Remedies to Soothe a Sore Throat

Whether you feel an irritating tickle or feel like you’ve been gargling glass, having a sore throat is no fun. Luckily there are some simple remedies available that can help soothe or even numb the pain so you can get back to what matters most.

What can I use for a sore throat?

While there is no immediate cure for a sore throat, there are plenty of ways you can relieve the pain and irritation and stop it from completely ruining your day. If you also take it easy and look after yourself, you may lower the risk of your illness being prolonged.

Before we go over some of the best ways to soothe a sore throat, we just want to remind you that if you’re having any symptoms like fever, chills, a headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or shortness of breath, talk to your doctor before trying any remedies.

Store-bought treatments for sore throats

Throat lozenges and drops

Sore throat lozenges and throat drops are similar in shape and look like hard candies but are designed to treat throat and mouth pain and discomfort. Some throat drops also include ingredients to suppress a cough or help clear a blocked nose. You simply let one dissolve in your mouth and the relieving action begins.

There’s a huge variety of these throat drops available, including sore throat lozenges suitable for children 6 and up, lozenges containing menthol to help clear blocked noses and suppress coughs.

Some throat drops and lozenges are closer to candy than medicine, however, relying on sugars such as glucose for taste and to soothe the mouth and throat. For more powerful and long-lasting pain relief, you’ll want drops or lozenges that contain active ingredients to numb a sore throat, such as benzocaine and menthol.

Sore throat sprays

This kind of sore throat treatment comes in a spray form to be used directly on the affected area.

Throat sprays can instantly numb the soreness, then give temporary relief from throat and mouth pain. As with throat drops and lozenges, you’ll find a wide variety available including kid-safe throat sprays.

A sore throat should never get in the way of everyday family life. So, it’s a great idea to keep throat spray or a pack of lozenges in the cabinet during the holiday or flu season or any busy time of year. Having sore throat relief on hand can be the difference between enjoying a joyful celebration or wanting to stay in bed.

Not sure what kind of sore throat relief you need? Try our handy product selector.

Cold and flu relief

If your sore throat is caused by a cold, flu or other viral infection, there is a great variety of cold and flu treatments available online and at local stores to help you treat it. These mostly do not cure the illnesses themselves but are designed to help relieve discomfort and make your symptoms more manageable.

Cold and flu treatments aim to relieve the symptoms of a viral infection, including sore throat. To do this, their ingredients usually include common pain relief medication such as acetaminophen or aspirin. This may help with a mild headache, as well as offering some relief for a sore throat. However, you may find that cold and flu treatments only dull the pain rather than remove it completely, and that the relief wears off before it is safe to take another dose.   

Things you can try at home to soothe a sore throat

There are also a number of things you can do to help a sore throat without having to visit the store or alongside other treatments. Here are a few tried and tested ideas.

Rest

Just making sure you get plenty of rest is one of the most effective ways to get over illnesses like a cold or flu, and in turn help you get over symptoms like a sore throat. Reducing the amount you talk can help reduce how long your throat remains painful and uncomfortable. Consider using a cool-mist humidifier as you sleep to help keep your throat and nasal passages from drying out and becoming even more irritated.

Stay hydrated

When you’re unwell, particularly with a sore throat, it’s very important to stay hydrated. If you get dehydrated, your mouth can’t produce enough saliva to lubricate your throat, which can worsen inflammation and irritation.

Any kind of hydration, from cool water to warm soup, should help, but do avoid alcohol and caffeine as these can actually dehydrate you.

Include honey in your hydration

Hot water with honey and lemon is a classic sore throat treatment. It’s no old wives’ tale – honey has been shown to be effective in relieving the symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections, including sore throat. This may be a good option for kids under age 6 who shouldn’t use throat drops or lozenges (and many brands are not suitable for kids at all). However, know that honey is not recommended for kids under age 2.  If your child is close to that age or has another health condition, check with your child’s doctor to be sure.

Gargle with salt water

The American Osteopathic Association recommends gargling with warm salty water at least once an hour when you have a sore throat. For adults and children aged 8 and above, it can help reduce bacteria and break down mucus in the throat.

Simply add half a teaspoon of salt to a full glass of warm water, then rinse your mouth and gargle with the solution. Be sure to supervise children as the salt rinse needs to be spit out.

Try chamomile tea

Many people find chamomile tea soothing and comforting, and a recent research review suggested powdered chamomile can help reduce inflammation in the throat, eyes and nose. It may also stimulate your immune system, helping your body fight off infection – the most common cause of a sore throat.

While it’s not recommended for pregnant women to drink chamomile tea, children can typically drink chamomile in small amounts (i.e. once a day). Use caution with younger kids and kids who have not tried chamomile before. If your child is a toddler or younger or has allergies or other health conditions, check with your doctor first to be safe. Chamomile can cause allergic reactions in some children.

We hope you can find the remedy that works for you, so you and your family can get right back to the life you love!