Traditional remedies (that work) to treat and prevent a sore throat
Speaking less, avoiding coffee and drinking more water can help a sore throat.
A tickly throat, pain on swallowing and talking, a hoarse voice… These symptoms appear when the pharynx is irritated, usually because of a viral infection.
Pharyngitis is a mild condition that lasts a few days, caused by heating that dries the throat out, allergies, pollution, tobacco, tense muscles or gastric reflux.
Remedies for sore throats and hoarseness
- Gargling. Gargling with sage and warm salty water can be effective. Gargle every day but not more than three times a day to avoid drying the throat.
- Hydration. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of liquid is essential. It keeps the mucous membranes moist. Sucking sweets can also help as it produces more saliva.
- Soft foods. Eat soft foods, like vegetable soups. Courgette and celery soup contain mucilage which helps to regenerate the mucous membranes and pumpkin soup helps improve your defences.
- Omega-3 fatty acids. They’re anti-inflammatory and shorten recovery time. Make sure to eat oily fish (tuna, salmon, sardines, mackerel, cod…).
- Hedge mustard. Known as “the singers’ plant” because of its decongestant properties and ability to clear the vocal chords and reduce hoarseness. Drink it as a herbal tea.
- Avoid coffee. Alcoholic drinks and caffeine dry out the mucous in the throat. Avoid alcohol and coffee, as well as very hot or very cold drinks.
- Speak less. Try to speak less and above all, don’t whisper. Experts say that whispering puts even more strain on the vocal chords.
- Breathe through your nose. Don’t breathe in through your mouth. Breathe through your nose because it has its own protection system against micro organisms and warms the incoming air.