Are you laying on the sofa with a high fever, runny nose, and a cough? Being sick is the absolute worst especially when you add a sore throat to the list of complaints. Of course, your best option is to head straight over to your local urgent care. However, until you find the time to do so, take advantage of the following at-home remedies to help alleviate some of those terrible symptoms.
Gargle Saltwater
A classic way to help your sore throat is to simply gargle saltwater. Several studies have found that doing so can reduce swelling in the throat and loosen mucus which helps flush out irritants and bacteria. It is generally recommended that you dissolve half a teaspoon of salt with one cup of water. If the taste is too bitter for you, you can consider adding a small amount of honey to the mixture. Keep in mind that you will spit out the solution rather than swallow it.
Drink Warm Liquids
When you are sick, it is very important to constantly drink fluids. It is also beneficial to drink warm liquids. We recommend that you drink tea which naturally contains antioxidants to strengthen immunity and ward off infection. You can also add a teaspoon of honey to your drink for added sweetness. Honey also has antibacterial properties that may help you heal faster!
Eat Marshmallows
Although there is no hard evidence to prove that marshmallows actually help your sore throat, they are easy to eat when sick. Their gelatin coats and soothes the throat which makes it a great snack option when it hurts to swallow. In fact, sap from the marshmallow plant has been used for hundreds of years to treat coughs, colds, and sore throats! Although the marshmallows we eat today bear little relation to the plant, it may have some sore throat fighting properties.
Next time you suffer from a sore throat, keep this blog in mind and consider trying some of our helpful tips until you have time to make it to urgent care. Although the usual cough drops can help alleviate some of the pain, try one of our solutions or comment below to let us know what your favorite remedy is!