A sore throat is usually a symptom of another illness or irritant including the common cold or allergies. Persistent throat pain should be examined by a healthcare professional as it may indicate a more severe infection or illness that requires medical care. There are several home remedies that may reduce throat pain. Evidence that vinegar can cure a sore throat is lacking, but it is still a common home remedy to reduce pain.
Apple Cider Vinegar Drink
To soothe a sore throat you can mix 1 or 2 tsp. of apple cider vinegar with a glass of water. This mixture is to be gargled every hour and swallowed, according to Health911.com. The mixture can be intensified by using more vinegar and less water to maximize the acidity of the solution -- which may fight throat infections. Medical care should be sought for a chronic or severe sore throat, as this home remedy has limited empirical support.
Apple Cider Vinegar Gargle
A more advanced herbal remedy using apple cider vinegar is one that mixes honey, cayenne pepper and warm water. Health911.com suggests combining 1 tsp. of apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp. of cayenne pepper and 3 tbsp. of clover honey into a warm glass of water. This mixture should be gargled every hour as needed. Avoid swallowing this solution.
Ginger and Vinegar
Another variation of a vinegar gargle is one that is mixed with ginger. "The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook" recommends mixing ginger, lemon juice, vinegar and honey -- and gargling to relieve throat pain. When using ginger it is easiest to slice the root thinly and boil it in water as if to make tea. Cool the tea to a safe gargling temperature and add 1 tsp. of lemon juice, vinegar and honey to taste.
References
- Health911: Sore Throat
- Duke, James, A. "The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook." Rodale Press: Emmaus, PA, 2000.
