Sore throat or strep throat is a feeling of pain caused in the back of the throat and which gets worse while talking or swallowing
. It can be caused as a result of infection of bacteria, fungus or some virus. Excessive shouting or certain allergies also triggers off sore throat. Since it is not a serious illness, most people cure it by taking over the counter medicines or opt for home remedies which have no side effects.
Gargling with salt water is a surefire successful home remedy for sore throat and it has been followed by people since long. A teaspoonful of common salt is added in warm water and gargled for 2 to 3 times a day. Common salt is a good disinfectant agent and it helps to reduce the swelling of the throat. Warm water frees the congestion in the throat and the person feels better in no time.
Adding a pinch of turmeric powder and pepper powder and boiling it with milk is a good home remedy for sore throat. Both turmeric and pepper are storehouses of medicinal properties and this concoction has proved to be an effective home remedy for sore throat.
Basil leaves crushed and boiled with water is a good home remedy for sore throat. About 10 to 20 basil leaves are crushed and allowed to boil in water and this concoction is strained and used for taking internally as well as for gargling. A juice made from basil leaves adding a pinch of turmeric powder also offers a soothing relief for people who are suffering from sore throat.
Cinnamon which is most commonly found at homes is a good home remedy for sore throat when boiled in warm water and taken along with a pinch of pepper powder and honey. For small children, cinnamon is mixed with honey and a pinch of turmeric powder and given when they suffer from sore throat.
Fenugreek seeds are also a good remedy for sore throat. Boil a handful of fenugreek seeds in half a liter of water. After some time, we can see that the fenugreek seeds are fully cooked and its essence is fully dissolved in the water. Straining the water and gargling with this water for 2 to 3 times a day is an effective home remedy.
The bark of a mango tree is an effective home remedy for sore throat. Since extracting the juice of the bark is difficult because of its hard texture, add a teaspoonful of mango tree oil in hot water and gargle at periodic intervals.