Sore throat remedies are pure gold to the person who can’t swallow or eliminate this condition.
If you are suffering from one, I feel for you because all of us have had one at one time or another, and it makes you feel lousy. Sadly, it’s part of life. But how do we get a sore throat in the first place? Is it from a bug, a chill, or a virus? And what is the best cure for a sore throat? How do you get rid of a sore throat quickly? Well, here are the facts.
A sore throat can be caused by a number of things – a virus, bacteria, sinus drainage, allergies, muscle strain, regularly breathing through the mouth, or even certain medications, such as antibiotics.
If your sore throat is caused by a virus (such as the common cold) or causes other than bacteria, there is much you can do right at home to get rid of it quickly.
Sore Throat Remedies – Honey is the first thing you should reach for when you have a sore throat. Why is this? Well, honey is proven to have antibacterial and antifungal properties. Also, due to the consistency of honey, it is very soothing for sore throats, coughs, and bronchial ailments. It has been used for centuries by Greeks, Italians, and Hungarians. So honey for sore throats is not a new concept. The best one to reach for is raw honey (found here).
The second thing to reach for is plain old salt. Salt also has been used for centuries in medicine as a preservative and healing agent. Used with the honey, you have a powerful tool to get rid of that soreness easily, and it is an inexpensive sore throat remedy. Here’s what you do.
1. Gargle with the salt in warm water first to reduce swelling and discomfort, then…
2. Mix one tablespoon of honey with very warm water and sip on this mixture. Not only will it soothe your throat, but it will also help to coat your throat and fight certain bacteria that may be lurking. Also, look at the end of this post for an excellent remedy “in a cup” to relieve and even prevent sore throats in the first place. I like to drink this delicious, spicy drink when I am cold, in the winter months, or even if I feel like I’m coming down with a cold. It is easy and will have you feeling like your old self in no time at all, and it will help you get rid of a sore throat if you have one already.
3. Although it may be uncomfortable because of the soreness, drink plenty of liquids to keep yourself hydrated and keep your throat moist.
4. A few times per day, try eating or sucking on ice pops or another cold confection to help soothe the throat to aid in the eliminating of the soreness.
5. Another thing I’ve found that tops the sore throat remedies list and works wonders are zinc lozenges. These little fellows are excellent. If you are caring for little ones, make sure they are old enough to handle hard items in the mouth to avoid choking.
6. Even though it seems obvious, it bears mentioning that you should get plenty of quality rest. Rest is important so that your body can heal and fight off that infection and soreness.
If you have a sore throat that lasts for more than a couple of days, or if you experience fever and other symptoms along with a sore throat, you may need to see your doctor. Okay, here’s the sore throat remedy I promised. If you love to use a tea for a sore throat, you’re going to just love this. You will find yourself using this one many times throughout the year. Enjoy in good health!!
Spiced Honey “Tea”
1 tbsp honey
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
Mix all ingredients together in a cup and mix with hot water. Sip on this delicious drink as you experience renewed energy and a soothing of your throat and mouth. It is especially beneficial right before bedtime.
What other sore throat remedies have you tried? Do you use honey for sore throats in your family? Do you like it? More importantly, did it work? How do you get rid of a sore throat in your household? And, what is the best cure for a sore throat, in your opinion? Leave a reply below.
All I can say is, thank you!
Up @ 3am searching for a remedy. Found this. Sipping on it now.
Hi Di: Sorry your throat is not well, but I’m hoping you are feeling much, much better now. That tea is incredible and glad you found it.
“Bee” Well,
Bev
Thankyou so much for this info
I made the honey spiced tea. I was very disappointed, actually shocked. I tasted 2 sips, the cayenne powder burned, not literally, my lips and mouth! The hottest thing I have ever tasted. I thought, this must be a joke! I can’t believe anyone could injest this.
Dear Wendy: So sorry you had a bad experience with the tea. Some people are more sensitive to the cayenne powder than others. I have had many people who have reported unbelievable success with the tea, so it works, but I guess, not for everyone. I hope your sore throat is better now 🙂
I just tried this for the he first time. My sore from hroat is amazingly gone. I am tired and my legs feel warm.
Dear Jean: So happy the tea helped with your sore throat! It is amazing. If you don’t feel significantly better, you may want to see your doctor. Sometimes our bodies are tired because of fighting off an infection, but a doctor could give you better direction. Hope you are feeling 100% real soon 🙂
We usually do 1 bouillon cube (like beef flavor or chicken) with one cup of really warm water. Mix let the bouillon cube dissolve then drink. I find it tastes good and helps a sore throat. But the things said above really help too.
Hi Alison: Thanks for your tip. A bouillon cube is usually salty and has fat, and that is probably what is helping to sooth the throat. And the fact that it is warm is also very comforting to the throat. Thanks!!
I was laying in bed with a terrible sore throat and decided to get up and gargle with warm sea salt water. Always helps. Then I found your site and decided to try some warm honey water as a treat after all that salt water. I added some cinnamon, ginger, allspice, cloves and cayenne to my hot honey water. Yum. Between the salt and the honey, my throat feels lots better. I’ll pop back into bed and be able to sleep. Enjoyed reading through the comments while sipping.
Mrs Pabk: I do hope you are feeling much better now 🙂 That honey tea is incredible 🙂
“bee” healthy,
Bev
How long will it takes for the sore throat to cure itself?
Dear izuan: Everyone is different, but a sore throat should heal within a day or two. By all means, see a doctor is your sore throat doesn’t get better fast. Feel better 🙂
gargle with warm salt water, drink tea with honey. these are a couple of things my grandma use to have us do
Hi Beauty crasher: Yes, salt, tea and honey are three time-tested ways to relieve and help eliminate a sore throat. Amazing that these simple things can be as good as or better than many drugs on the market today!
pain pain pain in my throat and every morning i found the blood in my noose,i cannot wash my hair everyday,i took a lot medecations,but my throat it`s like baby throat,i cannot support cold air ,please what can`i do?
Dear Fatima: Sounds like you need to see your doctor since nothing you have tried has worked. I’m so sorry you are not feeling well. Try the tea mentioned in the article. It is really, really good for sore throats.
Feel better….
Bev
In the past I have gargled salt water and it worked but now when I gargle, the salt water doesn’t go far enough into my throat, where it hurts. Do u have any tips?
Dear Elena: I would suggest you try the tea; it is really effective. If you want to use salt water, make sure you use an unprocessed type of salt, like celtic, for example. One fourth teaspoon in half glass of very warm water (4 ounces) can actually be consumed. Sip on it and it will bath your throat as it goes down. You don’t need to drink the entire glass, just a few sips will do wonders. And I always suggest a person see a doctor if their sore throat doesn’t resolve quickly. Feel better 🙂
The ultimate remedy is to squeeze a whole lime in a small cup and mix it with 2 teaspoon of pure honey!! Mix them well and drink! (Do it twice a day) and u’ll feel the effects after 24 hrs!
Hi Alice3: Thanks for the tip of using lime with honey for a sore throat.
I am trying this. I hope it works, my throat hurts so bad it feels like I’m swallowing broken glass every time I swallow. :'(
Dear K8lyn: So sorry to learn of your sore throat. No fun 🙁 The tea should help, but if it doesn’t, you may need to see a doctor. You may have strep or some other condition. Feel better okay.
As a child I was plagued with sinus, tonsil, adenoid and ear infections for years. Sore throats were constant companions. My mom mixed honey with baking soda for a soothing, yummy treatment. Both items also are medicinal and healthy, too. One thing to remember is to keep an eye on your body PH. It s/b slightly alkaline. Most infections don’t like an alkaline environment. Ingesting baking soda helps in establishing & maintaining alkaline PH which will help promote healing. It doesnt’t take a lot.
For the honey mixture
just mix in enough to make it a light beige color then use a spoonful every now & then and let it coat & soothe your throat.
Woke up with a sore throat. Had some honey. I am going to try the tea. Found this site. I am very pleased to know that there are people out there willing to try and help others with there sore throats. Thanks everyone for the great ideas
Dear Monica: Hope you are feeling better. That tea is like a miracle – it has helped so many people. It is cheap, easy to mix and I think you will benefit. If your sore throat doesn’t get better though you may need to see your doctor.
Wishing you good health,
Bev
Hi, I’m in the performing arts industry and I was always told not to take raw honey but in a cooled hot water like your saying, however as for the use Icepop suggestion, I had always to be told to avoid exposing my throat to hot and cold tempurtures, (that’s why you cool the hot water for the honey) so maybe perhaps skip this step or eat icecream/slash sorbet that has been left out of the freezer for about 20 minutes before hand? This is just what I was told and it always worked for me. I was told extreme temperatures could just damage your throat more and they should be avoided. 🙂
Dear Robyn: Thanks for your comments. I guess it shows that everyone is different. My daughter’s doctor, and many medical websites, advise ice pops to lessen the pain of a sore throat. When I was younger and had a sore throat, my mom would give us kids ice pops and it really helped. So I guess it makes sense to do what is best for your particular situation. I appreciate your input. Many thanks!
Sinuses Pouring Down Back Of Throat. Itchy Throat. Feels Like I’m Choking. Please Any Suggestions. Thanks.
Dear Judy: Sorry you are not feel well. Try the tea. Many people have amazing results with it. Feel better 🙂
Sleepy time peach herbal tea with raw honey! I’m drinking it as we speak since I woke up this morning with a sore throat that I hope was caused by dry air.
Dear Chelsea: That tea sounds great because I love peaches!! Hope you are feeling much better now 🙂
Just made myself the spiced honey tea, and spiced it was! Didn’t have any ginger so I put a bit of lemon in as a substitute.
I can feel my throat feeling better already. Thank you much!
Dear Piper: Thanks for your feedback on the honey spiced tea. Hopefully your throat is all better by now 🙂
Bev
Honey alone already helped my sore throat very effectively. I haven’t tried with the tea yet. Thanks so much!
Dear Ed: I am happy that your sore throat is healing with the use of honey. If it happens again, that tea is wonderful and soothing. I sometimes drink it just because I like the taste. Thanks so much for sharing!!
I’m a diabetic insulin dependant. Honey I know is a great healer but I can’t use it as it will put my sugars up. So will have to use salt. Another idea is sucking garlic cloves. There are lots of things diabetics can’t use. Any other ideas?
Hello Odette: Salt is a very good for sore throats, especially raw salt like himalayan or celtic. Garlic is great too. These things have been around for thousands of years, too. The tips on the post should help (excluding the honey). Also please note that some diabetics can use honey. Some honeys are safer for diabetics than others (acacia), so you may want to research this subject and speak with your doctor. You might be surprised that you can actually use honey in limited amounts.
Thanks so much for stopping by.
Bev
Thanks for the great information. I have had my sore throat since Tuesday. I been having trouble swallowing and it hurts to eat. The salt helped so much but eating is the problem. What should I eat or should I just continue to force it down?
Dear Nkeiru: I’m so happy that the salt helped your throat, but if you are still having problems with swallowing, you should see a doctor. You may have a strep throat and that requires medication. I do hope you are feeling better real soon.
Bev
I have suffered with sore throat.By seeing this article and using them in real life it was so beautiful and Now i dnt have sore throat.Nice Informative article .Keep going with these type of home remedies .Thanks for sharing these remedies.
Dear Prasad: Hurray that you are feeling better!!! Thanks so much for providing feedback. It is very encouraging.
Bev
I just tried this and I can swallow without it hurting as much now! Wow works great! Thanks
Dear Chelsea: So glad you are feeling better. Sore throats are awful and I’m glad you found something that helps! Thanks for your positive feedback.
I’ve had a sore/strep for almost 4 days now and I’ve been doing gargling salt water process every 2 hours or so.. i even tried honey and ginger drinks i can talk properly just hurts when i swallow
Do you know what i can do ?
Akash: You may need to see a doctor to rule out anything serious. Hope you are feeling better very soon.
“Bee” Healthy,
Bev
I’m not really diggin’ the cayenne so much. It overpowers the taste,even tho I can’t really taste anything right now. I added a lil more honey.
I’m on day 2 with a sore throat. Here’s to hoping it works.
Hi Jill: Sorry about your sore throat. The cayenne is overpowering but very effective. You could reduce the amount a bit if you want. I do hope you are feeling better real soon.
Hugs,
Bev
all of the tips mention above are effective but I am also sharing the 1 which no one has share it right now.
take a water for gargling add salt+tea+turmeric powder when it gets boil let it get little bit warm so u can gargle with it.thank you I hope it is also effective as I have sore throat with 103 fever I did the same feeling better taking honey too.
Dear Sarwat: Thanks for your tip about using salt/tea/tumeric. I really love tumeric and sea salt because they are excellent for infections and sore throats. I do hope you are feeling much better now 🙂
Bev
Miracle! This works better than the crap my doctor gives me.
Ely: I’m so glad this works for you. No doubt you are feeling much, much better. I’ve had many, many excellent reports with honey for sore throats.
“Bee” Healthy,
Bev
Well, it’s almost end year holiday and I’ve a sore throat. I only have lemons. How can I cure my sore throat with lemons ? Ps: I don’t have honey.
Dear Mandy: Depending on what is causing your sore throat, you may need to see your doctor. Honey has been proven to help with a sore throat. Lemons by themselves might not be a good idea because of the acid going directly on your throat. Hope you feel better.
I must say that just a teaspoon of honey instantly soothes a sore throat. Honey is magic in a jar.
Hi LaTanya: I couldn’t agree more 🙂
I have the worst sore throat now, second one in 2 weeks (got it from my daughter who goes to school). The first time I had to take anti-biotics cos it was so bad and I just couldn’t afford to take it the second time. I tried this and though its too early to say, throat’s already feeling better. Thanks sooo much!!
Dear Vivi: Hope your sore throat is history when you get my email. That spice tea is amazing and has helped so many people with sore throats. Be well.
Hugs,
Bev
Gargling with ginger,and salt water is effective or not??
Dear Somesh: Yes, salt water is especially good for a sore throat as it is antibacterial. Why not try my spice tea – many people have reported so many excellent results with it, and I love it.
Feel better…
Bev
i have a really sore throat. i have tried everything but nothing is working 🙁 have you got any ideas.
Dear JW: It might be a good idea to see a doctor if nothing is working – you may have strep. Hope you are feeling better!
Bev
The best ideas in this post, i really happy to read and follow this ideas for my sore throat i hope i get better from problem. Thanks for this post!
Dear Fife: Hope you are feeling better very soon 🙂
Bev
i’m trying cinnamon, honey and apple cider vinegar for my itchy sore throat … hope it helps!
Hi Kenny: Hopefully when you read this, your sore throat will be a thing of the past! Cinnamon, honey and acv are excellent for sore throat so I trust it worked for you 🙂
“Bee” Healthy,
Bev
So I’ve had a cold for the last few days… my throat is unbelievably sore, and when I’m coughing it’s quite chesty, but it really does effect my throat. I’ve tried everything on here and nothing seems to work, I’ve tried ibuprofen and naproxen aswell as Co dydramol. I can’t budge it, can anyone give me some tips? Thanks
Dear Connor: If you’ve tried many remedies and you are still sick (especially after a few days), I would see a doctor. You may have something that requires something stronger or more targeted.
Feel better okay 🙁
“Bee” Healthy,
Bev
My throat has been super sore for 5 days. I couldnt swallow or open my mouth much. I tried honey, cinnamon tea and all I have now,is a dull ache. Thanks for the tips!
Hi Lil Me: First of all I want to say sorry that you haven’t been feeling good lately 🙁 But I’m happy that you found me and that the tea helped you! That tea is worth its weight in gold and so many have benefited from it. I’m glad it helped you. Hopefully when you read this you will be feeling even better. Thanks for taking the time to comment.
“Bee” Healthy,
Bev
I had a terrible sore throat – I even went to Urgent Care this morning thinking it was strep – but it isn’t, just made the “tea” and it is wonderful. Thank you – I really needed the relief!
Dear Illean: I’m so glad you didn’t have strep and that my tea helped bring you relief! That tea is worth its weight in gold and so many have benefited from it. It is one of my favorites when I am “under the weather” or just need a pick up.
Thanks so much for sharing and I hope you are feeling much better now 🙂
xoxox
“Bee” Healthy,
Bev
Thanks for the advice, and love the zinc lozenge reference, “little fellows”, so cute!
Hello Bdeck: Thanks for taking the time to offer a comment, and I’m glad the advice was beneficial. 🙂
Bev
Have had flu lost my voice altogether my daughter told me to do this: Brandy & honey. About 1/2 ounce to an ounce of Brandy warm it up and honey till it gets kind of thick and drink. Well I did and next day I had my voice back!
Hi Barbara: Thanks for the recipe that helped you. I have a similar recipe for making homemade cough syrup (see best homemade cough syrup). It uses whiskey and honey. Amazing what honey can do for us!
Thanks for stopping by 🙂
Bev
Tastes very yummy especially since I like “Hot and spicy” flavors. Let’s see what happens when I keep drinking it. I can feel my throat’s lining changing already. Thank you.
Hi Aileen: Sorry about your sore throat!! Hope when you read this you are feeling much better. That tea is extremely effective, so I’m hoping it has helped you too. 🙂
“Bee” Healthy,
Bev
I really like the soothing comfort honey brings. My Grand parent used to give me a special mix of honey tea like mentioned here. It certainly helps!
In my later years I wanted a better preemptive cure for sore throats. Since started using my own concoction I have never had a soar throat or a nasal cold for more than a day.
I use the following:
1/2 cup of water cold water
3bl spn of Hydrogen peroxide
3 tbl spn of mint antiseptic mouth rinse (name brand or off label)
Take a small amount of mixture to gargle for 10- 15 seconds. Continue gargling until the mixture is gone. Then gargle & rinse with straight mouthwash to remove the test of the HO. Brushing your teeth with a new toothbrush dipped into the HO mixture will help remove any additional germs that are part of the infection hiding between your teeth.
This will sooth the throat for a number of hours. As the sore tingling returns, repeat.
Dear C.A.: I appreciate your taking the time to give us your recipe for a sore throat. Unfortunately, I can’t use hydrogen peroxide or even mouth rinse 🙁 It gives me strep throat (crazy right). But anyway, our grand parents knew the “tried and tested” remedies and I’m glad they were passed down to us. Simple and effective.
Thanks for stopping by 🙂
Bev
totally helped. my eight year old slept soundly all night afterward. thanks for the help.
Dear B:
I am so happy that your eight year old received relief. I do hope he (or she) is doing much better now.
Sending my hugs 🙂
“Bee” Healthy,
Bev
as soon as i feel the irritation of a sore throat coming on, i have a heaping spoonful of straight honey. usually, within 12 hours symptoms subside. if not, i will gargle with salt water and have the honey again, at night. when i wake, all is well.
if i can’t get to the honey right away and i neglect my throat, the honey itself is not as effective. but if i alternate that and the same tea (with lemon – which my father used to drink), i’m good to go in a day.
Dear Val: Thanks for sharing how you use honey for sore throat pain. Honey, along with salt water and lemon is excellent for it. It has been proven to work time and again.
Appreciate your stopping by 🙂
Bev
Hi. I am in agony from a sore throat that started yesterday. I gargled with 50/50 hydrogen peroxide and warm water last nite but couldn’t sleep much anyway from the pain and sinus pressure. So am sipping on your tea. The sinus pressure is easing a bit already, as the tea is making my nose run. This must be a good thing!! Now if I could just get back to sleep…thanks for the informative website. A sore throat and sinus pain is not fun, and any relief is a welcome feeling!! I’ll let you know if your tea remedy lessens the severity of my symptoms.
Dear Jan: How are you coming along? I am hoping you are feeling much better now 🙂 If your sore throat continues to be severe, you may need to see your doctor. The tea will certainly help in the meantime.
Looking forward to a report from you, okay!
“Bee” Healthy,
Bev
Good morning Bev!! I can only say “THANK-YOU”!! Your tea recipe got me through the day yesterday, and I am grateful!! Our Cancer support Group had an emergency meeting yesterday afternoon, and thanks to your tea recipe I was able to go and do my full Chair duties. (I was very careful to warn everyone that even though I was able to function I was battling a wicked sore throat that I did not want to pass on!) It is amazing how the severity of my symptoms have lessened. I will be passing your recipe around to all my family and friends, for it is a “Good Thing”!! Have a great day. Bit warmer here in Saskatchewan today, only -20, yest. was -30!!
Dear Jan: Your positive experience makes me feel soooooo honored to be able to share the recipe. I’m glad you are feeling better, and hopefully you will continue to get better and better each day! The tea recipe has helped loads of people, and I’m glad it helped you too. Thanks so much for getting back to me as I had been thinking about you and wishing you a speedy recovery.
Continue to recover, continue to explore and continue to be inspired 🙂
Bev
i’ve had a sore throat for a few days now. i tried honey in black tea but couldn’t drink it as i hate sweet tea. tried your honey tea… it’s perfect for me! love the spice, will be my go to remedy from now on!
Dear Claire: So sorry about your sore throat 🙁
But I’m happy you found me and this effective spice tea. My girlfriend has the flu and she said that tea is a “lifesaver” for her. It helps her sleep at night, plus she likes the flavor, too.
Feel better okay!!
Hugs,
Bev
Having a bad sore throat now… Googled how to relieve one and here I am! Just tried your honey cinnamon tea and its jst wonderful! Have not significantly felt the difference (yet) but its real nice to drink. I’ll rmb this simple tea recipe! Thanks loads 🙂
Dear Gayle: I’m so happy you are enjoying the tea. I really love the taste and the way it soothes the throat. Thanks so much for stopping by and taking the time to comment. Hope your throat feels better quickly 🙂
“Bee” Healthy,
Bev
How about throat coat or ginger brew? Are they effective?
Dear Paolo: I’ve never tried throat coat or ginger brew, so I really couldn’t comment on their effectiveness. Many people have found great results with the spicy tea recipe, and it tastes very good!
Thanks for stopping by.
Bev
It also helps if you drink hot milk mixed with a pinch of time roc powder
If you add honey and saffron to this it becomes very delicious 🙂
Thanks for the tip Sanjay 🙂
I used 1tbsp honey 1/2 tsp cinnamon for the hubby’s sore throat and congestion he just took it 1/2 hour ago and he says he can feel a difference already I’m a huge believer in the healing power of honey!!!
Jennifer: So happy your hubby is feeling better!! For continued progress, try the tea mentioned in the article. So many people love it and it works fast.
I wish you health and prosperity in this new year 🙂
Bev
I think the absolutely best cure for a sore throat is Propolis, another product from the beehive. I use it for everything internally and also on then outside especially at a burn or wound. It i not so well-known in my country (Sweden) but in souther Europe it is a miracle cure.
Honey is gorgeous and I sell a very special “enchanted” acacia-honey with real beery and fruits, which has become known here as a delicates product. Since none of the ingredients has been heated all antioxidants and vitamins are kept so it is really good for you. Nice to visit your homepage, I hope it will enlighten many folks. Best wishes and Merry Christmas//Petja
Hi Petja: Propolis is one of those miracle products that deserves more attention. I must admit, I haven’t used it as much as I could or should. I’m going to be looking into it more this new year.
I’d love to try your “enchanted” acacia honey. Do you have a website?
Bev
Does drinking honey can improve my singing skill? I like honey so much cuz it’s so sweet….. btw…. Merry Christmas!
Hi Gab:
I don’t know if honey can improve your singing skills, but it certainly can help your throat when you are singing for a while. I went to a concert of Richard Marxx and during the concert, he would drink from a cup on stage every once in a while. Finally, he told us what it was he was drinking. Turns out, it was a concoction of honey and other ingredients (similar to the honey drink mentioned in this article). It was suggested to him by another singer who swears by it. He loved it and always uses it to help his throat when he does a concert. So, there you have it 🙂
Thanks for stopping by,
Bev
Have a bad cough, and a somewhat sorethroat now. All I have is honey and cinnamon, and I can already feel it working. I can’t wait to try the spiced honey tea. So happy I found this website.
Dear Chrissy: So sorry you are not feeling well. Glad the honey and cinnamon are working, but you will really get excellent results with the tea. Many people swear by it. Get well soon 🙂
“Bee” Healthy,
Bev
WOW just what I was searching for. Came here by
searching for honey for sore throat
Today, I wake up with a sore throat.. and jst googled the remedies for the same.. I came across this site and m goin to try out try out the lemon, ginger, honey with lukewarm water after gargling with salt water… Hope it helps me to come out of this sore throat.
Anand
Dear Anand: Sorry you aren’t feeling well. Sore throats are no fun. Many have found relief with the remedies on this site. Hope it helps you, too!
Bev
I have a sore throat! Woke up with it this morning! I made the tea and drank it. Wow! The cayenne is almost more than I can stand but the tea is very good. It soothes while you drink it although the soreness didn’t go away, it doesn’t feel quite so bad. I think I’ll gargle with salt water and then in a short while have another cup of tea and try just an eighth teaspoon of cayenne this time. I’m a wimp!!
Hi Jeannie: Sorry you have a sore throat, but the salt water “bath” on your throat along with that tea will help tremendously. It is perfectly alright to reduce the cayenne a bit to suit your needs. I do hope you are feeling better each day 🙂
Thanks for sharing your experience!
“Bee” Healthy,
Bev
I have been having a sore throat for the last week mainly only at night, probably from post nasal drip. Last night i had cinnamon toast cruch for dinner and this morning, no sore throat! I was shocked and very happy cause a sore throat is no fun! It may have been coincedence, but I think it’s cause the cinnamon in the cereal. I’m not a fan of hot drinks and i heard cinnamon helps so I ate the cereal last night in hopes of it helping and it did, yeah!
Wow the tea with cayenne work instantly. However a note of warning it will burn a bit during first sips
Thanks Jonathan! I’m glad the tea worked for you, and thanks for the tip.
“Bee” Healthy,
Bev
I think honey n lemon is the best it takes a couple off days but u sweet with it. if can work for me it can work for any1
Hi Kierah: Glad it worked for you!!
So my throat has been KILLING me, I never felt this kind of pain in my throat in my life. What are the symptoms to strep throat? Because I think I might have it..
Hi: Some of the signs of strep throat are fever and a very serious sore throat. I would advise you see your doctor so that he/she can give you a proper diagnosis. If you have strep, they will put you on antibiotics.
Hope you feel better.
Bev
There are several “home remedies” for the sore throat. In this article I have put together several of the ingredients (most of which have been seen on this site). The most important ones being water, honey, and cayenne pepper. The last ingredient listed will be honey which I will explain at the end. This “receipe” will be step by step to make it easier; but at the end it will list the ingredients seperately.
(1) Put 8 oz of hot or warm water into a glass. (You can use cold if you like, it’s just if you start with hot or warm, it will save you some time). Then Microwave it for 1 minute. If you don’t have a Microwave, then put 8 oz of water into a METAL container and heat it on a stove or range or grill; whaterver it is you cook on. Heat it until it reaches the “hotness” you like. And no NOT COLD; you need the heat to disolve things, also before you start drinking it you can always let it cool down some. After it is heated you can then put into an 8 oz glass (or more) or a cup, or whatever container you like to drink from. Make sure you have enough room to be able to stir without overflowing the mixture. Incidently, I have heard it said that if your glass gets hot when you Microwave it, then the glass is probably NOT Microwave safe. Only the contents should get hot not the container.
(2) Your hot water is now in your driking container. Add to the water 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. (The rest of the list other than the honey is optional).
(3) 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
(4) 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
(5) 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
(6) 4 – 6 drops of peppermint extract
(7) 1 Tablespoon of honey. Not all honey is equal. I perfer RAW honey. Raw honey has not bee through any refining or processing. PURE honey may or may not have been through some sort of refining or processing. I asked a bee farmer what the difference was between Raw honey and Pure honey, and that is what he told me. I forgot to ask about ORGANIC honey, so I don’t know what the difference would be there. (This has nothing to do with the sore throat, but if you want you can also put in 2 teaspoons of RAW APPLE CIDER VINEGAR. Raw Apple Cider Vinegar has the mother in it, and has helpful and healthful benefites.
Rember at the start of the discourse I said I would metion why I put the honey at the end. Here are some interesting facts I found out from a customer at a health food store. I had read about the Raw Apple Cider Vinegar and honey treament to help in treating joint pains and other health benefits. I asked the worker how do you dissolve honey in water. She didn’t know. However a CUSTOMER who was checking out said: “oh, I know how to do that, I do it all the time”. He said you heat up a glass of water in the Microwave for 1 minute. Put the spoon full of honey in the glass and stir. I asked: “how do you know when it is dissoved”? He said: “when you lift the spoon up and there is no more honey on it, then it is dissolved”. I then quired: “How long does it take for it to coagulate”? He said: “It doesn’t. Once it is dissolved it stays dissolved”.
In something I read or heard about honey and Raw Apple Cider Vinegar, it said that when you drink it USE A STRAW, and DO NOT LET it come into contact with your TEETH (unless you have artificial teeth, or just gums). If it comes into contact with “real” teeth it MAY eat away at the enamal or DISCOLOR your teeth. When you sip through a straw, let it sit on your tongue, and then swollow.
So you want the water hot so it can dissolve the honey. If you put the Raw Apple Cidar Vinegar in this mixture, then use a straw to drink with.
So here is the formula:
8 oz hot water.
1 tablespoon Raw honey
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper or you can use 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
4-6 drops of peppermint extract
2 teaspoons Raw Apple Cider Vinegar if desired
Mix all ingredients together in a cup and mix with hot water. Sip on the drink to sooth your throat and mouth. It is especially beneficial right before bedtime.
Handy Dany Conversion Chart:
3 teaspoons is 1 Tablespoon (t=teaspoon; T=Tablespoon)
8 ounces = 1 cup
16 ounces = 2 cups which is 1 pint
32 ounces = 4 cups ( 4 cups = 2 pints { 2 pints = 1 quart})
128 ounces = 16 cups ( 16 cups = 8 pints { 8 pints = 4 quarts} [8 pints =1 gallon]).
Other Interesting “Cures” and related facts:
Repeats from others above:
“Sore throat is almost always the problem when talking about my health but I never stop and I am on my way to discover the best medicine for sore throat…
well…the best cure for sore throat is garlic ( always slice into small pieces ) with honey…do not stop taking garlic with honey until you will notice a sticky gray or fishy sticky yellow substance that will pour out as dislike by many…it looks like a soft substance inside our bones… ” (I’m not sure what they are referring to when they say “you will notice a sticky gray or fishy sticky yellow substance that will pour out as dislike by many…it looks like a soft substance inside our bones” Pour out from where; pour out as dislike by many (maybe he is saying that many people do not like the discharge that happens; the only soft substance inside our bones that I know of is Morrow. And I’m not sure how the garlic and honey is supposed to be used. Do you eat it raw, or do you blend it up into some sort of drink. The ratio is not given. So maybe your supposed to eat garlic and honey {even if you get full, keep stuffing it in} until the discharge takes place. It sounds like this has merit, but not enough instructions or details to know how to use it).
“Peppermint!!! 4-6 drops of peppermint extract added to very warm water soothes the throat and opens the sinus from the first sip. You can always add a tsp. of honey to sweeten it a bit. I love this and live by it. Immediate results. Just inhaling the vapors while drinking is soothing and refreshing”.
Jerry: Excellent, excellent information!! Thanks so much for sharing.
I am trying honey with lime in warm water and hopefully I will get back my voice. I had a microlarynscopy and excision of nodule a month ago. No voice and not talking for a week, now I am beginning to talk softly. However, after a month it is really frustrating not being able to speak normally. If I try to exert or speak louder, the voice just fade and I sound like an old engine running. Hopefully the warm lemon and lime helps…
Dear Karen: I do hope you are feeling better soon and that your voice will return quickly. I know it must be frustrating not to be able to have your regular voice. Hang in there, okay 🙂
“Bee” Happy,
Bev
i often use honey for coughing and it helps alot ..
Dear April: Honey has been shown to help with coughing and it is excellent for colds and such.
Thanks for stopping by.
Bev
ive had a sore throat now for 2days read a few comments on here so gave a couple a try the garggling with sea salt seems to be the best one then drink honey and lemon
Dear Neil: Thanks for providing feedback. I do hope by now that your sore throat is totally gone and that you are feeling much better. I agree with you that gargling with sea salt and then drinking honey/lemon is one of the best and time proven remedies there is for a sore throat. Sometimes an excellent remedy can be found right in our kitchen 🙂
“Bee” Healthy,
Bev
wow i love this , where has this been all my life i needed to find something like this but glad i found it :)))
My throat had been hurting and i am about to cry cause of the pain and i am sick and tired of it.
Dear Nikesha: So sorry to hear about your problems with your throat. I can imagine how awful that must be. If you throat has been hurting for more than 2 – 3 days with no improvement, you may need to see a doctor who can tell you what is causing the problem. Feel better ok!
Thank you for such an interactive site. I have started with regular salt water gargling and it seems to help a lot.
Also at night I take tumeric tea with honey and it seems to help.
Let us see if the sore throat disappears in two days or not.
Will keep everyone posted.
Hi Anju: Hope you are feeling better now 🙂
“Bee” Healthy,
Bev
Thank you so much for this valuable info. I never knew cayenne pepper could also help with a sore throat. And not only has the honey helped my throat, it got rid of the salt gargle’s aftertaste too!
Haily: So happy you found the information useful. More importantly, I’m happy that you are feeling better 🙂
Bev
thank you but i want to know if you are sick is honey lemon better or lemonade please answer that aqap please
because i am sick
Dear Emily: If you have a sore throat honey is much better than sugar as it is antibacterial and it helps with the infection or irritation.
Hope this helps!
I have a slight sore throat and I have prom on 4/27/13! I’m trying to get rid of this sore throat asap so it doesn’t progress and turn into the common cold! I started taking meds and gurgling salt water. any more tips? do you think I’ll be fine in a week?
Jenny: See your doctor if you have a sore throat that last for more than a couple of day.
Hope you’re feeling better 🙂
Peppermint!!! 4-6 drops of peppermint extract added to very warm water soothes the throat and opens the sinus from the first sip. You can always add a tsp. of honey to sweeten it a bit. I love this and live by it. Immediate results. Just inhaling the vapors while drinking is soothing and refreshing.
P.S. I enjoyed the “Honey Tea”
Thanks for your tip Kristy!
Sore throat is almost always the problem when talking about my health but I never stop and I am on my way to discover the best medicine for sore throat…
well…the best cure for sore throat is garlic ( always slice into small pieces ) with honey…do not stop taking garlic with honey until you will notice a sticky gray or fishy sticky yellow substance that will pour out as dislike by many…it looks like a soft substance inside our bones…
It’s allergy season and I’m starting to feel it. I tried the honey and cinnamon and it certainly is soothing to the throat. And it tastes good too. Thank you so much for sharing.
Hi Roxann: I’m so glad you are finding the honey drink soothing to your throat – glad you liked it 🙂
Bev
I hear all this good stuff about honey but I been taking it for 3 days and it doesnt help my sore throat at all. I called and made an appt with my Dr. tomorrow. I sure hope they can help me.
Dear Jessie: I’m glad you made an appointment with your doctor as there might be something else going on. I’m hoping you are feeling better soon!!
Its not only the honey, but it also matter’s on the kind you get. For example I got generic grocery store pasteurized honey once, it did not work the same as the other raw stuff I get locally. This is due to the pasteurizing process killing allot of the good things in the honey. Just something to look out for, I hope you feel better soon!
I like all of your list of ingredients for these remedies EXCEPT, I am highly allergic to capsaicin in anything. I carry an epi pen with me. Was glad there were other remedies that didn’t have cayenne pepper in them. I also use sea salt to soothe sore throats with. Guess granny knew what she knew even back when.
Hi Diane: I have a couple of allergies, so I know how careful you need to be. But, glad you can take other things to help with a sore throat, especially sea salt. Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
Hi everyone, this is a bit different to the other responses im reading but it works for me for all kinds of colds and flus which cause a sore throat. crush 2-3 cloves of garlic, pop it in your mouth and quickly swallow down with water (best to do this in the middle of a meal to help protect your stomach). ive read about studies finding garlic to be an effective anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and in some rare cases anti-viral (im not certain about the anti-viral properties but hey it seems to be working for me !).
Hope this helps
I just want to say thank you for the honey, ginger, cayenne pepper and cinnamon input. important drinking it now and not only is it deliciously but it is working. i can feel my voice coming back already and i can also feel how the honey is soothing my throat. thanks
Dear Kimberly: I’m so happy that you are feeling better. Yes that drink is incredible. In fact, I went to a concert once where a famous singer who was performing kept sipping from a cup. Turns out, it was the drink that helped you. He said singers use it to help them keep their voices clear and strong during performances because they sing so much.
I appreciate your writing back to let us know how it helped you. Thanks!
“Bee” healthy,
Bev
Honey seems to be working, though I am yet to try the cinnomon ginger tea. Another remedy for sore throat is to boil a cup of milk with 1/4 tsp turmeric powder and about 1/2 tsp pepper. Drain and drink it warm, with a spoon of sugar or honey added in.
Hi, I have used honey with cayenne pepper in it and it used to help me with sore throat.. But lately, I have been gargling with sea salt in warm water and it seems to help too. I am going to try this tea and see if it works thanks.
Yes, honey, cayenne pepper and sea salt are all excellent for sore throat pain. You’ll love the tea!
Thank for stopping by.
Bev
will be trying that drink, i love honey specially manuka active at least +15 (expensive but good) i have at least 2 spoon fulls a day, i don’t get ill too often maybe once a year and when i do I am never down for too long i really do believe this is a lot to do with the honey.
good health all and keep well
Dear Ibrahim: I love Manuka honey, too. I keep a jar on my desk and will put some in my tea when I need an extra push. My husband uses it in his oral care. We can’t say enough good things about it. Sounds like it has really helped you with immunity. Thanks so much for sharing your experience.
Bee Happy & Healthy,
Bev
Ibuprofen (Advil, etc.) or even Tylenol will relieve the pain of a sore throat.
All meds. are basically poison with the DESIRED side effects / affects. Problem with them is that they also have UNDESIRED side effects / affects. Tylenol even extra strength has never had the (desired) pain relief side effect / affect for me. Ibuprofen has always worked for me…I only take one..it also has desired effect of an anti-inflammatory that I feel is a good one..a lot of our pain and disease has been linked to inflammation in our bodies diet, disease, how we feel, or general health ect. Have had some really bad health issues lately…I cannot use the Ibuprofen for pain or the good anti-inflammatory properties…due to it’s BAD properties and classification….because it can cause bleeding. Don’t want to take antibiotics for this problem….because of the bad side effects / affects or other problems it will open me up to as a result of taking them I need to be and have been, what I like to call Proactive about my health care. Been called a fanatic. I like to think of myself as a Naturalist. When you take something MAN MADE please be aware of the good / bad side effects for your body and good health..Natural has NEVER been bad for MY body. Yes, there are some small things but mostly it is how you prepare things to heal. If you educate yourself about what your intention and purpose is by being proactive… for your health…I feel that it is all about a “balancing” act for each man made option. Lord knows because of my many “differences” I have had to do this to remain healthy. GOOD HEALTH TO U ALL! And God bless u for this article and site! MA
Hello Marianne: I couldn’t have said it better!! Thanks so much for your excellent insight. I wish you the best……
“Bee” Healthy & Happy,
Bev
I have used these remedies for over forty years with one addition. I add clothes so I am perspiring a little. I keep slightly over warm all day.
. I drink the tea with honey all day and never once, have I had a bad sore throat last till the end of the day. The increased hear your body makes will help kill a virus. I just read the same thing on the Marcola.com site so my remedy for years has validation.
Hi Jon: Thanks so much for sharing your experience with us. Sweating does help the body get rid of impurities and help kill viruses. Hopefully your tip can help someone else, too.
Have a good day,
Bev
Thanks I knew about salt water and honey I will get one of my family to get the ingredients for the drink.
Heath: I’m sure you’ll love the effects of the drink. If you are having a sore throat, I hope you are feeling much better soon!!
Bev
I had an old man at my work in the past show me something like this and I have been doing it ever since… In the mornings wether I have a sore throat or not I have hot tea wit honey and a shot of fresh orange juice… It helps wake me up without the coffee diet and at night I have the honey tea with camomile or cinnamon but I use lots and lots of honey at night so it can coat my throat while I sleep
Amber: Thanks for sharing your experience with honey. That’s great that it helps you wake up without coffee. Honey gives lots of energy as you have seen. That old man really knew what he was talking about because for many, many years the old timers used to use honey a lot, and as time went on, honey kinda got lost. But it is making a comeback, and I’m glad.
Bev
I agree with the honey & cinnamon combo working well though I’ve never tried it with cayenne. Gargling salt water also is great to do on a regular basis to keep germs from the throat. Another tip I would add is to lie on your side and pour a little hydrogen peroxide into the ear cavity. Wait until the bubbling stops the roll over holding a cloth to the ear to catch the peroxide as it pours out. Repeat on the other ear. This helps defeat sinus build up and fights cold in general that will lead to a sore throat.
Thanks for the tips Ella!
Bev
The Spiced “Honey” Tea seems to be helping. I wish I could post this on Facebook. Thanks!
Dear Barbara: I am soooo happy that the spiced honey tea is helping. Hopefully, by the time you receive this response, your health has improved considerably. I really love this tea, and now that the winter months are right around the corner, I’ll use it for me and my family to keep colds at bay.
Thanks for sharing!
Bev
How much salt do you use?
Dear Chad:
A teaspoon in a cup of warm water will do wonders. Also, try to use sea salt (I use Celtic) as this is the best for healing because it has not been processed and contains vital minerals and does not cause spikes in blood pressure as regular table salt does.
i gurgle warm water with salt every morning for my sore throat
Yes, salt water is excellent. Especially sea salt.
What kind of salt to you use?
The best salt to use is sea salt. Sea salt is very good for infections and other discomforts. If you can’t find sea salt, use table salt, although sea salt is best 🙂
Valuable info. I found your site by accident, I bookmarked it.
Thanks for sharing your tips to cure soar throat. Gargling warm water with salt is effective!
Yes, warm salty water is very soothing and curative for a sore throat, too. In fact, salt has been used for centuries to heal. Try using sea salt instead of table salt for an extra boost. Sea salt can be likened to antibiotics because it works so well.
Thanks for stopping by.
This is my method and it usulaly works.Gargle with TCP.3 caps to a mug of warm (not boiling) water.TCP has an antisceptic effect and combats one of the main causes of sore throat nicely.Combine this with hot lemon drinks.1/3 pure lemon juice to a mug of warm (almost boiling) water and drink it down. You’re getting a healthy boost of vitamin C, hydrating your body which will boost your immune system and lemon is a natural antisceptic, killing viruses and bacteria in the throat.Add sugar/honey if you need to sweeten it but I find it works best without.Keep your feet covered. This is an odd wives tale that I wasn’t ever inclined to believe until recently. If you walk around your home with bare feet a lot of heat escapes from them, staying warm is one of the ways to regulate body temperature and help the immune system to function, viruses also have a harder time getting a hold in warmer body temperatures, they don’t like heat. So keeping your feet covered at all times really is benificial.Other than this, just eat healthily, get enough sleep and boost your fruit/vitamin C intake.
Great tips. Thanks for stopping by.
Bev
I take exception with the idea that sea salt is a) curative for a sore throat and b) that it “can be likened to antibiotics”.
First of all, the fact that salt solutions help with all sore throats, regardless of cause, suggests that it treats the symptoms: the edema, or swelling, or the oropharynx, or mouth and throat. It works for allergies, bacteria, and viruses. Why? Probably the hypertonic (extra salt) solution is drawing out some of the fluid in the throat. That is good, but not necessarily curative.
Secondly, suggesting that curing the symptoms is “likened to antibiotics” makes two assumptions. 1) That sore throats will all be improved by antibiotics, which hopefully everyone agrees is false, and 2) That salt is a cure-all, when, as noted above, is true of the symptoms but not the disease. If there is truly a severe bacterial infection of the throat, don’t wait on a salt gargle until it becomes a peritonsillar abscess, or worse, rheumatic fever. By the same token, don’t take antibiotics for everything. Be wise.
Dear Steve: I appreciate your comments. However, I must disagree with you on some of the points you make. Sea salt can very well be likened to antibiotics for sure. I never said it was a cure-all. I have used it on a number of occasions for bladder and other infections that are typically treated with antibiotics. I cannot use most antibiotics and sea salt has been a blessing for me as well as thousands of others. But, in my article about sore throat (as well as my comments), I have recommended that people see a doctor if their sore throats don’t resolve quickly. It can be a serious condition that require a doctor’s care, but many sore throats can be treated with simple things like sea salt and honey.
Thanks for stopping by.
Bev
Lovely site! I am loving it!! Will be back later to read some more. I am bookmarking your feeds also
Sore throat may be a common health condition that we experience, but it is also one of the toughest. Truly, suffering from a sore throat can hinder anybody from performing effectively at work or even doing their daily chores. Sore throat can impair your sense of hearing, speaking as well as concentrating. Generally, it goes away in days or within a week. But by learning sore throat remedies, you can be relieved of the pain quickly. Gargling salt water can help diminish your throat’s swelling. Mix salt with a glass of warm water. Make sure you gargle this mixture every time you feel aching in your throat.
Hi Kate: Thanks for the input. Salt water definitely helps a sore throat.
Thanks for stopping by.
Bev
There are over the counter medicines and treatments that you can purchase to relieve your throat of its soreness. You can try lozenges and other sore throat solutions in your local pharmacy.
I think the main issue is trying to be all natural with remedies and only using antibiotics once in a blue moon. Our bodies bacteria can grow to be stronger than the medicines and we put more and more in until our stomache bleeds which will do more damage instead of healing.
You are right Emily. Couldn’t have said it better 🙂
i have had this sore throat for a couple weeks. do you know what i should do? i have tried all the remedies and they have not work.
Dear Bella: You should see a doctor or professional as soon as you can. Hope you are feeling better soon….
Be
The active ingredient of many over-the-counter cough syrups is actually glucose syrup or similar… Basically sugar. Buttercup syrup, Benylin, Covonia – as far as I can tell they’re all just sugar or treacle in a bit of water or ethanol with some colourings thrown in for good measure!
Hi Zan: You are right about the sugar. Good old fashion ingredients like honey and tea sometimes work much better than cough syrup. And cheaper too without all those chemicals!
I have throat cancer and the radiation is hurting badly. Anything but sugar and tea or water without salt hurts. Any suggestions?
Dear Mary: I am so sorry for what you are going through, although I am not familiar with it. Have you tried drinking beverages that contain fats, things such as milk? Fats tend to coat the skin and provide a soothing relief. Maybe you can put coconut oil in your tea. Just a suggestion. I wish I had a better answer to your problem, my friend. Please know that I will be thinking of you and praying for a speedy recovery 🙂
Hugs to you,
Bev