How to get rid of sore throat : 6 home remedies

*How to get rid of a sore throat: 6 home remedies you should try* 

 *1. Warm and cold fluids.* 

 *_The skinny:_* Sip on warm drinks, such as tea or chicken soup. Or try cold liquids, such as ice water or popsicles.

 *Doctor’s advice:* Liquids help clear mucous membranes, keep things flowing and prevent sinus infections. Warm temperatures may also reduce coughs by soothing the back of the throat. Try both warm and cold to see what works best for you.

 *2. Gargling* 

 *The skinny:* Dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of salt — or a similar amount of baking soda — in a glass of warm water. Gargle (but don’t swallow) the concoction every three hours for an all-natural sore throat remedy.

 *_Doctor’s advice:_* Salt water can help reduce swelling and irritation in your throat. Baking soda also soothes the throat, breaks up mucus and can help with throat-irritating acid reflux.

 *3. Over-the-counter antihistamines and pain relievers* 

 *_The skinny:_* An antihistamine may dull or relieve the throat pain. Acetaminophen, ibuprofen and naproxen also help with pain that’s located a little deeper in the glands and other parts of the neck.

 *_Doctor’s advice:_* Histamines are chemicals that help your immune system fight foreign substances. But sometimes they go overboard, triggering symptoms (such as congestion and post-nasal drip) that can make a sore throat feel worse. Antihistamines can counteract this overreaction.

 *4. Steam and humidity* 

 *The skinny:* Take a hot shower. When it gets really steamy, breathe in the magic.

 *Doctor’s advice:* Steam loosens mucus and can moisturize and soothe a sore throat.

 *5. Hot toddy* 

 *The skinny:* A hot toddy is a drink combo made with water, whiskey, honey and lemon juice and served hot. Some people add spices, such as cinnamon, nutmeg or ginger.

 *Doctor’s advice:* Hot toddies can be very soothing. Here’s why:

Honey coats your throat and soothes it by reducing irritation. Honey also has antibacterial properties, and the sweetness can calm the throat’s nerve endings and reduce coughing.

Whiskey (a small amount; too much can dehydrate you) breaks up and thins mucus. Whiskey also dilates the blood vessels on the surface of the throat, so immune cells in your blood can multiply and fight the infection.

Spices stimulate saliva production, improving both hydration and mucus flow in your throat.

 *6. Rest* 

 *_The skinny:_* Put your head on your pillow at a decent hour and close your eyes. Repeat as necessary.

 *Doctor’s advice:* Don’t underestimate physically resting your body and voice. 

 *And avoid things that can irritate your throat, including:* 

Dry air.

Smoking.

Acidic foods or spicy foods.

Lying down immediately after you eat, especially if you have acid reflux.