5 Quick Ways to Soothe a Sore Throat

Learn how to reduce the annoying symptoms of sore throats in the comfort of your home.

Sore throats refer to the irritation of the throat that comes with pain and itchiness. Sometimes, it is a symptom of the common cold, flu, or a more serious illness. This throat infection is never easy to deal with, especially when the kids get it.

 In most cases, however, you can find relief without immediately consulting with a doctor or a pediatrician. Here are ways to feel better when you or anyone in the family feel a sore throat set in:

1.Saltwater gargle

Warm salt water is effective in relieving sore throat discomfort because it is known to help kill throat bacteria. The salt removes the mucus out of the swollen throat tissue. That is why gargling every three hours or so helps reduce the swelling and keeps the throat clean. 

Saltwater gargle is easy to make; just mix 1/4 to ½ teaspoon of table salt with four to eight ounces of warm water. Gargle for a few seconds before spitting out. Do this every three hours or so. 

Some young kids may not know how to gargle yet, but those over the age of six are usually old enough to gargle without swallowing.

2.Lozenges

Some lozenges or sore throat candies contain menthol that is effective in numbing the throat tissue, providing temporary relief. They also increase saliva production, which helps keep the throat lubricated. However, some brands won’t give you long pain relief. That is why it’s always better to go with lozenges that contain ingredients that can effectively soothe the symptoms for a longer time. 

Renesse Red Ginseng Sore Throat Candy is one that is effective in soothing sore throats. It is made with the best Korean red ginseng extract, eucalyptus, peppermint, and other herbs that can help comfort not only the irritated throat but also coughs. Unlike other lozenges and sore throat candies, Renesse Red Ginseng Sore Throat Candy has a good flavor because it contains thyme, lemon balm, elderflower, sage, licorice, and blackberry leaf extracts. Take one lozenge every two to three hours. 

Lozenges are not recommended for children, though, because they can be a choking hazard. Boost young children’s immune systems instead and help prevent sore throats by making them drink Kid Tonic Step 1 for kids aged three to four, Step 2 for kids aged five to seven, and Step 3 for kids aged eight to ten. All of these tonics contain six-year-old grown Korean red ginseng, Vitamin C, jujube fruit, and deer antler extract. 

3. Honey

A common home remedy for sore throats is honey. Research shows that it is an effective wound healer, so it may help with speeding up the healing of sore throats. 

Honey can be taken on its own or with tea. Simply add honey to a warm cup of tea to help soothe throat pain. Tea also hydrates, so it’s also one way of treating irritated throat tissue. For more effective results, go with Korean red ginseng tea and sweeten with honey. Unlike other types of tea, Korean red ginseng extract tea is known to support a healthy immune system, among many other health benefits. 

Honey is great for kids too. However, don’t give honey to kids who are younger than one year old as it can cause infant botulism. Honey may have botulism spores, and these spores release a toxin that can poison babies.

4.Lemon

Just like salt water and honey, lemons also help in breaking up mucus in the throat. And just like Korean red ginseng tea, lemons are packed with Vitamin C that can strengthen the immune system, making it stronger to fight off future infections.

Simply mix a teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice into a glass of warm water for instant throat relief. For the kids with picky taste buds, add a teaspoon of honey as a sweetener.

5.Hydration

Staying hydrated is also an effective way to ease itchy, inflamed throats. The throat needs to be lubricated; otherwise, it will make the swelling and pain even worse.

Water, of course, is the best choice of hydration, but as mentioned above, warm teas help too. You can also go with warm chicken soup if tea is not available. Be careful not to consume them hot, as hot tea or soup can further irritate a sore throat.

Making kids drink water may be difficult, so try to make them delicious warm chicken soup for lunch or dinner with their favorite meal.