Before testing out these natural remedies, be sure to visit your primary care physician or local urgent care to rule out bacterial infections such as Strep. Additionally, do not try remedies that contain any ingredients you are allergic to or that may interact with medications you are taking.

Sore Throat Remidies

Warm Water

Sip on one cup of warm water mixed with 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and a tablespoon of honey. Both apple cider vinegar and honey have antibacterial properties that may help soothe a sore throat.  *Water should always be used to dilute the acidity of apple cider vinegar.

Get to Gargling!

Gargle some salt water. To make your own salt water, mix 1 tsp of salt with 1 cup of warm water until dissolved. Gargle a mouthful of the mixture for about 30 seconds once per hour.  Salt may help reduce swelling of your throat tissue while also killing unwanted bacteria.

Lemon Water WORKS

Drink some lemon water. For best results, combine lemon with warm water and a bit of honey.  Lemon contains vitamin C and antioxidants.  It also increases saliva production which can help keep mucous membranes moist.

Bring in the Ginger Root

Make some ginger root tea. To make ginger tea, combine a tablespoon of freshly peeled and grated ginger root with 1 liter of water, a tablespoon of honey.  Heat this mixture in a saucepan over medium heat and allow to steep for about 10 minutes.  Finish the tea with a squeeze of lemon juice.  Ginger root tea may help decrease inflammation and reduce throat pain.

More Helpful Tips

Coconut Oil

Add a spoonful of coconut oil to your favorite hot beverage or soup. Coconut oil has anti-inflammatory effects and soothes the throat by lubricating mucous membranes.

Almond Milk

Enjoy some cinnamon almond milk. Heat 1 cup of almond milk with ½ tsp ground cinnamon, and 1 tbsp of a sweetener of your choice.  Cinnamon is high in antioxidants and provides antibacterial benefits.

Garlic Does the Trick!

Add some garlic to your chicken noodle soup or broth. Soup or broth is a great comfort food when you’re sick, but adding garlic may make it even more beneficial!

Stick With the Classics

Try a throat lozenge. You can purchase throat lozenges from your local drug store but they’re actually quite simple to make.  Try heating ½ cup honey with 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice and 1 tsp fresh grated ginger to 300 ?F.  If you don’t have a thermometer, test the mixture by dropping a spoonful into a cold bowl.  If it hardens, it’s ready.  Place the mixture in a candy mold or on a silicon baking sheet and allow to harden fully.  Finally, dust with powdered sugar or cinnamon so that the lozenges don’t stick together and store in airtight container.