How to Get Rid of a Scratchy Throat

Tea with lemon will relieve a scratchy throat.

A scratchy throat, no matter the cause, can make speaking and even breathing painful. According to the editors of "Prevention" magazine, authors of "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies," there are several home remedies to ease the pain from sore throats, making it easier to go through the day as normal. Preparing a home remedy for a scratchy throat is a simple process, requiring only a few common ingredients to complete.

Things You'll Need

• Salt
• Tea bag
• Lemon juice
• Honey

Instructions

1. Add 1 tsp. of salt into a 4-oz. glass of warm water and stir until it has completely dissolved.

2. Gargle the salt water for 20 seconds and spit it out into the sink. Repeat the gargling process until you have used up all of the water. According to Lydia Wilen and Joan Wilen, authors of "Healing Remedies," gargling salt water will lubricate your throat and help relieve swelling that causes pain.

3. Brew a cup of your favorite tea and allow it to steep for five minutes.

4. Add 1 tsp. of lemon juice and 2 tsp. of honey into your tea and stir until the ingredients are fully mixed.

5. Sip the tea over 10 to 20 minutes.

6. Repeat the gargling process and sip on a fresh cup of tea whenever your scratchy throat returns.

Tips & Warnings

• According to the editors of "Reader's Digest," authors of "1801 Home Remedies," if your scratchy throat persists for more than 10 days, you should consult with a physician.

References

• "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies: Quick Fixes, Clever Techniques, and Uncommon Cures to Get You Feeling Better Fast;" Editors of Prevention; 2010
• "1801 Home Remedies;" Editors of Reader's Digest; 2004
• "Healing Remedies: More Than 1,000 Natural Ways to Relieve Common Ailments, from Arthritis and Allergies to Diabetes, Osteoporosis, and Many Others;" Lydia Wilen and Joan Wilen; 2008