You go out on the terrace and it’s 35 degrees. You enter the place and the temperature drops to 24. After a while having a drink, night falls and you go out into the street: 15 degrees and without a cardigan in case it gets cold. Changes in temperature can cause sore throats and itching, especially when changing from one season to another. Itching, the need to scratch and burning are some of the symptoms you may have felt. It may be a temporary condition, but remember that if the pain or itching in the throat persists over time or is accompanied by other discomforts, it is important that you consult your family doctor. However, in most cases you can find relief without having to go to your doctor immediately. Here are five home remedies to improve sore throats and itching.
Gargle with salt water
Gargling with warm salt water can help soothe a scratchy throat. Salt removes mucus from inflamed and swollen tissues and helps relieve discomfort. A 2005 study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine reported that gargling with salt water three times a day reduced the risk of throat and respiratory infections by 40 percent. To make a salt water solution, you only need two things: salt and warm water. It’s important that the water is warm so the salt dissolves. We recommend mixing 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of table salt into a glass of warm water. Gargling with salt water is a simple home remedy:
- Create a salt water solution
- Gargle with the solution
- Spit out the solution without swallowing it.
- Repeat as many times as needed to relieve a sore throat.
While salt water gargles can help soothe a sore or painful throat, they are not suitable for everyone. Typically, children under the age of six have difficulty gargling, so we do not recommend this remedy for younger children.
Honey infusions
Drinking hot tea or water with lemon and honey is a traditional way to relieve a sore throat. But honey alone can also be an effective remedy to relieve a cough. The lemon honey recipe is an ancient medicinal practice that has been used for centuries around the world to treat various ailments.
If the honey and lemon combination is known for anything, it’s its ability to soothe coughs and sore throats. Honey is known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation and soreness in the throat. Lemon, on the other hand, can help dissolve mucus and reduce congestion, which can help relieve coughs and make breathing easier.
One of the most notable benefits of lemon honey is its ability to boost the immune system. Honey is rich in antioxidants and enzymes, which help fight free radicals and other harmful agents that can weaken our immune system. On the other hand, lemon is an excellent source of vitamin C, which is essential for maintaining good immune health. Together, honey and lemon can help us prevent diseases and keep our bodies protected and in optimal condition.
Thyme and ginger infusions
Thyme is a plant with many medicinal properties, among which it stands out for being antiseptic and therefore helps reduce the discomfort felt when the throat is irritated. Prepare an infusion by adding a tablespoon of dried thyme leaves to a cup of boiling water, strain the liquid and gargle with the preparation. If you prefer, you can drink it as an infusion by adding a little lemon juice.
We also recommend adding ginger. This root is a useful remedy to combat the main symptoms of colds, including irritation and inflammation of the throat. If you don’t like the taste of thyme, you can also make a ginger infusion. Add a few peeled slices of this root to a pot with water, wait for it to boil and let it sit for about five minutes. Then you will have to strain the resulting liquid and to improve its flavor you can add a little honey and lemon juice to the infusion.
Stay hydrated
Staying hydrated is an important part of treating a sore throat. When you’re dehydrated, your body can’t produce enough saliva and mucus to keep your throat naturally lubricated, which can make swelling and inflammation worse. Water is a good option, as are warm teas or soups.
Keep in mind that hot tea or soup can burn an already sensitive throat and make the problem worse, so make sure they are at an appropriate temperature. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can dehydrate you even more.
Use a humidifier
Breathing moist air can help soothe inflamed tissues in your nose and throat. Use a cool-mist humidifier to increase the amount of moisture in your room. You can purchase humidifiers at many retail stores.
If you don’t have a humidifier, you can still enjoy the benefits of moist air. Breathing in the steam from a hot shower will help reduce swelling and ease the discomfort of a sore throat. You can also create steam by preparing a basin of hot water. Place a towel over your head and lean against the basin to breathe in the steam. Continue breathing deeply for several minutes and repeat as needed; this will help soothe a sore throat. Add a tablespoon of menthol ointment to the boiling water to fill the air with the decongestant aromas of menthol.
