How to Soothe Your Throat

Sore throats are often accompanied by a fever.

A sore throat, often accompanied with loss of voice and coughing, causes pain when speaking, swallowing or breathing. According to "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies," illnesses ranging from a cold to laryngitis cause sore throats. A sore throat is treatable with prescription and over-the-counter medicines, as well as home remedies. Use home remedies for a sore throat on their own or in conjunction with other treatments for faster pain relief.

Things You'll Need

• Water
• Tea
• Honey
• Mug
• Salt
• Spoon
• Glass

Instructions

1. Pour boiling water into a mug, and add a bag of your favorite tea. Leave the tea to steep for five minutes.

2. Add at least 2 tbsp. of honey into your tea, flavoring to preference. Sip your tea over the course of five to 10 minutes to soothe your sore throat. According to Miranda Castro, author of "The Complete Homeopathy Handbook," the heat will reduce inflammation while the honey coats your throat, slowing the growth of new bacteria.

3. Pour a 4-oz. glass of warm water, and stir in 1 tbsp. of salt. Mix thoroughly so all of the salt combines with the warm water. Salt draws inflammation out of your throat while the warm water soothes pain and washes away bacteria, writes Castro.

4. Gargle with the salt water for at least 20 seconds. Repeat until you have used the entire mixture.

5. Repeat this process as many times as needed throughout the day to soothe your sore throat.

Tips & Warnings

• Always consult with your health-care professional if you suspect you are severely ill or if your sore throat persists for more than seven days.

References

• "Breaking the Antibiotic Habit: A Parent's Guide to Coughs, Colds, Ear Infections, and Sore Throats"; Paul A. Offit, Bonnie Fass-Offit, and Louis M. Bell; 1999
• "The Complete Homeopathy Handbook: Safe and Effective Ways to Treat Fevers, Coughs, Colds and Sore Throats, Childhood Ailments, Food Poisoning, Flu, and a Wide Range of Everyday Complaints"; Miranda Castro; 1991
• "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies: Quick Fixes, Clever Techniques, and Uncommon Cures to Get You Feeling Better Fast"; Editors of Prevention; 2010