If you are suffering from a severe sore throat, it may be caused by the flu, the common cold, mononucleosis, strep throat, measles, chickenpox and a variety of other bacterial and viral conditions, the Mayo Clinic says. See a doctor to determine the cause of your sore throat. If he approves, you can use natural remedies to help soothe it while it is healing.
Salt Water
To help reduce swelling and calm your sore throat, gargle a solution of warm water and salt, the Mayo Clinic recommends. Mix 1/2 tsp. of salt in a glass of warm water and mix thoroughly with a spoon or straw. Take one mouthful of water at a time and tilt your head back. Gargle the saltwater mixture, then spit it out. Do not swallow. Continue gargling the mixture until you have used the entire glass. Repeat as necessary.
Garlic
A sore throat caused by a viral infection may be healed more quickly by eating garlic, says Yu-Yan Yeh, Ph.D., associate professor of nutrition at Penn State University. Pour a glass of tomato juice and add two cloves of garlic and a few drops of Worcestershire sauce, Yeh recommends. Pour the mixture into a blender, process and drink to help a sore throat heal more quickly. If you don't have fresh garlic, sprinkle garlic powder on soups and pasta.
Lemon and Honey
Sipping a mixture of lemon and honey may help reduce the pain associated with a sore throat, says the Mayo Clinic. The lemon juice may also help cut mucus that collects in the back of the throat, and the honey may help reduce a cough. Mix 1 tbsp. of fresh lemon juice and 1 tbsp. of honey in a mug of hot water, then sip the mixture slowly. To help moisten the vocal folds, breathe in the steam that rises from the cup as you drink it.
Water Vapor
Adding water vapor to the air will help moisten vocal cords and loosen the mucous membranes, says the Mayo Clinic. Run a humidifier at night to generate water vapor that is absorbed into the body while you sleep. Be aware that humidifiers can be dangerous if they are not cleaned properly; the Mayo Clinic recommends changing the water in the humidifier once a day and cleaning it twice a week to prevent mold and bacteria from growing.
