7 natural sore throat remedies

With the cold days on their way and it’s natural to develop a cough or cold, but instead of reaching for the paracetamol, try these home remedies!

1. Honey – Not only is honey super tasty and the perfect accompaniment to almost anything, scientists have found that it may be better at treating colds and sore throats than more conventional medicines, including antibiotics. A new study from the University of Oxford has found that it can be more effective than normal methods of care, especially when it comes to treating severe coughing.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar – Apple Cider Vinegar is super tasty on salads but also has medicinal qualities. It’s packed with some of the nutrients from the apple and also contains probiotics. As Healthline reports, a 2011 study have found that consuming probiotics may boost your immune system which could shorten the amount of time you have a sore throat? The acidity of the vinegar also helps thin out mucus, per the publication.

3. Salt & Water – This sounds slightly basic and unpleasant but gargling salt and water is one of the oldest tricks in the book. The solution may ease some of the scratchy pain you’re experiencing too.
4. Garlic – Garlic may taste perfect on bread (or just about anything) but, as Healthline reports, it’s been found to have healing properties too. Studies have found that garlic can act as an antiseptic. It contains allicin which could help ease your cough. However, the best way to ingest it is raw or by sucking on it which can be tough breath-wise.

5. Peppermint – Peppermint contains menthol which is a decongestant. If you’ve got a throaty cough and are struggling to get rid of mucus, peppermint can help clear your throat without persistently coughing. It also has soothing properties if you have a dry throat.

6. Chicken Soup – Chicken soup was a staple in most houses when you were unwell as a child, and it does more than just comfort you, as BBC Good Food reports. The warm broth in the soup can reduce inflammation and alleviate some pain. At the same time the nutritious soup can help support your immune system in fighting off the infection.

7. Sage – Per Medicine Net, a 2009 study found that spraying sage onto a sore throat could have numbing effects. Sage contains antibacterial and antiseptic properties which can help shorten a sore throat and ease pain.