7 Home Remedies for Sore Throat That Work a Treat!

Want to cure that sore throat in a hurry and for good? Here's 7 of the best home remedies and treatments (for both adults and kids) you definitely must consider...

QUESTION:

What's the best home cure or natural remedy for a sore throat that works fast? My throat is giving me hell and I need some quick relief!

ANSWER:

A sore and swollen throat can definitely make your life hell, especially when it comes to eating and drinking. In 85-95% of cases, a sore throat is the result of a viral infection (cold or flu) with only around 10% of sore throats being caused by a bacterial infection like strep or other problems such as allergies. 1

Regardless of the cause, these 7 natural cures for a sore throat work like magic for both adults and kids alike. We've listed them in order of importance so it's recommend that you start with number one first and then work your way down if need be. Because a sore throat is primarily caused by a viral infection, we suggest you use a combination of 2 or 3 of the remedies listed below so that you get rid of the underlying infection as quickly as possible AND fix your sore throat. That way, you effectively kill two birds with one stone.

So here they are...


Home Remedy for Sore Throat #1... Cayenne Pepper: This is definitely our favorite and it works a treat for all sore throats, regardless of what has actually caused it. Cayenne pepper contains the active ingredient capsaicin, which is a powerful antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent. The great thing about cayenne is it goes to work very quickly to kill the underlying infection, along with reducing the swelling and inflammation in the throat muscles. The only down side to cayenne pepper is it can be quite hot, particularly if you're not used to it. You do get accustomed to it though so don't be put off by it.

So there are two ways to get the most out of this natural remedy. First, mix one teaspoon of cayenne pepper in an 8 oz glass of warm filtered water. Use some of this mixture to gargle in the throat, then spit out. Repeat this 2-3 times. The second way is to thoroughly mix half to one teaspoon of cayenne, a teaspoon of natural or Manuka honey and half a teaspoon of cinnamon in an 8 oz glass of warm filtered water. Using a straw placed to the back of the mouth (to reduce the burning in the mouth from the cayenne), slowly sip this concoction until it's gone.

Be sure to do the second remedy 3 times per day until your infection (cold/flu, allergy, etc) has cleared. With the gargling exercise, you'll need to repeat this every 2 hours on the first day. On the second day you may lengthen the time in between. By the third day (at the most), your sore throat should be completely gone.


Natural Remedy for Sore Throat #2... Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV), Honey and Lemon: Apple cider vinegar is a potent viral, bacterial and fungal destroyer. It also helps restore the immune system and the body's natural defences. Honey is a natural antibiotic medicine and pathogen killer that's been used for thousands of years to treat colds and flu, along with their accompanying symptoms such as a sore throat and sinus infection/stuffiness. Lemon juice is a strong antiviral, anti-bacterial and decongestant old folk remedy that your grandma would have used.

To use the ACV, honey and lemon, mix 1-2 tablespoons of organic apple cider vinegar containing the "mother" apple (Bragg ACV is best for this), 1-2 teaspoons of local or Manuka honey, and the freshly squeezed juice of half a lemon in an 8 ounce glass of warm to hot filtered water. Drink or sip this concoction slowly while still hot. Repeat 2-3 times daily until your cold or flu (and sore throat) or allergy is gone.

You can also use the ACV as a gargle by mixing one tablespoon in a cup of warm water along with one teaspoon of sea salt. Gargle this several times each day.


Natural Cure for Sore Throat #3... Salt Water: The old salt water rinse for a sore throat is probably the oldest and most well known medicinal cure. Salt water works as an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory and also helps to reduce phlegm build-up, which is handy if you have a "phlegmy" cough accompanying your sore throat.

All you do is mix half a teaspoon of sea salt or pink rock salt in a glass of warm filtered water and gargle. Make sure you spit the solution out after and don't swallow any of it. Repeat this every 2 hours for best results. If you find yourself struggling with the taste just add a small squirt of natural honey to the mix.


Natural Treatment for Sore Throat #4... Pickle Juice Brine: Yes I know, this one sounds a little weird, but don't knock it until you try it. Drinking or gargling pickle juice brine for a sore throat is another remedy that your grandma would probably know about. The reason it works is pickle juice contains high amounts of vinegar and salt, both of which are powerful cures for a sore throat! Simply measure out two tablespoons of pickle juice from the pickle jar and either gargle and/or drink it. Do this several times throughout the day.

NOTE: If you're not a seasoned pickle eater or pickle lover then you may gag on the taste if you decide to drink it. In this case it may be better to stick with just gargling the juice. And don't worry, it still works equally as well and results can usually be felt in just a few hours.


Home Remedy for Sore Throat #5... Hydrogen Peroxide: Hydrogen peroxide is a stunning germ fighting agent, inflammation reliever and phlegm dissolver. And it doesn't just work a treat for sore throats either, it also works for sinus infections and difficult breathing disorders such as asthma and emphysema (see our articles on these for more information).

To get the most out of the hydrogen peroxide remedy, all you do is pour one cap full of 3% food grade hydrogen peroxide (such as this one) and one cap of clean warm water into a cup. Use this solution to gargle thoroughly then spit out. You will find this mixture can taste quite disgusting, so you can always add a little honey or even mouth wash to disguise the taste if you wish.


Natural Remedy for Sore Throat #6... Garlic: Garlic contains strong antiviral and anti-bacterial agents. It's also high in vitamin C, sulphur and selenium, which all help to treat and relieve sore throats. Get yourself a garlic clove and chew on it (yes that's right) along with sucking on the juices. Continue to suck on the juice for around 20 minutes before either swallowing the clove or spitting out.


Natural Cure for Sore Throat #7... Tabasco or Hot Sauce: Tabasco sauce contains vinegar, salt and red peppers, all of which help to treat sore throats and cough. For best results, use the tabasco sauce like you would with cough medicine. Place 20-25 drops of the sauce in the palm of your hand, then lick and swallow. Do this several times throughout the day. And be sure to use it if you find yourself suffering from an unexpected cough attack too. It works brilliantly!


Finally, a healthy and proper functioning gut is vital for the body to heal and recover. If you want to get over your sore throat, cold/flu, allergy, or any health problem for that matter in a hurry, then it's crucial you take a good quality probiotic supplement every day and eat plenty of probiotic rich foods such as sauerkraut, kefir and yogurt...

"8 Greatest Probiotic Foods You Should Be Eating".

Remember this... 70% of your immune system is located in your gut, and probiotics are the main components that keep your gut (and therefore your immune system) healthy and in tip top condition. So don't skip over this one. The last thing you need is for you to get over your sore throat and/or illness, only to have it return again with a vengeance in a few weeks time!


So hopefully these 7 tips and home remedies help you out and get rid of that awful sore throat (and infection) A.S.A.P.


Best of luck!


Regards,

Troy (Certified Holistic Nutritionist & Herbalist, Health & Wellness Coach)