Relieve a sore throat naturally: You should try these home remedies

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A sore throat often manifests itself as difficulty swallowing, a red throat or swollen mucous membranes and is often the first sign of a cold. They are usually caused by viruses, but can also be accompanied by bacterial infections. Interestingly, a sore throat is also one of the common first symptoms of a coronavirus infection.

If you have a mild sore throat, you don't have to resort to medication straight away: home remedies such as compresses or certain foods can provide soothing relief. Here we show you five proven remedies that really help!

An important note in advance:No matter which home remedy you choose – drinking enough is always the be-all and end-all! This moisturizes your mucous membranes, supports the healing process and noticeably relieves the annoying scratchy throat.

1. Honey as a home remedy for a sore throat

Honey has been considered a real miracle cure for centuries. It was already valued in ancient times for its healing properties and is still used today for sore throats. There are numerousReportsabout the positive properties of honey. Many people swear that honey not only has a calming effect, but also promotes wound healing. In combination with warm drinks such as tea, honey develops its soothing effect particularly well.

And it gets even better:Studiesshow that honey can even relieve coughs and is just as effective at night against coughing attacks as cough suppressants.

Tipp:Make sure that your tea has cooled down a bit before adding the honey so that the valuable ingredients of the honey are preserved.

By the way:The rumor that milk promotes mucus production when you have a sore throat is a myth. You can find out more about this in ourread up.

Extra tip for on the go:Suck honey candy! These not only help with a sore throat, but also with a strained voice. >Here you can find honey sweets with valuable Manuka honey on Amazon*

2. Warm drinks and soups: Soothing for the throat

It is well known that warm drinks can relieve a sore throat. Herbal teas with plants such as sage,Camomileor thyme. Thishave an anti-inflammatory effect and help fight bacteria and viruses. Thyme is best known for its strong antibacterial properties and can be particularly helpful for infections in the throat and throat.

Chamomile has an anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effect, while sage has an active effect against inflammation and pathogens thanks to its essential oils. Both herbs are beneficial as a tea or as a gargle. Not only are the mucous membranes moistened, but bacteria and viruses are also removed.

Another classic for sore throats: ! The spicy tuber warms from the inside and contains gingerol, which has an anti-inflammatory effect. Ginger can also loosen mucus in the bronchi and sinuses.

To make ginger water, simply cut a few slices of ginger, pour hot water over them and let the whole thing steep. The longer you leave the ginger in the water, the more intense (sharper) the taste will be. Alternatively, you can also prepare a classic ginger tea and refine it with a little lemon and honey.

Also read:

Home remedy for a sore throat: ginger teaCredit:iStock

, a tried and tested remedy for colds, should not go unmentioned here. It strengthens the body and promotes blood circulation in the mucous membranes, which supports the healing process.

3. Healing herbs for sore throats

The flowers and leaves of mallow soothe irritated mucous membranes. Mallow is available both in lozenges and as dried tea.

Ribwort plantain has similar properties to sage or chamomile: anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic. Ribwort plantain can be drunk as a tea or taken as a lozenge. Alternatively, the tea can also be used for gargling.

4. Gargling with salt water: Simple and effective

Gargling with salt water is one of the most popular home remedies for a sore throat. It soothes the throat and helps kill pathogens. To do this, dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of lukewarm water and gargle every three hours. This moisturizes the mucous membranes and reduces inflammation.

5. Neck wrap: Heat or cold for pain

Warm, moist compresses can provide relief from external sore throats. A simple home remedy: Soak a cloth in lukewarm tea, wring it out and place it around your neck. Secure with a scarf or other towels.

Potato wraps are another option: boil jacket potatoes, mash them, wrap them in a towel and place them around your neck. The potatoes retain heat for a particularly long time and promote blood circulation in the affected area, which can help alleviate the symptoms. Potato wraps are also helpful for hoarseness or coughing.

Alternatively, you can also use grain pillows that are heated in the oven or microwave. >There is a cute fox heat pillow especially for the neck and neck on Amazon*

Many people think that only heat helps with a sore throat, but cool quark compresses can also provide effective relief. Simply apply some quark to a cloth or kitchen towel, wrap it so that it doesn't leak out, and place it carefully around your neck. Secure well with a scarf or towel. You have to find out for yourself whether heat or cold helps you better with your symptoms - the only way to do this is to try it out!

Reading tips:

Sore throat: when should you see a doctor?

If the sore throat doesn't get better after three to four days or you get a fever and swollen lymph nodes, you should see a doctor. You can also find out about the correct dosage of herbs at the pharmacy.

Danger:Small children and asthmatics should not be treated with essential oils such as sage or mint.

Important NOTE:This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace a medical diagnosis. If you have any uncertainties, urgent questions or acute symptoms, you should contact your doctor or ask for advice at the pharmacy. The medical on-call service can be reached via the nationwide number 116117.