A sore throat can be very uncomfortable. The main symptoms are pain and irritation, especially when swallowing. A sore throat is part of the body’s immune response to viral or bacterial infections.
The natural immune response leads to inflammation and swelling of the mucous membranes in the throat. However, several natural remedies may provide relief, including some with scientific evidence.
This article details 15 natural sore throat remedies.
1. Marshmallow root
Since ancient times, people have used extracts from the marshmallow plant Althaea officinalis to treat sore throats and other conditions.
Its root contains a gelatin-like substance called mucilage that coats and lubricates the throat when a person swallows it.
Researchers have tested lozenges containing marshmallow root in animals and found them to be effective and nontoxic, even at very high doses. It may also help soothe a dry cough.
Marshmallow root infusion
Here is a recipe for a cold marshmallow root infusion to soothe a painful throat:
Ingredients:
one liter (l) of cold water
one ounce, or 28 grams (g), of dried marshmallow root
Directions:
Fill a jar with the cold water.
Place the marshmallow root in cheesecloth and tie it up in a bundle.
Lower the bundle into the water until it is completely submerged.
Place the tied end of the bundle over the lip of the jar, place the lid on the jar, and screw it on.
Infuse overnight or for at least 8 hours, then remove the bundle.
Pour the desired amount into a glass. Add an optional sweetener of choice.
When it is ready, take sips throughout the day to help reduce symptoms.
Choosing high quality dried marshmallow root from a reliable source is important.
2. Sage and echinacea
Sage is a popular herb in cooking, but it also has several medicinal uses. Sage, also called Salvia officinalis, originated in the Mediterranean. Now, people grow it around the world.
Sage may help with many inflammatory conditions, and controlled studies suggest that it can help relieve throat pain.
Echinacea is another herb that people use in traditional medicine. It can fight bacteria, reduce inflammation, and help treat respiratory conditions.
Sage-echinacea throat spray
Follow this recipe to make sage-echinacea throat spray at home:
Ingredients:
one teaspoon (tsp) of ground sage
one tsp of ground echinacea
1/2 cup of water
Directions:
Boil the water.
Place the sage and echinacea in a small jar, then fill it with boiling water.
Let it steep for 30 minutes.
Pour the mixture through a strainer. Add 1/2 cup of hard liquor if desired.
Place the mixture in a small spray bottle and spray into the throat every 2 hours or as needed.
3. Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a natural health tonic. It has been a staple in folk medicine remedies for centuries. Its main active ingredient, acetic acid, helps fight bacteria.
The ancient Greek physician Hippocrates, known as the father of medicine, prescribed a combination of apple cider vinegar and honey, called oxymel, to treat flu symptoms, such as coughs and sore throats.
To help relieve throat pain, drink one cup of warm water mixed with one tablespoon (tbsp) of apple cider vinegar and one optional tbsp of honey.
The possible risks of apple cider vinegar include tooth decay and digestive problems. People can find apple cider vinegar in supermarkets, health stores, and online.
4. Saltwater gargle
Gargling with salt water is a well-known natural remedy to relieve a sore throat.
The salt helps reduce swelling by pulling water out of the throat tissue. It may also help kill harmful microbes in the throat.
Combine one cup of warm water with one tsp of salt and stir to dissolve. Gargle with a mouthful of this mixture for 30 seconds once per hour.
5. Honey
Honey is a sweetener that people often combine with other natural ingredients to soothe a sore throat. People use honey as a medicine because it has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial effects.
In addition to helping fight infection and providing pain relief, honey can also make certain remedies taste better.
Honey may be especially effective when a person combines it with warm water and apple cider vinegar or herbs. Some people choose to use raw honey or manuka honey.
However, children under the age of one should avoid honey. They have not yet acquired healthy bacteria that can fight off some germs, such as botulism spores, that sometimes occur in honey.
Also, people who avoid sugar or follow a low carb diet may want to choose another remedy since honey is a form of sugar.
6. Licorice root
The licorice plant, also called Glycyrrhiza glabra, is native to Europe and South Asia. Best known for its sweet flavor, licorice also has uses in traditional medicine.
It has properties similar to aspirin that may help reduce sore throat pain. It also has antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory effects.
There is little research into its ability to relieve illness-related sore throats. However, one much older study found that gargling with licorice water before surgery reduced the risk of getting a sore throat by 50%, compared with gargling with sugar water.
To make licorice tea, combine ground licorice root with hot water, let it steep for 5 minutes, then strain it before drinking. Licorice root tea is also available at natural grocery stores and online.
7. Lemon water
Lemon water is a refreshing beverage that may also reduce the throat pain that occurs during a cold or flu.
Lemon contains vitamin C and other powerful antioxidants. These compounds fight inflammation and reduce oxidative stress, which are common disease markers.
Lemon also increases the amount of saliva the body produces, which can help keep the mucous membranes moist.
To maximize its benefits, try combining lemon with warm water and a little honey or salt water.
8. Ginger root tea
Ginger is a spice with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects that may help relieve throat pain.
Some laboratory studies have found that ginger extract can kill some bacteria and viruses that cause respiratory illnesses. It can also reduce inflammation in people with tuberculosis, which is a lung disease.
Ginger tea is available from most markets and online retailers. People can also make their own from fresh ginger.
Ginger root tea
Follow this recipe to make ginger root tea at home:
Ingredients:
fresh ginger root
one l of water
one tbsp (21 g) of honey or a sweetener of choice
a squeeze of lemon juice
Directions:
Peel the ginger root and grate it into a small bowl.
Boil the water in a large saucepan, then remove it from the heat.
Place one tbsp of grated ginger into the saucepan and cover it with a lid.
Let it steep for 10 minutes.
Add the sweetener and lemon juice, then stir to combine.
This tea works well, reheated as needed or served cold.
9. Coconut oil
Coconut oil is a versatile food with several health benefits. Some studies suggest that it may help fight infection and reduce inflammation in exposed areas.
Coconut oil is also very soothing because it helps lubricate the mucous membranes in the throat.
Here are a few ideas to try:
Add a spoonful to hot tea or hot cocoa.
Add a spoonful to soup.
Put a spoonful in the mouth, letting it melt and coat the throat.
Limit coconut oil consumption to about 2 tbsp (30 milliliters [ml]) daily, as it can have a laxative effect at higher dosages. When using coconut oil for the first time, start with one tsp (5 ml) at a time to minimize potential side effects.
10. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a fragrant and delicious spice with a high antioxidant content. It can also provide antibacterial benefits.
In Chinese medicine, cinnamon is a traditional remedy for colds, flu, and sore throats.
Cinnamon tea is available for purchase in most grocery stores, in both herbal and regular varieties, and online. People can also add cinnamon to herbal or black tea.
Another option is to make cinnamon almond milk, which may be especially soothing for a sore throat.
Cinnamon almond milk
Follow this recipe to make cinnamon almond milk at home:
Ingredients:
one cup of almond milk
1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) of ground cinnamon
1/8 tsp (0.6 ml) of baking soda
one tbsp (15 ml) of honey or a sweetener of choice
Directions:
Place the cinnamon and baking soda in a saucepan and mix together.
Add the almond milk and mix again until it is well combined.
Heat the mixture until it just begins to simmer, then remove it from the heat.
Stir in the honey or sweetener.
11. Drink plenty of fluids
Although swallowing may be uncomfortable, drinking plenty of water or other fluids will ultimately make the throat feel better. It is important to keep the throat’s mucous membranes hydrated so that they can heal.
Drink tea, herbal infusions, water, or other beverages at the most comfortable temperature.
12. Soup
Soup is a well-known natural cold and sore throat remedy. It is also a comfort food that allows people to get more fluids when they are sick.
Try adding garlic to the soup. Garlic contains bioactive compounds that can also provide benefits during times of illness.
A person can buy canned soup ahead of time and store it until needed, or they can prepare it with added vegetables that boost immunity.
13. Peppermint tea
Peppermint contains anti-inflammatory compounds and is very soothing to the throat. Peppermint tea is caffeine-free, and its naturally sweet taste often requires no additional sweetener.
There are many peppermint herbal teas in stores and online.
To make peppermint tea at home, steep fresh peppermint leaves in boiling water for 3–5 minutes, then strain off the leaves.
14. Chamomile tea
Chamomile is a daisy-like plant that people have used for medicinal purposes since ancient times. Some research suggests that chamomile tea promotes restful sleep, which is important for healing.
Chamomile tea has a pleasant, mild aroma and flavor. Like other herbal teas, chamomile contains no caffeine.
Chamomile tea is widely available at grocery stores and online.
15. Herbal lozenges
Teas, infusions, and other drinks are soothing and provide hydration, but sometimes sucking on a throat lozenge can also be comforting.
Herbal throat lozenges are available for purchase online and in some natural grocery stores. People can also make homemade throat lozenges with some of the herbs listed in this article.
Slippery elm is a popular herb for lozenges. It contains mucilage that coats and soothes the throat, similar to marshmallow root.
Try making lozenges ahead of time to have them on hand when a sore throat develops.
Medications
Over-the-counter medications also can help ease a sore throat, including:
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): NSAIDs relieve inflammation and sore throat pain without causing stomach discomfort. Two common types include ibuprofen and aspirin.
Sprays: Lidocaine sprays and other numbing throat sprays can effectively reduce pain.
Lozenges: Throat lozenges containing lidocaine or other types of numbing medicine can help soothe a sore throat.
Summary
No matter how healthy a person is, everyone gets a sore throat occasionally.
However, there are many steps a person can take to soothe a sore throat and encourage healing.
Be sure to see a qualified healthcare professional if a sore throat lasts for longer than a few days or is extremely painful. Severe or persistent pain may indicate strep throat, tonsillitis, or another serious infection that requires medical treatment.