Which home remedies help against sore throat?
August 21, 2023 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Isabel Schlosser
Dear Doctor,
My name is Anna Kaiser and I have been suffering from severe sore throat for a few days. The pain is very uncomfortable and makes it difficult for me to eat, drink, and speak normally. Additionally, my throat feels dry and irritated. I also have mild swallowing difficulties.
I have already tried to soothe my throat with warm tea, honey, and throat lozenges, but it seems that no improvement is occurring. I am worried that the sore throat could worsen and I am wondering if there are other home remedies that could help me find relief.
I would like to know if there are alternative home remedies that are effective against sore throat and how best to use them. Are there specific foods or drinks I should avoid? How long does it usually take for sore throat to go away?
I would be very grateful if you could provide me with some recommendations to alleviate my symptoms and avoid potential complications. Thank you in advance for your help.
Sincerely,
Anna Kaiser
Dear Anna Kaiser,
Thank you for your message and for trusting in my expertise. I am sorry to hear that you are suffering from severe sore throat and that the home remedies you have tried so far have not provided enough relief. Sore throats can be very uncomfortable and should be taken seriously to avoid potential complications.
There are indeed some alternative home remedies that can help alleviate sore throat. A proven home remedy is gargling with salt water. Simply mix a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and gargle with it several times a day. The salt water can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
Another commonly recommended home remedy is drinking warm ginger tea. Ginger has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can help with sore throats. Feel free to add some honey to sweeten the tea and further soothe the throat.
Also, sucking on sage lozenges can help alleviate throat pain, as sage has anti-inflammatory properties. However, make sure the lozenges do not have a high sugar content, as this could further irritate the mucous membranes.
It is also important to stay well hydrated to keep the throat moist and support the mucous membranes. However, avoid alcoholic beverages and spicy foods, as they can exacerbate the pain.
Sore throats typically last about 3-7 days, depending on the cause and individual healing process. If the sore throat persists for more than a week or worsens, I strongly recommend seeing a doctor to determine potential causes and receive appropriate treatment.
I hope these recommendations help alleviate your sore throat. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions or need additional support. Wishing you a speedy recovery and all the best!
Best regards,
Isabel Schlosser
