For some reason there have been a lot of summer colds lately, people complaining of sore and/or scratchy throats as the main culprits, and really being miserable.  There are some at home remedies to soothe those sore throats, and the best ones are cheap and readily available to all!

What is the best way to soothe a sore throat? 

Well, anytime that you have a virus, you want to make sure that you are drinking plenty of fluids.  I know that when you have  a sore throat, it is really the last thing that you want to do, but you need to push fluids so that your body is able to fight off the virus!  Making a mixture of 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water, then gargling that for about 10-15 seconds (two to three times) three times daily will truly soothe your sore throat and make that scratchy dryness go away.  The water is warm and soothing, and the salt helps to draw moisture out from any viruses (and or bacteria present) thus helping to heal you!  A large study of about 400 participants in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine found that people who gargle salt water, as a preventative measure during cold and flu season had a 40% decreased rate of getting upper respiratory infections (as opposed to those who didn’t).  Another study from the University of Michigan found that the salt water gargles not only relieved sore throat symptoms but also helped to prevent transmission of the flu.

Both studies also found that due the antimicrobial effects from honey, drinking warm water with honey and lemon can also get rid of sore throat side effects, or just swallowing a teaspoon of pure honey a couple of times a day.  Cough drops with menthol usually have very little positive effects but, just like any other hard candy of choice, help to keep saliva moving around your mouth and prevent dryness which makes the sore throat seem worse.

Bottom line?

Salt water gargles can help to soothe a sore throat AND prevent viruses!  Albeit, the taste is pretty gross, and I totally understand (I am not a huge salt person), it does work and it will help you during cold/flu season this winter, and it will help ease those symptoms of a summer sore throat!  So make sure to drink fluids (like water), use your salt water gargles, and you can always feel free to alternate with honey/lemon water, or sucking on a teaspoon of honey to soothe that throat: all cheap, readily available, and easy to do! So now you know how to heal yourself with your next sore throat!!

Yours in Good Health

B