The causes of a sore throat vary from person to person, but the majority of sore throats are caused by viral infections like colds and the flu. Antibiotics are designed to treat bacterial infections, which is why when you have a cold or flu they don’t help. On the other hand, if you’ve got Strep Throat, the issue is in fact bacterial and antibiotics are often necessary.

Your environment may be the cause of your sore throat

Environmental factors can also contribute to sore throats; particularly dry air or exposure to allergens such as mould, pet hair, pollen, chemicals or air pollution. If you need help diagnosing the cause of your sore throat, it is best to talk to your health care professional.

Natural Remedies and Treatment for Sore Throats

When it comes to a sore throat, the key to soothing it can be closer than you think, often in your kitchen cupboards at home. These home remedies are not only natural, they’re also effective. There are some common age-old natural remedies like lemon and honey, gargling with apple cider vinegar or warm, salt water, however, what else can you do when the pain starts to kick-in?

5 sore throat home remedies

Here are 5 simple sore throat home remedies that you may not have heard of before, which will help you get started on naturally soothing the ache.

1. Cloves Cloves have been used for centuries, particularly in traditional Chinese medicine to help ease pain in the mouth (for toothaches and sore throats). Cloves contain a substance called eugenol, which is a natural pain-killer with anti-bacterial properties. Chewing on whole cloves will slowly release that eugenol and help to numb the pain in your throat.

2. Garlic Garlic contains allicin, a compound that can kill the bacteria that cause a sore throat and fight the germs causing pain and irritation. While anything involving raw garlic might not sound particularly appealing, it’s a great natural remedy that can help to soothe a sore throat.
3. Cayenne Cayenne works like magic for a sore throat. Cayenne has a chemical compound called capsaicin that temporarily relieves pain, much like aspirin does. Mix 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper with 1 cup of boiling water and add a little honey.
4. Baking Soda Baking soda has antibacterial properties, which can help to kill off the nasties camping out in your throat. It also has a slightly alkaline pH which soothes minor skin irritations such as bug bites and rashes – it will have a similar effect on the swollen tissues in your throat.

5. Turmeric Turmeric is both a powerful antioxidant and a powerful anti-inflammatory. Gargling with this natural ingredient can help to combat an inflamed, sore throat.

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