Content
Sore throat is a relatively common symptom that can appear for no apparent reason, but which is often related to the development of a cold or flu.
Although it is very important to rest and maintain proper hydration, there are also some home-made and all-natural remedies that can be used to relieve discomfort, especially in milder cases.
However, if the sore throat does not improve with these home remedies or if it is very intense, lasts more than 1 week or prevents the person from eating, it is recommended to consult a general practitioner to assess the need to start treatment with medications, such as anti -inflammatory, analgesics and even antibiotics, if there is an infection in the throat. See the main causes of sore throat and what to do in each case.
1. Mint tea
Mint tea is a natural remedy popularly used to treat colds and flu, mainly because it is able to relieve sore throat. According to some scientific studies, this plant contains a good concentration of menthol, a type of substance that helps make mucus more fluid and soothe an irritated throat.
In addition, mint tea also has anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antibacterial properties that help to cure sore throat faster.
Ingredients
- 1 mint stalk;
- 1 cup of boiling water.
Preparation mode
Add the leaves of 1 mint stalk to the boiling water and allow to stand for 5 to 10 minutes. Then strain and drink when it is warm. This tea can be ingested 2 to 3 times a day.
2. Lemon gargle
Lemon is a very common ingredient in the preparation of home remedies to treat throat discomfort, colds and flu. This happens due to its composition in vitamin C and antioxidants, which gives it a strong anti-inflammatory action.
Thus, gargling with concentrated lemon water can help reduce the discomfort of the sore throat.
Ingredients
- ½ cup of warm water;
- 1 lemon.
Preparation mode
Mix the lemon juice in ½ cup of warm water and then gargle. This gargling can be done up to 3 times a day.
3. Chamomile tea with honey
Chamomile tea with honey is a very effective mixture against sore throat, as in addition to honey helping to hydrate irritated tissues, chamomile has a strong anti-inflammatory and astringent action that helps to calm the sore throat.
In addition, some investigations also seem to indicate that chamomile can stimulate the immune system, helping to fight colds and flu.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon of dried chamomile flowers;
- 1 teaspoon of honey;
- 1 cup of boiling water.
Preparation mode
Place the chamomile flowers in the cup of boiling water, cover and let stand for 5 to 10 minutes. Finally, add the spoon of honey, strain and drink it warm, 2 to 3 times a day.
In the case of babies under 2 years old, only chamomile tea without honey should be offered, as the consumption of honey in the first years of life can cause a serious intestinal infection, known as botulism. Better understand the risk of giving honey to the baby.
4. Gargle warm water with salt
This is another one of the most popular home remedies for the treatment of sore throat, but which, in fact, has a quick and strong effect against pain. This effect is due to the presence of salt that helps to dissolve mucus and secretions that may be in the throat causing discomfort, in addition to having antibacterial effect, which eliminates possible bacteria that is contributing to the sore throat.
Ingredients
- 1 glass of warm water;
- 1 tablespoon of salt.
Preparation mode
Mix the ingredients until the salt completely dissolves in the water. Then gargle with the mixture still warm and repeat 3 to 4 times a day, or as needed.
5. Chocolate with mint
Learn how to enjoy these ingredients and learn other natural recipes in this video by nutritionist Tatiana Zanin:
6. Ginger tea
Ginger root is a potent natural anti-inflammatory that can be used to relieve pain from various inflammatory problems, including sore throat. Ginger has bioactive compounds, such as gingerol and shogaol, which reduce inflammation and eliminate microorganisms that can cause infection and worsen pain.
Ingredients
- 1 cm of ginger root;
- 1 cup of boiling water.
Preparation mode
Peel the ginger root and make small cuts. Then add the ginger to the boiling water, cover and let stand for 5 to 10 minutes. Finally, strain and drink while still warm. Take this tea 3 times a day.
7. Grapefruit juice
Another good home remedy for sore throat is grapefruit juice, as it is rich in vitamin C and acts as an anti-inflammatory, thus reducing the discomfort of the sore throat, as well as other typical flu and cold symptoms.
Ingredients
Preparation mode
Wash the grapefruits, cut in half, remove the grapefruit seeds and take the fruits to a high speed centrifuge. The juice made this way is more creamy and has more nutrients. Drink grapefruit juice at least 3 times a day.
This juice should not be used when taking any medicine, as it can interfere with its functioning, canceling the effect. Thus, it is always best to inform the doctor to find out if it is possible to drink grapefruit juice while taking other medications.