Sore Throat

As more and more people continue to suffer from the side effects of synthetic medications, home remedies are seeing a rise in popularity. Most people will be surprised to know that many common household items found in the food section of the local grocery store also have healing properties. Sore throat home remedies are some of the most used natural cures, since a sore throat, or pharyngitis, is such a common ailment.

Salt and Water Is One of the Best Sore Throat Home Remedies

One of the oldest and most tested alternative sore throat treatments is to gargle warm salt water. Many people never try this solution because they doubt such a simple formula could help their condition, but those who know a little bit about how salt works will realize that salt is one of the best weapons against the bacteria that causes sore throats.

Bacteria thrive in warm, wet environments, which is why the throat is such a perfect place for them to breed. Part of the irritation and swelling of the throat is caused by the bacteria’s water supply, which is keeping them alive. Salt is a natural dehydrator that absorbs water, which is why it is also used as a preservative. Through the process of osmosis, the salt draws the water out of the bacteria, which kills them in the process. This is why a simple salt and water solution is one of the best remedies for a sore throat.

Cayenne Pepper Is Another Good Choice

Many people may be skeptical of gargling a mixture of cayenne pepper and water to cure sore throats, but there are countless testimonials that swear by its success. As with salt, it is important to start small with a cayenne mixture. Begin with a minimal amount, and keep testing the solution until it is as strong as you can handle without feeling discomfort.

The cayenne pepper’s natural anti-inflammatory properties reduce swelling and sooth irritation while also killing bacteria by depriving them of water. That said, it is important to use cayenne pepper in moderation as too much can actually make the irritation worse. By using the right amount, sufferers of sore throats can use this remedy to feel near-instant relief.

Pickle Brine is Arguably the Best of All the Sore Throat Home Remedies

Pickle brine, which is the juice in a jar of pickles, is another effective treatment for a sore throat. One of the main preservatives used in pickle brine is salt, which maintains the crunch of a pickle after months of soaking in liquid.

By gargling pickle brine, the salt will drain and kill bacteria cells. Vinegar is also another main ingredient of pickle brine, and consequently, also great for treating sore throats. The acidity of the vinegar adds an extra soothing effect that helps the pickle brine reduce inflammation. This combination of salt and vinegar, two great sore throat cures when used individually, makes pickle brine one of the most effective home remedies, perhaps even more so than water and salt alone.

While a sore throat is not the most severe of illnesses, it can often be quite uncomfortable. By using established sore throat home remedies such as salt, cayenne pepper, or pickle brine, sufferers of this condition can help to cure it without enduring the unpleasant side effects that typically come with pharmaceutical drugs.