The cold snap, angina, laryngitis… Do you have a sore throat? Here are 10 tips to relieve yourself quickly.
The burning, irritation, and pain that accompany a sore throat sometimes make it difficult to talk or swallow food simply. Here are some tips to relieve these discomforts.
1. Gargle with salt water or baking soda
Salt water gargle is an effective home remedy that helps relieve sore throat. Salt acts as a mild antiseptic while helping to extract water from the lining of the throat. Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water, gargle with this solution and spit it out, several times a day. You can also gargle with a solution of water and baking soda.
2. Honey
Thanks to its antibacterial and antitussive properties, honey can speed up the healing of sore throats. Honey also exerts a hypertonic and osmotic action, that is, it extracts water from inflamed tissues, alleviating swelling and pain. Add a few teaspoons to a cup of hot water, or to an infusion.
3. Vitamin C
Without being a panacea, some supplements can help you strengthen the immune system, in addition to making it easier to heal the inflamed tissue of the throat and relieve pain. Whether your sore throat is caused by a cold, flu, or angina, vitamin C can help boost the immune system and fight infection. You can also take natural vitamin C in the form of acerola.
4. Garlic
In addition to having many health benefits, garlic could also help fight infection better. Dried, garlic has powerful antibacterial and antiseptic properties.
5. Zinc to accelerate the healing of sore throat
In one study, participants who took a lozenge containing about 13 mg of zinc every two hours had their viral sore throat heal three to four days earlier than subjects who did not take it. However, zinc could compromise immunity, hence the importance of not taking it in the long term.
6. Soup made from chicken broth, garlic, herbs, and vegetables
Eat soup made from lean broth made from vegetables or chicken, garlic, herbs, and vegetables. Garlic fights inflammation and strengthens the immune system, the warm liquid relieves the throat, while vegetables provide certain nutrients that can promote healing.
7. Use horehound
Horehound reduces swelling of irritated throat tissue thins mucus and makes it easier to evacuate. White horehound was already used in ancient times to relieve coughs and as an antidote to certain poisons. Infuse 10 minutes 2 teaspoons of the chopped plant in 2 cups of boiling water, then extract the liquid absorbed by the horehound.
8. Drink plenty of water and hot drinks
Drink at least 2 liters of fluid a day to soothe your throat. Hot drinks like soups and herbal teas can also provide significant relief and soothe the pain.
9. Change your toothbrush if your sore throat is recurring
If your sore throat is recurrent, get a new toothbrush. Over time, bacteria accumulate on the bristles of the brushes and could re-enter your system through small wounds, and infect you again. A study published in the journal ACS Environmental Science & Technology has shown that triclosan (endocrine disruptor), a substance found in toothpaste, accumulates dangerously on our toothbrushes.
10. Rest and healthy food
As much as colds and flu, nervous tension and fatigue can lead to sore throats. Take some rest! To stimulate your immune system, it is recommended to have healthy lifestyle habits, including getting enough sleep and adopting a varied and balanced diet. In cooking, use garlic, ginger, shiitake, and reishi mushrooms, as well as fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants that help boost immunity.
Finally, always consult a pharmacist or doctor before resorting to natural remedies or supplements. A health professional will be able to tell you the best treatments and remedies to prefer, taking into account your symptoms, your condition, the medications you are taking, and your state of health.
Image Credit : Image by wayhomestudio on Freepik
