There must’ve been some point in your life when you used your voice too much or exposed yourself to the elements most of the time. This results to soreness in the throat area. Although sore throat is indeed one of the most common infections that you can acquire, it is very uncomfortable and very irritating to have. It can be accompanied by a cold or a cough. It may even just come up from a simple throat overuse or weather change.
When you have sore throat and you think that you should see your doctor, do so. If you are comfortable in taking the conventional prescriptions that are given to you, then by all means, do it. But if you want to have a change in this usual treatment, then maybe you should consult your doctor about the following natural remedies for sore throat:
1. Marshmallow
Marshmallow root is one of the natural remedies for sore throat that is very much like slippery elm because of the mucilage that It also contain. It really coats the throat and gives relief. The herbalists use this by steeping a tablespoon of dried licorice root into a cup of boiling water for about thirty to ninety minutes. Drinking three cups of this everyday will surely get rid of the soreness. If you are a diabetic, be sure that you are guided by your doctor when you take this herb because it lowers blood sugar when it combines with other diabetic meds. It shouldn’t be taken if your are nursing or pregnant.
2. Slippery elm
One of the natural remedies for sore throat is slippery elm. This is commonly used in the States since 1960. The herbalists use the inner portion of the tree’s bark, which contains mucilage—a substance with the consistency of a gel that expands when water is combined with it. The viscous texture gives a soothing effect  to your throat. You could take this herb as a lozenge, tea, or a capsule.
3. Licorice
This is one of the natural remedies for sore throat that is known for its potency against inflammation. It is also use for viral infections, canker sores, ulcers, and allergies. Patients were asked to gargle an infusion of licorice root before they underwent surgery and they didn’t experience post-operative sore throat and coughing. You should ask for your doctor’s supervision when you use this herb because it is known to cause elevated blood pressure, water retention, fluctuation in cortisol levels, and low potassium levels. It is said that it interacts with corticosteroids and diuretics. Those with cardiovascular diseases and even those who are pregnant should not take this herb at all.
4. Sage
Sage is one of the natural remedies for sore throat that is used in the form of throat spray. It is very effective in giving relief and the only side effects are mild throat burning and dryness
5. Honeysuckle
Honeysuckle is one of the natural remedies for sore throat that is popular in Chinese Medicine. You could easily find it in any herbal shop in your area. Honeysuckle leaves are steeped in about one quart of boiling water for about ten minutes. After this, you strain it. Drinking four cups of this is recommended for best results.
6. Other remedies
Honey, apple cider vinegar, cayenne, and lemon are other natural remedies for sore throat that you can use. Combining a teaspoon of honey, juice of a quarter of a lemon, a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of cayenne pepper with one cup of hot water and stirring them altogether is the best concoction you could have for sore throat. Four cups of this mixture everyday is recommended. Gargling a salt solution could also help in relieving your irritated throat. You should also remember that increasing your fluid intake could help with flushing out any pathogens that may be in your throat. Honey mixed in warm water and sucking on cold treats could give relief, too. You should also have a humidifier if the air is too dry in your area. Dry air irritates the throat. Of course, enough rest is necessary to recuperate from any tissue damage.
Sore throat is a manageable condition. You should just make sure that you update your physician about your progress in using the given natural remedies for sore throat. This is to help them evaluate the speed of your recovery as compared to the conventional pharmaceutical remedies that they prescribe. Also be aware of your triggers for a sore throat. This may help you treat the initial symptoms earlier.