The pain, itchiness caused by throat infection is not only inexpressible but it is just unbearable. Throat infection occurs as a part of immune system to vital and bacterial infections. Your immune system leads to inflammation and swelling of the mucus membrane in the throat.
This condition often results in causing difficulty in swallowing foods and liquids. However, this is not a serious condition for a trip to your doctor but it’s still painful and prevents you from good night’s sleep.
Fortunately we do have many natural remedies to treat this condition and help you to get relief from the pain and itchiness.
12 Home Remedies For Throat Infection
Here are top 12 home remedies to treat or to prevent throat infection or sore throat.
1. Salt Water
Salt water soothes the pain and break down the secretions caused by infection and kill bacteria in the throat. It is also capable of reducing swelling and keeps the throat clean.
What You Need To Do
Take a full glass of warm water mixed with one table spoon of salt water.
Gargle this mixture for every three hours in a day.
2. Honey
According to several studies honey is effective at taming night time coughs than common cough suppressants. It also works as a wound healer, that means heals your sore throat faster.
Honey is loaded with anti bacterial and anti inflammatory properties which helps in soothing pain and irritation caused by bacteria and prevents the infection in the throat.
What You Need To Do
Consume 1-2 table spoons of honey for 3-4 hours in a day.
You can even drink water mixed with one table spoon of honey in it.
3. Baking Soda Gargle
Gargling salt water is very common, but when salt water solution is mixed with little amount of baking soda, it can help to relieve sore throat as well.
Gargling baking soda solution can kill bacteria and prevent the growth of bacteria like yeast and fungi.
What You Need To Do
Take one cup of warm water, add ¼ tea spoon of baking soda and 1/8 tea spoon of salt and mix it.
Use this solution to rinse your mouth for every three hours in a day.
4. Marshmallow Root
Marshmallow roots were using from ages to treat throat infection. This root contains mucus like substance that coats and easily soothes the sore throat.
What You Need To Do
Add few pieces of this root in a cup of boiling water and prepare tea.
Sipping this tea for 3-4 times in a day relieve you from the pain and irritation of throat.
You can even add table spoon of honey to this tea for extra benefits.
Note
People with diabetes should consult their doctor before using marshmallow root.
5. Licorice Root
Licorice root is effective in reducing the pain of sore throat. It acts as a powerful expectorant that help to loosen and expel mucus from the throat. It soothes irritation and reduces inflammation of tonsils.
What You Need To Do
You can mix little amount of licorice root in boiled water and use this solution to gargle to relieve the pain.
You can even consume a cup of licorice tea for every three hours in a day.
6. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is well known ingredient for treating many skin and health issues. Due to its natural anti bacterial and anti microbial properties, it is effective in fighting against infections and prevents bacteria from spreading.
What You Need To DO
Take one glass of warm water and mix one table spoon of diluted apple cider vinegar.
Drink this solution or use this solution to gargle for every 2 hours in a day.
Make sure to drink more amount of water between gargle sessions.
7. Garlic
Garlic contains allicin, organo sulphur component which is known for its ability to fight against infections. It also has anti microbial antiviral and anti fungal properties which helps to reduce sore throat.
What You Need To Do
You just need to add fresh garlic to your regular diet or take garlic supplements on regular basis.
8. Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin, a natural compound which is known for its capability to block pain receptors in the body.
What You Need To Do
Take one glass of warm water and add one table spoon of honey and one tea spoon of cayenne pepper.
Consume this solution immediately. Remember that initial burning sensation is quite common.
Note
Cayenne pepper should not be taken if you have open sours in your mouth.
9. Lemon Water
Lemon water is not only taken for refreshment, you can even use this lemon water to soothe pain caused by throat infection. The vitamin C and anti oxidants present in lemon increases the amount of saliva you produce and keep your mucus membrane moist.
What You Need To Do
Take one glass of warm water and add one table spoon of honey, little amount of salt and mix them well.
Drink this solution for 2 times in a day to get relief from throat infection.
10. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a famous food with several health benefits. The anti inflammatory and anti bacterial properties present in coconut oil helps to fight against infections that cause pain and irritation in your throat. It even soothes the pain and lubricates the mucus membrane in the throat.
What You Need To Do
You can add coconut oil to your regular diet or add it to your soups, hot tea etc.
It is best to limit usage of coconut oil to about only 2 table spoons per day, as it can have laxative effect on higher dosages.
11. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is widely used as a delicious spice in many dishes; it is also effective in soothing the pain caused by sore throat due to its anti oxidants and anti bacterial properties.
It is a traditional remedy for treating cold and flu’s and widely used in Chinese medicine to ease throat pain or infection.
What You Need To Do
Boil one glass of water by adding little amount of cinnamon in it.
Remove it from the heat, after reaching to its boiling point and allow it to cool down.
Strain the solution and add one table spoon of honey and drink it.
12. Peppermint Tea
Peppermint tea contains anti inflammatory compounds which are extremely soothing to the throat. The mint of peppermint tea allows your throat to become numb and relieve the pain. It also helps in reducing inflammation and swelling caused by throat infection.
What You Need To Do
Steep fresh peppermint leaves in a cup of boiling water for 2-3 minutes and then strain off the leaves.
Add one table spoon of honey and enjoy drinking it.