Suffering from a dry, achy throat? You’re not alone. Sore throat is one of the most common ailments Americans experience each year, especially when the seasons are changing. In fact, shifts in barometric pressure and an uptick in seasonal allergens can irritate the throat and weaken the immune system, causing sore throats.
No matter the cause, if you are on a mission to soothe a sore throat and get back on the mend, try these natural remedies and tips:
1. Harness the superpowers of honey.
Honey is a sore throat go-to for a reason. The sweet stuff feels (and tastes) great on a scratchy throat, plus it has major inflammation-fighting power. If your sore throat is coupled with a cough, you might want to try a little honey before bed. One study found that honey was able to relieve nighttime cough and cold symptoms as effectively as an over-the-counter cough suppressant.
2. Gargle salt water.
A salt-water gargle might seem simple, but science says it can do wonders for your sore throat. Studies have found that gargling a mix of warm water and salt can help thin and loosen mucus buildup, clearing the way for a pain-free throat.
3. Sip on bone broth.
Bone broth offers a boost to your immune system, which can help you combat a cold. Some believe that inhaling the water vapors from warm liquids and soups are to credit for their throat-soothing capabilities, but one study found that sipping chicken soup through the straw of a covered container still provided significant nasal-mucus-clearing improvements.
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