It's a rare person who can make it through all four seasons without a single headache or sore throat. Though headaches and sore throats aren't usually a sign that you're seriously sick, they can certainly make you feel like you're dragging. Drugstores have plenty of over-the-counter options to treat aching heads and throats, but there are also plenty of home remedies you can try first.
Increase Your Fluids
Drinking more liquids can help soothe headaches and sore throats. Dehydration can exacerbate a headache, so drinking lots of water can help speed a headache on its way. If your throat hurts, stirring a mixture of honey and lemon into hot tea or water can temporarily cut mucus and coat your throat to relieve pain, but anything you drink will help replenish the fluids your body loses to mucus and ultimately help a sore throat heal faster.
Use a Humidifier
A humidifier adds moisture to the air, which can help soothe sore heads and throats. Sleeping with a humidifier on in your bedroom can reduce some of the congestion that causes headaches and keep the mucus membranes and skin inside your throat hydrated so that they don't get dried out and painful. If you don't have a humidifier, running the shower on hot for a few minutes with the bathroom door closed and breathing in the steamy air delivers similar results.
Gargle with Salt Water
Gargling with salt water is a time-honored treatment for sore throats for a reason. The mixture of salt and water helps clear mucus out of your throat while easing the discomfort and irritation mucus can cause. Stir 1/2 tsp. of salt into warm water and gargle for about a minute before spitting the salty liquid out.
Warm or Cool Compresses
To soothe aches and pains, a warm compress is effective for headaches and sore throats. Use a warm cloth or a small bag of uncooked rice heated in the microwave and place the warm compress on your head or throat for 15 to 20 minutes. For severe or persistent pain, alternate 20 minutes of warm compress with 1 minute of cold compress.
