Breathing dry air can feel like sandpaper on a raw, painful sore throat. A room humidifier moisturizes your nose and throat, making it much more comfortable to breathe.

Add a few drops of essential oil for a throat-soothing aromatherapy session. Run the humidifier at night while you sleep to keep the room moisturized while your body rests and works to heal itself.

Vicks family of cold and flu products offers soothing sore throat relief with ingredients that alleviate pain , break up congestion, and quell the coughing that often accompanies sore throat. Many over-the-counter cold and flu medicines treat multiple symptoms.

Make sure to identify what other symptoms you may be experiencing along with sore throat, if any, so you can get the relief you need. The last five points will explore the different Vicks sore throat remedies you can keep in your medicine cabinet to relieve sore throat as soon as the pain starts.

These drops soothe your sore throat, relieving your sore throat pain with the oral anesthetic menthol.

Get rapid, targeted relief of sore throat pain where and when you need it most. Both contain acetaminophen to reduce fever and relieve sore throat pain , and muscle aches and pains. DayQuil also provides the expectorant guaifenesin to help break up mucus and relieve chest congestion.

NyQuil adds the antihistamine doxylamine succinate to dry your runny nose. For soothing relief from sore throat and other cold and flu symptoms, try NyQuil or DayQuil Hot Remedy. The acetaminophen in this medicated hot drink relieves sore throat and muscle aches and pains. NyQuil and DayQuil Hot Remedy both contain the nasal decongestant phenylephrine to reduce stuffiness by shrinking swollen blood vessels in the nasal passages.

DayQuil Hot Remedy has dextromethorphan to suppress cough symptoms. For added runny nose and watery eye symptom relief at night, NyQuil Hot Remedy includes the antihistamine diphenhydramine. Lazim, A. Baharudin, Chapter 10 - Honey— A Natural Remedy for Pain Relief , Ronald Ross Watson, Sherma Zibadi, Nutritional Modulators of Pain in the Aging Population, Academic Press, Lakartidningen, Does Gargling Wlth Salt Water Ease a Sore Throat?

Accessed June 12, Sodium bicarbonate: A review and its uses in dentistry. Indian J Dent Res, Efficacy and safety of over-the-counter analgesics in the treatment of common cold and flu. J Clin Pharm Ther, Their guts have not yet acquired healthy bacteria that can fight off some germs, such as botulism spores, that sometimes occur in honey.

Also, people who avoid sugar or follow a low carb diet may want to choose another remedy, since honey is a form of sugar. It contains Bottom line: Honey can help relieve throat pain, particularly when a person combines it with vinegar or herbs in warm water.

Never give honey to children under 1. The licorice plant, also called Glycyrrhiza glabra , is native to Europe and South Asia. It has properties similar to aspirin that may help reduce sore throat pain.

It also has antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory effects That said, studies have reported that after surgery, licorice could significantly reduce throat pain due to breathing tube removal 13 , To make licorice tea, combine ground licorice root with hot water, let it steep for 5 minutes, then strain it prior to drinking.

Lemon water is a refreshing beverage that may also reduce the throat pain that occurs during a cold or flu. Lemon contains vitamin C and other powerful antioxidants. These compounds fight inflammation and reduce oxidative stress , which are common markers of disease Lemon also increases the amount of saliva the body produces, which can help keep the mucous membranes moist.

Bottom line: Lemon water contains vitamin C and compounds that can soothe a sore throat and assist with healing. Ginger is a spice with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects that may help relieve throat pain. Some laboratory studies have found that ginger extract can kill some bacteria and viruses that cause respiratory illnesses.

It can also reduce inflammation in people with tuberculosis, which is a lung disease 16 , 17 , Ginger tea is available from most markets and online retailers.

People can also make their own from fresh ginger. Bottom line: Ginger root tea may help fight infection, reduce inflammation, and relieve sore throat pain. Coconut oil is a versatile food with several health benefits.

Animal studies suggest that it may help fight infection and reduce inflammation in areas exposed to it 19 , Read about some other ways to use coconut oil here.

Limit coconut oil consumption to about 2 tbsp 30 milliliters [ml] per day, as it can have a laxative effect at higher dosages. When using coconut oil for the first time, start with 1 tsp 5 ml at a time to minimize potential side effects. Bottom line: Coconut oil is very soothing on the throat and may have anti-inflammatory effects.

Take up to 2 tbsp 30 ml per day alone or in warm beverages. Cinnamon is a fragrant and delicious spice with a high antioxidant content.

It can also provide antibacterial benefits Cinnamon tea is available for purchase in most grocery stores, in both herbal and regular varieties, and online. People can also add cinnamon to herbal or black tea. Another option is to make cinnamon almond milk, which may be especially soothing for a sore throat.

Bottom line: Cinnamon may help fight throat pain and infection due to a cold or flu. Try drinking cinnamon tea, or adding cinnamon to a warm beverage, to ease throat discomfort.

Although swallowing may be uncomfortable, drinking plenty of water or other fluids will ultimately make the throat feel better. Drink tea, herbal infusions, water, or other beverages at whatever temperature feels most comfortable. Bottom line: Staying hydrated, by drinking enough fluid through the day, will allow the throat to remain moist so that it can heal.

Chicken soup is a well-known natural cold and sore throat remedy. It is also a comfort food that allows people to get more fluids when they are sick. Try adding garlic to the soup.

Garlic contains bioactive compounds that can also provide benefits during times of illness A person can buy canned chicken soup ahead of time and store it until needed, or they can prepare a homemade chicken soup.

Bottom line: Chicken soup is a comfort food that may help soothe a sore throat. Adding garlic may provide additional benefits.

Peppermint tea contains anti-inflammatory compounds and is very soothing to the throat. The mint may also slightly numb the throat, thereby relieving pain Peppermint tea is caffeine-free, and its naturally sweet taste often requires no additional sweetener. To make peppermint tea at home, steep fresh peppermint leaves in boiling water for 3—5 minutes, then strain off the leaves.

Bottom line: Peppermint tea is a tasty, refreshing beverage that may help reduce inflammation and throat discomfort. Chamomile is a daisy-like plant that people have used for medicinal purposes since ancient times.

Some research suggests that chamomile tea promotes restful sleep, which is important for healing Other studies have found that chamomile may help fight infection and reduce pain Chamomile tea has a pleasant, mild aroma and flavor.

Like other herbal teas, chamomile contains no caffeine. Bottom line: Chamomile tea may promote restorative sleep, help fight infection, and soothe sore throat pain. Teas, infusions, and other drinks are soothing and provide hydration, but sometimes sucking on a throat lozenge can also be comforting.

There are herbal throat lozenges available for purchase online and in some natural grocery stores. People can also make homemade throat lozenges with some of the herbs listed in this article. Slippery elm is a popular herb for lozenges. It contains mucilage that coats and soothes the throat, similar to marshmallow root.

Bottom line: Purchase herbal throat lozenges or make a batch ahead of time to stay prepared for a sore throat. Bottom line: Several medications — including NSAIDs, throat sprays, and lozenges — can provide relief from a sore throat.

These are available in stores and online. Be sure to see a doctor if a sore throat lasts for longer than a few days or is extremely painful.

Severe or persistent pain may indicate strep throat , tonsillitis , or another serious infection that requires medical treatment. Both colds and strep throat are microbial infections.

Learn how to tell the difference between them here. A post-streptococcal disorder is a disease that occurs due to a previous streptococcal infection.

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Some people claim that apple cider vinegar can help soothe a sore throat, but there is limited evidence supporting this claim. My podcast changed me Can 'biological race' explain disparities in health? Why Parkinson's research is zooming in on the gut Tools General Health Drugs A-Z Health Hubs Health Tools Find a Doctor BMI Calculators and Charts Blood Pressure Chart: Ranges and Guide Breast Cancer: Self-Examination Guide Sleep Calculator Quizzes RA Myths vs Facts Type 2 Diabetes: Managing Blood Sugar Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or Fiction Connect About Medical News Today Who We Are Our Editorial Process Content Integrity Conscious Language Newsletters Sign Up Follow Us.

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Fenugreek has many health benefits. It also has many forms. You can eat fenugreek seeds , use the topical oil , or drink fenugreek tea. Fenugreek tea is a natural remedy for sore throats.

Research demonstrates the healing powers of fenugreek. It can relieve pain and kill bacteria that cause irritation or inflammation. Fenugreek is also an effective antifungal. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health suggests that pregnant women avoid fenugreek.

Marshmallow root contains a mucus-like substance that coats and soothes a sore throat. Simply add some of the dried root to a cup of boiling water to make tea. Sipping the tea two to three times a day may help ease throat pain. People with diabetes should talk to a doctor before taking marshmallow root.

Some animal research shows it may cause a drop in blood sugar level. Shop for marshmallow root. Licorice root has long been used to treat sore throats. However, pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid this remedy, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.

Shop for licorice root. Like marshmallow root, slippery elm has a mucus-like substance in it. When mixed with water, it forms a slick gel that coats and soothes the throat. To use, pour boiling water over powdered bark, stir, and drink. You may also find that slippery elm lozenges help.

Slippery elm is a traditional remedy for sore throat, but more research is needed. According to the U. National Library of Medicine , it may decrease the absorption of other medication you take. Shop for slippery elm. Apple cider vinegar ACV has many natural antibacterial uses. Numerous studies show its antimicrobial effects in fighting infections.

Because of its acidic nature, it can be used to help break down mucus in the throat and stop bacteria from spreading. If you sense a sore throat coming on, try diluting 1 to 2 tablespoons of ACV in one cup of water and gargle with it.

Then take a small sip of the mixture, and repeat the whole process one to two times per hour. Make sure to drink lots of water in between the gargling sessions. It is best to first consult your doctor or healthcare practitioner.

Shop for apple cider vinegar. Garlic also has natural antibacterial properties. It contains allicin, an organosulfer compound known for its ability to fight off infections.

Studies have shown that taking a garlic supplement on a regular basis can help prevent the common cold virus. Adding fresh garlic to your diet is also a way of gaining its antimicrobial properties.

Your grandmother might have told you to suck on a clove of garlic to sooth a sore throat. Because garlic has many healing actions, you might try this, though you may want to brush your teeth afterward to protect your teeth from enzymes and improve your breath.

Often used as a pain reliever, cayenne pepper contains capsaicin, a natural compound known for blocking pain receptors. Although not scientifically proven, ingesting cayenne mixed with warm water and honey can help with pain relief for sore throats.

Remember that an initial burning sensation is common. Cayenne should not be taken if you have open sores in your mouth.

Start with just a few drops of hot sauce or a light sprinkle of cayenne, as both can be very hot. Still, treating sore throats may be different for infants and children. Here are a few tips and remedies:. To prevent sore throat, stay away from people who are sick with an infectious illness like the flu or strep throat.

Wash your hands frequently. Try to avoid spicy or acidic foods, and stay away from chemical fumes or smoke that could cause inflammation. Acetaminophen can be effective for sore throat, and it can be given to young children.

Over-the-counter options like lozenges or numbing sprays can also provide relief. Herbs and supplements are not monitored by the U. Food and Drug Administration FDA for quality, packaging, dosage, or safety. Also, the batches may be different from container to container.

Lack of regulation means that each supplement might give you a different medicinal dose. Be careful using these remedies, and be sure to buy from a reputable source. Bacterial infections, such as strep throat, whooping cough , and diphtheria , are responsible for only a small percentage of sore throats.

Most doctors recommend calling a doctor only in cases of severe sore throat, such as sore throat with a fever or when swollen tonsils block the throat. To feel your best, make sure you also drink lots of fluids and get plenty of rest.

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Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph. DayQuil also provides the expectorant guaifenesin to help break up mucus and relieve chest congestion. NyQuil adds the antihistamine doxylamine succinate to dry your runny nose. For soothing relief from sore throat and other cold and flu symptoms, try NyQuil or DayQuil Hot Remedy.

The acetaminophen in this medicated hot drink relieves sore throat and muscle aches and pains. NyQuil and DayQuil Hot Remedy both contain the nasal decongestant phenylephrine to reduce stuffiness by shrinking swollen blood vessels in the nasal passages.

DayQuil Hot Remedy has dextromethorphan to suppress cough symptoms. For added runny nose and watery eye symptom relief at night, NyQuil Hot Remedy includes the antihistamine diphenhydramine.

Lazim, A. Baharudin, Chapter 10 - Honey— A Natural Remedy for Pain Relief , Ronald Ross Watson, Sherma Zibadi, Nutritional Modulators of Pain in the Aging Population, Academic Press, Lakartidningen, Does Gargling Wlth Salt Water Ease a Sore Throat?

Accessed June 12, Sodium bicarbonate: A review and its uses in dentistry. Indian J Dent Res, Efficacy and safety of over-the-counter analgesics in the treatment of common cold and flu. J Clin Pharm Ther, Phenylephrine: 7 things you should know.

Skip to content SORE THROAT 10 Remedies to Soothe Your Sore Throat Pain. A sore throat is often the first sign that you are coming down with a cold or the flu. Keep reading for 10 remedies for sore throat ready to ease your pain. Saltwater Gargle. Baking Soda Gargle.

Over-the-Counter Remedies. Medicated Drops. Sore Throat Sprays. NyQuil and DayQuil Hot Remedy. Play Icon.