Sore Throat Remedies: 16 Natural Gargles
Gargling is a simple and remarkably effective way to kill germs and soothe a sore throat. Try one of these trusted homemade gargles next time you’re looking to relieve throat pain.
Sore throat remedy: Salt and water
Try one of grandma’s sore throat remedies by mixing 1⁄4 teaspoon salt in 1 cup warm water. (Use the hottest water you can comfortably tolerate. Cold gargles are ineffective.) If you have it, add 1 tablespoon of Listerine for germ-killing power. The briny solution helps rinse away and neutralize acids in the throat, relieving the burning sensation and promoting fast healing of irritated mucous membranes. Note: Mix a fresh batch of gargle for every use. Better to waste a bit pouring it out than to leave it in your glass, where it might become contaminated with bacteria. Also, do not swallow the gargle; spit it out.
Sore throat remedy: Ginger, honey, and lemon in water
This sore throat home remedy mixes 1 teaspoon each of powdered ginger and honey, 1⁄2 cup of hot water, and the juice of 1⁄2 squeezed lemon. Pour the water over the ginger, then add the lemon juice and honey, and gargle. Honey coats the throat and also has mild antibacterial properties. Watch for the early signs of a cold and learn how to stop it.
Sore throat remedy: Hot sauce and water
The capsicum in hot peppers helps alleviate pain and fights inflammation. Add five shakes of ground cayenne pepper (or a few shakes of hot sauce) to a cup of hot water for sore throat relief. It’ll burn, but try this gargle every 15 minutes and see if it helps.
Sore throat remedy: Turmeric and water
This yellow spice is a powerful antioxidant, and scientists think it has the strength to fight many serious diseases. For sore throat remedies, mix 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric and 1/2 teaspoon of salt into 1 cup of hot water and gargle. An added bonus? Turmeric may even banish your belly issues!
Sore throat remedy: Wheatgrass juice
Another good sore throat remedy: Wheatgrass juice. A quick rinse and spit with this chlorophyll-rich liquid help prohibit bacteria growth and ease throat pain. Wheatgrass juice is said to help stop toothache pain and revitalize weakened gums when it’s held in the mouth for about five minutes. Here’s why experts say juicing and these 20 other health trends are overrated.
Sore throat remedy: Tomato juice
For temporary relief of sore throat symptoms, gargle with a mixture of 1/2 cup of tomato juice and 1/2 cup of hot water, plus about ten drops of hot pepper sauce. The antioxidant properties of lycopene may help remedy a sore throat faster. Here’s what doctors and nurses do when they get a cold.
Sore throat remedy: Green tea
Green tea is known to naturally fight infections. Next time you brew a cup, make a little extra and gargle with some of this remedy to kill any bacteria your sore throat may be harboring.