The throat has one of the most important functions to perform in the body: it immediately recognizes intruders and sends out alarm signals. Naturally, bacteria and viruses enter our body most easily through the air. They are inhaled, and if we are unlucky, a nice cold is on its way.
How do sore throats manifest?
The first signs of an infection are often a sore throat or throat inflammation. These can sometimes be barely noticeable, but in other cases, they can cause severe difficulty swallowing. You can try a few home remedies first before turning to chemical medications.
Which home remedies are effective for a sore throat?
You don't have to wait for the sore throat to steadily worsen at the first signs. You can act as soon as the first warning signals appear.
Gargling
There are all sorts of aids in pharmacies that are suitable for gargling. The primary goal here is to fight the bacteria in the throat area and achieve pain relief. Particularly suitable home remedies for gargling are sage tea and lukewarm salt water. These remedies help reduce swelling in the mucous membranes and cleanse them.
Rest is the best remedy
For the body's self-healing, rest is primarily recommended. A lot of stress and hectic pace weaken our immune system, so you should also rest a lot in between. Now, a sick note is not necessarily needed: skipping long nights out and canceling strenuous sports sessions should be enough for the body to recharge in the evening.
Drink, drink, and drink again
We already know that drinking is essential for human life. When we are sick, drinking is even more crucial. Germs in the body are optimally flushed out through increased fluid intake and also reduced in the throat. Drinking is also important for the mucous membranes: the various substances in the mucus can better ward off germs and viruses. So, if you notice a sore throat coming on, you should drink plenty of water.
Tea can provide relief
If you don't just want to drink water, you can also rely on the help of tea. Some types of tea are even particularly suitable for relieving sore throats. This is because certain ingredients have a disinfecting and soothing effect on the mucous membranes. Linden blossom tea is particularly well-suited when it comes to relieving sore throat pain.
Sucking on lozenges
The mucous membranes should always be kept well-moistened, especially when you have symptoms. Saliva production is not insignificant for this. The drier the mucous membranes are, the more susceptible the sensitive skin is to germs. So, when you have throat problems, it is not a bad idea to regularly suck on lozenges. These stimulate saliva production and promote healing. Naturally, lozenges with sage and honey are particularly suitable.
Throat compresses
Throat compresses have always been known as popular home remedies. Whether with chilled quark or fresh butter – the coolness draws heat from the skin, which in turn has a decongestant and anti-inflammatory effect. Simply spread some quark on a thin cloth or cut butter into finger-thick slices, fold the cloth over, and place it around the neck. Now place another scarf or shawl around the compress so that nothing slips. The compress can be worn for a longer period (e.g., overnight).
If all these tips do not help, you must see your doctor. Under certain circumstances, only a prescription medication can help.
Read also: Home remedy – Curd/Quark compress for pain
Photo by Janine, meinhaushalt.at
