SURJIT SINGH FLORA
There are several factors that can contribute to a sore throat, such as viral or bacterial infections, environmental irritants like smoke or pollution, dry air, allergies, and excessive shouting or talking. Common colds or the flu are frequently responsible for causing sore throats. Strep throat, along with other bacterial infections, can also result in a sore throat. It is crucial to prioritize hydration and maintain proper hygiene to minimize the risk of developing sore throats. If the sore throat becomes severe or persists, it is advisable to seek medical assistance.
Many sore throats can resolve completely with proper rest and hydration over a few days. However, certain severe injuries may necessitate medical attention.
While it may not be a severe health issue, it can be quite uncomfortable. One may experience discomfort while swallowing or speaking. Luckily, there are a few natural remedies that can help alleviate a sore throat and speed up recovery from the infection.
Common Causes of Sore Throats: Most sore throats are caused by viral infections, including the common cold, flu, or mononucleosis. These viruses can cause irritation in the throat, resulting in inflammation and discomfort.
Bacterial Infections: Streptococcus bacteria, specifically Group A Streptococcus, can lead to the development of strep throat, a common bacterial infection. This condition is marked by a severe sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and may come with a fever and swollen lymph nodes.
Environmental Factors: Throat irritation can be caused by exposure to dry air, pollutants, smoke, and other environmental irritants, which may result in a sore throat. This is often observed in regions with subpar air quality or in individuals who regularly inhale irritants such as cigarette smoke.
Allergies can result in throat inflammation, which can lead to a sore throat. These allergic reactions can be triggered by substances like pollen, dust mites, pet dander, or certain foods.
Salt and water:
Mix a quarter teaspoon salt in one cup warm water. (Use the hottest water you can comfortably tolerate. Cold gargles are ineffective.) If you have Listerine, add one tablespoon for germ killing power. The briny solution helps rinse away and neutralise acids in the throat, relieving the burning sensation and promoting fast healing of irritated mucous membranes. Note: Mix a fresh batch of gargle for every use. Better to waste a bit pouring it out than to leave it in your glass, where it might become contaminated with bacteria. Also, do not swallow the gargle; spit it out.
Lemon and water:
Mix one teaspoon of lemon juice in one cup of water for this sore throat remedy; the astringent juice will help shrink swollen throat tissue and create a hostile (acidic) environment for viruses and bacteria. In addition to being an effective home gargle, lemon water has some great benefits when you have it first thing in the morning. Lemon juice is rich in vitamin C, which helps in boosting the immune system.
Ginger, honey, and lemon in water:
This sore throat home remedy mixes one teaspoon each of powdered ginger and honey, a half cup of hot water, and the juice of half squeezed lemon. Pour the water over the ginger, then add the lemon juice and honey, and gargle. Honey coats the throat and also has mild antibacterial properties. Ginger reduces inflammation and is helpful for a sore throat. As a natural antihistamine and decongestant, ginger is effective in reducing congestion.
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. One option is to make cinnamon almond milk, which may be, especially soothing for a sore throat. For this you need one cup of almond milk, half teaspoon of ground cinnamon, eighth teaspoon of baking soda and one tablespoon of honey or a sweetener of choice. 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.
Tomato juice:
For temporary relief of sore throat symptoms, gargle with a mixture of half cup of tomato juice and half cup of hot water, plus about 10 drops of hot pepper sauce. The antioxidant properties of lycopene may help remedy a sore throat faster.
Sage and water:
Sage can soothe a sore throat and ease painful or swollen nasal passages. One traditional home remedy calls for one teaspoon sage, half teaspoon alum, quarter cup brown sugar, 3/8 cup vinegar, and eighth cup water.
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. Gargle with one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and one teaspoon of salt dissolved in a glass of warm water; use several times a day if needed. For a gentler treatment, combine a quarter cup of apple cider vinegar and a quarter cup of honey and take one tablespoon every four hours.
Green tea:
There is nothing further to discuss regarding this matter. Green tea is a highly effective and natural remedy for soothing a sore throat and promoting overall health. Prepare a cup of liquid, brew an additional amount, and utilize it for gargling purposes to effectively eliminate bacteria. There may be something going on in your throat.
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 soothing because it helps lubricate the mucous membranes in the throat. You can add a spoonful to soup or put a spoonful in the mouth, letting it melt and coat the throat. Limit coconut oil consumption to about two tablespoon (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 teaspoon (five milliliters) at a time to minimise potential side effects.
Baking soda:
A gargle solution made with baking soda is an alternative to the traditional saltwater solution. Baking soda has been shown to increase the pH of saliva, helping to fight off infection and relieve throat pain. Add a quarter teaspoon of baking soda to one cup of warm water and use this solution to cleanse the mouth and throat through gargling. To further health benefits, add eighth teaspoon of salt to the mixture. To soothe a sore throat and reduce mucus, swish and gargle throughout the day.
Raspberry tea:
Raspberry tea is an old home remedy believed to treat everything from the flu to open wounds. One recipe calls for pouring one cup of boiling water over two teaspoons of dried tea leaves. Steep for ten minutes, then strain and let cool a bit. Gargle while warm.
It’s important to keep in mind that a sore throat can be a symptom of different underlying conditions. If the sore throat persists, is severe, or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
(The writer is a veteran journalist and freelance writer based in Brampton).