How To Cure A Sore Throat

By: Lara Stewart

Break Studios Contributing Writer

Knowing how to cure a sore throat can save you a lot of discomfort. While sore throats can have a number of causes ranging from irritation to viral or bacterial infections, there are a few tried and true methods for curing the pain that they cause. As with any medical problem, if your symptoms are severe or do not go away in a couple of days, go see your doctor. However, most sore throats can be treated at home.

To cure a sore throat, you will need:

  • salt
  • warm water
  • hot tea
  • numbing throat spray

Follow the steps below to cure a sore throat:

  1. Stir one teaspoon of salt into eight ounces of warm water and gargle with it. Do this for about 30 seconds two or three times a day. The salt helps kill germs and soothes your throat. Just make sure not to swallow.
  2. Try drinking hot tea. The tannins in the tea can help cure a sore throat. Adding lemon and honey can help enhance the tea's effectiveness. Lemon juice and honey both have anti-microbial properties.
  3. Buy a numbing throat spray at the drug store. If all else fails, these sprays can help control the pain while you cure a sore throat. Be sure to follow the package directions when using this or any other medication.
  4. Get plenty of rest. If you have a sore throat because of a bacterial or viral infection, you need to give your body time to get better. Taking it easy for a few days will help you heal faster.
Posted on: Apr. 04, 2011