Dry air, irritants, allergies, muscle strain, illness … Whatever the cause of your scratchy, sore throat, one thing is certain. You want quick (okay, immediate) relief from the agony. You may be tempted to hightail it to your doc at the first sign of discomfort, but there are a number of over-the-counter remedies to send your pain packing post haste.
Sore no more!
Wondering what can you do to soothe a hoarse, scratchy throat? Here are some simple suggestions for rapid relief. Always keep one or more of these remedies on hand so you’ll be prepared whenever a sore throat strikes you or a member of your family. Note: If you have a sore throat that lingers, or is accompanied by a fever, rash, headache, nausea or vomiting, consult your physician as it may be a sign of a more serious condition.
Salt water. Gargling with salt water can provide temporary relief for a raw, painful throat. Dissolve half a teaspoon of Aloha Bay Himalayan Table And Cooking Salt in one cup of warm water, and remember to spit out the solution after gargling. Too salty? Try adding a drop of Vitacost Certified Organic Raw & Unfiltered Honey to sweeten the mixture.
Broth/soup. In case you haven’t heard, a bowl of good, old fashioned broth or soup can work wonders on a sore throat. Try Pacific Natural Foods Organic Low Sodium Free Range Chicken Broth straight from the carton (heated, of course!) or use it as a base for soothing, satisfying chicken noodle soup. Imagine Foods Organic Vegetable Broth is a great alternative for vegetarians!
Tea. Specialty teas, like Traditional Medicinals Organic Throat Coat® Herbal Tea and NOW Foods Real Tea TLC™ Throat and Lung Care, can provide swift relief for your sore, scratchy throat. Simply boil a pot of water, let the tea bag steep for the recommended time period and sip to enjoy the soothing benefits. Add honey if desired!
Drops/lozenges. Combat minor throat pain with drops and lozenges in a wide variety of flavors and formulations. Try Ricola Herb Throat Drops in cherry honey or lemon mint or Burt’s Bees Natural Throat Drops in honey and lemon or honey and pomegranate, for fast, natural relief.
Tablets. Tablets are another effective way to rid your throat of discomfort and soreness. Boiron Roxalia® Sore Throat Quick Dissolving Tablets work naturally with your body to ease throat pain, and sore throats due to overuse, dry weather, smog and colds are no match for Hyland’s Sore Throat Tablets.
Syrups. Sore throat syrups are also a great source of therapeutic relief for hroat pain and discomfort. Try all-natural Herbion Throat Syrup or Redd Remedies Throat and Bronchial Syrup to ease irritation quickly and effectively.
Spray. You may be one spritz away from relief for your aching throat! Consider Source Naturals Wellness Colloidal Silver™ Throat Spray, which uses an “optimal concentration of silver” to relieve irritation, or Gaia Herbs Echinacea Goldenseal Propolis Throat Spray, a fast-acting formulation of phytochemicals for pain relief and increased immunity.
In addition to all of the recommendations above, it’s important to get plenty of rest and fluids. A little self-TLC can go a long way toward overcoming minor irritations and illnesses.