People often search for quick relief for a sore throat as it can be painful, itchy, and very uncomfortable. Based on the cause, a sore throat is usually accompanied by various other symptoms like body ache, fever, headache, cough, runny nose, joint pain, etc. This is because a sore throat is generally considered to be a sign of an infection, however, this is not always the case.

It is important to make sure that the underlying condition is treated primarily to rid yourself of the illness completely.

In this article, I will discuss simple evidence-based remedies for relieving a sore throat and several general home remedies.

A sore throat is usually can be caused by:

-Infections (Bacterial & Viral)
-Allergies (Mold, pollen, etc)
-Inhalation of dust
-Remaining in a dry environment
-Sleeping directly under an AC
-Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), etc.

In order to relieve the sore throat, there are several remedial measures that can be taken:

Evidence-Based Remedies

Licorice Root

Licorice root is well known for its anti-viral and anti-ulcer properties. It has a very soothing effect when applied to open wounds, ulcers, and sores. The same way, when it comes into contact with a sore throat, it has a similar soothing effect. Now there are many concerns with the use of licorice root due to the fact that large doses can cause high blood pressure and even small doses may affect individuals whom are already hypertensive, however, for the purpose of soothing a sore throat, you don’t need to consume it. You just need to gargle with it and spit it out, as seen in this study.

You can simply add 1/2 teaspoon of licorice root powder to half a glass of warm water and use it for gargling then spit it out.

You may repeat this multiple times a day to give you quick relief of a sore throat.

Warning – it will cause a lot of salivation, and if used after meals, it can cause nausea. Its best to use it on an empty stomach or 2-3 hours after a meal.

Sage

Sage, also known as Salvia Officinalis, is a medicinal herb with a long list of uses. It has been found to improve conditions such as Diabetes Type 2, Menopause, and hyperlipidemia. Its also shown a lot of promise for improving cognitive function in Alzheimer’s disease.

In the case of sore throats, Sage is known for its antibacterial properties which can help fight off the underlying infection behind a sore throat. In fact, the use of Sage as a throat spray has been found to improve throat pain in acute pharyngitis within two hours of use (see study).

Honey

Honey is a well-known mucolytic, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial that has been well studied for its efficacy in treating upper respiratory tract infections and coughs. It is a great cough suppressant and has a soothing effect on sore throats. In one study, treatment with honey was found to significantly speed up recovery for and alleviate symptoms for people with sore throats (see study)

A good way to use honey is to combine a teaspoon of it with 1/2 a teaspoon of Sage powder and to slowly consume eat – allowing it to coat the back of the throat and provide quick relief for a sore throat.

General Remedies

1. A glass of warm water, with a teaspoon of honey, a tablespoon of lime juice, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. This can be taken 2 times a day. It also helps reduce inflammation and fight off infections.

2. Chewing a few cloves is very effective to relieve a sore throat instantly, as well as reduce a cough, runny nose, and many other symptoms associated with common upper respiratory infections. Cloves have the ability to numb a sore throat, while also having anti-bacterial properties to fight off the underlying infection.

3. Gargling with salt water 2-3 times a day is an age old remedy for sore throats.

4. Spices like ginger, black pepper, and cayenne pepper can be added to your food to help fight off infections as well as relieve a sore throat.

5. A paste of 1/2 teaspoon of each honey and turmeric can reduce a sore throat.

6. Cinnamon added to a glass of boiling water and allowed to sit for 20 minutes. Add some pepper and honey. Consume this 1-2 times a day.

7. A little bit of black pepper mixed with a little honey and licked can work almost instantly. Do this up to 3 times a day. Avoid if you have issues with nose bleeds, GERD, heavy periods, or IBD.

Ayurvedic Herbal Formulas

1. Lasunadi Vati – Preferably chewed yet, the taste is quite potent. So 1-2 tablets can be swallowed with water

2. Lavangadi Vati – Chew 1-2 tablets up to 3 times a day.

3. Tulsi Leaf tea, or Chewed fresh tulsi leaves.

4. Triphala Guggulu Tablets – 1-2 tablets 2 times a day.

These medicines should always be used under the supervision of an Ayurvedic Doctor. I usually recommend my clients to purchase these formulas from “Banyan Botanicals” and “Vadik Herbs” online. Most East Indian Grocery stores also keep these common Ayurvedic Formulas.

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(Always use medicinal herbs under the supervision of a doctor)

by Dr. Nishal R.
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