A sore throat makes it tough to eat, drink and talk. It can be caused by many things, including dry air, smoking, acid reflux or a viral infection like the flu or common cold. In some cases, a sore throat can also be a sign of a bacterial infection like strep throat.
If you're struggling with a sore throat, there are several home remedies that can help -- and most of them are likely already in your kitchen or medicine cabinet. Some may help mask the pain, while others can actually ease it and speed up recovery time.
Salt water is a good home remedy for a sore throat because it soothes and reduces swelling, according to research. Mix a teaspoon of salt in warm water and gargle it every hour or so to ease the pain.
Honey is another effective natural sore throat remedy. Research shows it has antibacterial properties, and its sweetness can help calm the nerves in your throat and reduce coughing. To get the most benefits from honey, add it to a hot drink such as tea or a hot toddy (water, whiskey and honey). Make sure you're of legal drinking age before trying this one!
If a sore throat persists, it's important to see a doctor to avoid complications. They can check your throat and order a throat swab to confirm if you have strep or another serious infection that requires treatment with antibiotics. You can save on the cost of medications with an Optum Perks Discount Card.