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Ways to Cure a Sore Throat

Garden variety sore throats, not to be confused with equally painful strep throat or tonsillitis, can occur for a variety of reasons. They can be the result of cold and/or flu viruses, post-nasal drip or breathing through the mouth for a prolonged period of time while sleeping. If a sore throat is not the result of streptococcus bacteria or infected tonsils, the possible cures are not only plentiful but cheap and non-prescription.

Taking acetaminophen or ibuprofen, while simultaneously using any of the three methods below, will help curb the discomfort tremendously.

  1. The Salt Water Gargle

    • The cheapest and easiest method of relieving a sore throat is to mix a tablespoon of regular salt with 8 oz. of warm water and gargle. Tilting the head back, though making sure not to accidentally swallow the salt water, gargle with a mouthful of the rinse, spit it out and repeat. The first way in which this helps the irritation is to clean the back of the throat of any bacteria and post-nasal debris. Secondly, the salt pulls moisture out of inflamed throat tissue, relieving that unpleasant "puffy" feeling that accompanies a sore throat.

      This will not cure a sore throat immediately--as of this writing, nothing does--but relief comes fairly quickly if done a few times a day.

    Throat Sprays

    • Throat sprays are another great option for relieving inflammation and discomfort. Products such as Vicks Formula 44 and Cepacol are extremely well known, and are often the go-to product for sore throat sufferers. The active ingredients in these products are menthol and benzocaine, both of which relieve pain by acting as local anesthetics. Natural throat sprays are available at health food stores, and these are free of dyes and unnecessary preservatives. The active ingredient in many natural throat sprays is still menthol, although a number of alternative throat sprays use ingredients such as slippery elm extract, clove oil and bee propolis.

    Humidifiers

    • For those who tend to sleep with their mouths open, a room humidifier is a good solution. This is especially the case for those living in areas with long winters, where indoor air can become extremely dry from heating and lack of ventilation and circulation. A humidifier or vaporizer, placed in one's bedroom and turned on before going to bed, will keep a cool mist in the air, alleviating the arid conditions that can irritate and inflame throat tissues.

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