Natural Cures for Sore Throat

All of us know the misery associated with a sore throat. It hurts while swallowing, eating and even talking. Doctors take the easy way out by prescribing antibiotics. However, antibiotics eliminate the bacteria responsible for a disease. But a sore throat may not always be the result of a bacterial infection. Furthermore, such antibiotics only help to increase our resistance to certain drugs. Developing a drug tolerance will minimize the effects of the said drug when we need it the most. There are quite a few proven natural ways to relieve the soreness. It makes good sense to try them before visiting a doctor.

If you have fever along with a sore throat, you are most probably suffering from influenza. It is best to avoid over the counter analgesics in such condition. Instead try using an anesthetic throat spray or suck on lozenges. They work by numbing the throat tissues temporarily thereby relieving the pain.

Hot chicken soup or vegetable broth will help to relieve the condition to a great extent. Drinking tea laced with ginger will also be as effective. Laboratory studies have shown that piping hot soups as well as hot beverages help in controlling the inflammation associated with a sore throat.

Breathing in steam is an age old remedy for sore throat. You can also use a face steamer or take a hot steaming shower to relieve the pain. The heat also prevents dryness of the throat by relaxing the inflamed tissue. Gargling with salty hot water also helps in relieving the pain.

Lozenges and nasal drops containing at least 12. mg of zinc has proved to be very effective in this condition. Zinc is known for increasing the immunity of the body.

Natural ingredients like honey, ginger, lemon and cayenne pepper are all helpful if you want to get rid of the soreness in your throat.

If the condition persists for days, it is advisable to see a doctor. Patches on your throat indicate streptococcal infection and you cannot avoid taking antibiotics then.