of salt.

Preparation mode

Mix the ingredients until the salt completely dissolves in the water. Then gargle with the mixture while it is still warm and repeat 3 to 4 times a day, or as needed.

5. Ginger tea

Ginger root is a potent natural anti-inflammatory that can be used to relieve pain from a variety of inflammatory conditions, including a sore throat. Ginger has bioactive compounds, such as gingerol and shogaol, which reduce inflammation and eliminate microorganisms that can cause infection and worsen pain.

Ingredients

• 1 cm of ginger root;
• 1 cup of boiling water.

Preparation mode

Peel the ginger root and make small cuts. Then add the ginger to the boiling water, cover and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Finally, strain and drink while still warm. Drink this tea 3 times a day.

6. Grapefruit juice

Another good home remedy for sore throat is grapefruit juice, as this fruit is rich in vitamin C and acts as an anti-inflammatory, thus reducing the discomfort of a sore throat, as well as other typical symptoms of colds and flu. Check out more health benefits of grapefruit.

Ingredients

Preparation mode

Wash the grapefruits, cut in half, remove the grapefruit seeds and place the fruits in a high-speed centrifuge. The juice made this way is creamier and has a greater amount of nutrients. Drink grapefruit juice at least 3 times a day.

This juice should not be used when taking any medication, as it may interfere with its functioning, nullifying the effect. Therefore, it is always best to inform your doctor to find out if it is possible to drink grapefruit juice while taking other medications.

7. Chocolate with mint

Chocolate and mint can also be used to combat sore throat, as semi-sweet chocolate is rich in anti-inflammatory flavonoids and mint has menthol, helping to reduce throat irritation.

Furthermore, the fat present in chocolate helps lubricate the throat, relieving coughs and discomfort. To do this, it is recommended that the chocolate with mint is not chewed, but that it remains in the mouth until it melts.

Another way to consume chocolate with mint is in a smoothie, mixing the chocolate with vegetable milk and some other fruit, and consuming it throughout the day.

8. Barbatimão tea

Barbatimão tea is rich in alkaloids, flavonoids and sterols, which have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which help fight inflammation and soothe a sore throat.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon of barbatimão peel;
• 1 liter of water.

Preparation mode

Add the barbatimão peels and water to a pan and let it boil over low heat for 10 minutes. Then, turn off the heat and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Strain and drink the tea 3 to 4 times a day.

9. Mel

Honey has properties that help relieve sore throats and coughs. Furthermore, it has antimicrobial action, which helps fight viruses and bacteria responsible for inflammation in the throat.

It is recommended that 2 tablespoons of honey be consumed before bed, as the sweet stimulates the production of saliva, which improves the throat mucosa and relieves irritation, in addition to reducing and relieving pain and coughing.

10. Fenugreek seed tea

Fenugreek seeds are rich in anti-inflammatory substances such as alkaloids and flavonoids, which act by reducing the production of inflammatory substances, such as prostaglandins and cytokines, being of great use in favoring the treatment of throat inflammation, relieving pain.

Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons of fenugreek seeds;
• 1 cup of cold water.

Preparation mode

Add the fenugreek seeds to cold water and let it rest for 3 hours. Then, boil all the ingredients, strain and consume warm 3 times a day.