Sore Throat (Throat Infection) Home Remedies: Treat Throat Pain Naturally

As per reports, approximately 2.4 million ER visits in United States are attributed to throat related complaints, with sore throat being the most common. Sore throat can be extremely unpleasant, however, it responds really well to home remedies that not only allay sore throat pain, but also treat throat inflammation.

Inflamed and
Sore Throat

What are the causes of Sore Throat and Throat Pain?

Throat infection is a scratchy, itchy and burning sensation that begins at the back of the mouth and extends to the middle of the throat. When the throat gets infected, the body responds by sending more blood to the area, along with WBCs to combat the infectious agents; this causes swelling, redness and pain.

 

• Allergies, bacterial infection and viral infection are the commonest causes for soreness of the throat. In 80% of the cases viral infection results in sore throat.
• Certain environmental triggers such as smoke, dust, dryness and low humidity are significant causes as well.
• Trauma or injury can also result in sore throat, typically caused by overuse of the vocal cords.

Soreness due to viral infection develops rather slowly, and is milder, as compared to bacterial infection. Draining of excess fluid from the nose and sinuses causes the throat to get sore. On the other hand, bacterial infection, such as strep throat, strikes suddenly, causing severe pain and fever.

Sore Throat Symptoms

Throat infection may be accompanied by certain other features such as:

• Burning in the throat, soreness and occasionally excruciating pain.
• Pain in the ears
• Difficulty while swallowing
• Lump like swelling in the throat
• Altered timber of voice
• Lymph nodes under the jaw swell.

     Home Remedies to Treat Throat Infections

Here are some simple remedies that can help treat throat infections,

1. Vitamin C: vitamin C is a powerful immune system booster. It helps fight upper respiratory tract infections that cause soreness of the throat. What’s more, vitamin C is invaluable for people who suffer from frequent and seasonal allergies. Have a supplement daily for about 5 days; alternatively step up your intake of vitamin C rich foods such as limes, sweet limes, oranges, apples, etc.
2.  Turmeric: curcumin present in the herb is a potent anti-inflammatory agent and an infection fighter. Add a spoon of turmeric to boiled milk or water and consume thrice daily for speedy cure. Also, turmeric boiled in water can be used as an effective gargle.
3.  Echinacea: has strong anti viral and anti bacterial properties that fight infections. Start an Echinacea supplement the moment you feel you are going to develop a sore throat.
4. Experts advise having herbal teas to manage sore throat effectively and quickly. Steep about 5 leaves of holy basil, 5 leaves of mint, a cinnamon stick, and a few cloves, in hot water for 15 minutes. Consume this decoction twice daily. It will afford rapid relief from the pain and inflammation. Holy basil boosts the immune mechanism and helps fight infections; clove allays pain rapidly, cinnamon has a warming and comforting effect and battles fever; while mint soothes irritation and inflammation.
5. Zinc: zinc lozenges have proved to be successful in the management of sore throat. Zinc shortens the duration of cold and reduces irritation and inflammation quickly.



Garlic is a Powerful
Infection Fighter

6. Garlic: Garlic is another decidedly powerful anti bacterial and anti viral herb that helps treat infections and inflammations. Grate a flake of garlic and add 2 spoons of honey to it. Consume this twice daily. It affords relief within a couple of hours.

 

Treat Throat Pain Naturally

Here are some tips to help cure throat pain,

• Use a humidifier to keep the throat lubricated; this is especially important if you live in a dry area.
• Steadily avoid triggers such as smoke, dust, pollen, etc.
• Stay well hydrated; have at least 12 glasses of fluids daily. Soups and herbals teas are recommended.