12 Effective Home Remedies for Throat Pain

Reviewed by Experts

Throat pain, a common ailment affecting individuals of all ages, can be bothersome. While seeking medical advice is crucial for persistent or severe symptoms, several home remedies can relieve and support the healing process.

This article presents 12 proven and effective home remedies that offer natural solutions for soothing throat pain. Using readily available ingredients and simple techniques will help alleviate discomfort and promote a healthier throat without relying solely on medication.

So, let’s explore these tried-and-tested remedies to find the relief you seek in the comfort of your home.

Why does throat pain happen?

Throat pain, also known as sore throat or pharyngitis, is common due to various factors. Understanding the underlying causes can help you manage and prevent the discomfort. Here are some common reasons why throat pain can happen. [1]

1. Viral infections (common cold or flu)

These infections can inflame the throat tissues, leading to soreness, irritation, and difficulty swallowing. In addition, bacterial infections like strep throat can also trigger throat pain.

2. Environmental factors

Dry air, particularly in winter or in regions with low humidity, can dry out the throat and cause discomfort. Exposure to irritants like smoke, allergens, or pollutants can also irritate the throat, leading to inflammation and pain.

3. Vocal cord strain

Straining the vocal cords through excessive talking, shouting, or singing can also result in throat pain. In addition, overuse or misuse of the voice can lead to vocal cord strain.

4. Other potential causes

These include acid reflux, allergies, postnasal drip, and muscle strain from excessive coughing.

Symptoms of throat pain [2]

Here are a few symptoms of throat pain:

1. Sore throat pain
2. The throat hurts when you speak
3. Pain while swallowing saliva or food
4. General malaise
5. Headache
6. Fever

12 home remedies for throat pain

Here are 12 home remedies for throat pain backed by the goodness of Ayurveda:

1. Turmeric milk

Ayurveda considers turmeric as a potent anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial agent. Adding a teaspoon of turmeric powder to warm milk can create a soothing drink that helps reduce throat inflammation and supports the immune system. [3]

2. Tulsi (holy basil) tea

Tulsi is highly regarded in Ayurveda for its medicinal properties. Boil a few fresh or dried tulsi leaves in water, strain the tea, and drink it warm. Tulsi’s antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties can provide relief for sore throat symptoms. [4]

3. Licorice root tea

Known as Yashtimadhu in Ayurveda, licorice root possesses soothing properties for the throat. Steep a teaspoon of dried licorice root in hot water, strain, and sip on the warm tea to relieve throat discomfort. [5]

4. Triphala gargle

Triphala, a blend of three fruits (amalaki, bibhitaki, and haritaki), is an Ayurvedic formulation that offers numerous health benefits. Mix Triphala powder in warm water and gargle to soothe a sore throat. [6]

5. Ginger and honey

Ayurveda acknowledges ginger’s anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Prepare ginger tea by boiling fresh ginger slices in water, straining the liquid, and adding a teaspoon of honey. Sip on this warm concoction to ease throat pain. [7]

6. Herbal steam inhalation

Herbal steam inhalation can alleviate respiratory issues. Boil water with herbs like eucalyptus, peppermint, or holy basil, lean over the steaming pot, and inhale the aromatic vapors to relieve throat discomfort.

7. Oil pulling

An ancient Ayurvedic practice, oil pulling involves swishing oil in the mouth to promote oral and throat health. Use organic sesame or coconut oil and swish it in your mouth before spitting it out. It helps reduce throat inflammation and discomfort. [8]

8. Clove tea

Cloves have been traditionally used in Ayurveda for their analgesic and antimicrobial properties. Boil a few cloves in water, strain the tea, and sip on it while it’s warm to help alleviate throat discomfort. Clove-based medicated herbal candies also help with a sore throat. [9]

9. Cinnamon and honey mixture

Cinnamon possesses anti-inflammatory properties, while honey provides soothing effects. Mix cinnamon powder with honey and consume it a few times in a day to relieve throat pain. [10]

10. Eucalyptus oil gargle

Eucalyptus oil has antimicrobial and decongestant properties that can benefit throat health. Add some drops of eucalyptus oil to warm water, gargle and spit it out. It can help reduce inflammation and ease throat pain. [11]

11. Sage tea

Sage, also known as Salvia officinalis, has been used in Ayurveda for its antibacterial and antiseptic properties. Prepare sage tea by steeping dried sage leaves in hot water, straining, and consuming it warm to relieve throat discomfort. [12]

12. Ayurvedic throat pastilles

Ayurvedic throat pastilles or lozenges containing herbal ingredients like licorice, ginger, or holy basil can relieve throat pain. These are available in Ayurvedic stores or online, and they help soothe the throat and reduce inflammation.

Possible side effects of home remedies

In most of these home remedies, there are some common ingredients. Ginger, cinnamon, honey, and cloves are a few of those common ingredients. Along with many benefits, there are a few side effects of these ingredients that we must be aware about in order to keep our dosages in check. When the conditions worsen, instead of going about increasing the frequency of home remedies, one should go and consult their doctors. Here, let’s take a look at the individual side effects of ginger, cloves and cinnamon:

Side effects of ginger [13]

1. Ginger root can worsen digestive disorders like heartburn, diarrhea, and gastric reflux when taken in large quantities.
2. As previously indicated, it may result in warfarin toxicity, which would intensify the anticoagulant effects of the medication and induce bleeding.
3. It has been demonstrated to produce arrhythmia in a small percentage of instances and can reduce blood pressure.
4. It can worsen the production of gallstones by secreting more bile acid.

Side effects of cinnamon [14]

1. Overdosing cinnamon may first result in elevated heart rate, breathing, stomach motility, and sweating, which may be followed by extreme sadness or drowsiness.
2. It has been demonstrated that cinnamon oil can result in dermatitis, and cinnamon-flavored gum and candies have been linked to lesions on the oral mucosa.
3. When pregnant, one should stay away from large amounts of cinnamon.

Side effects of cloves [15]

1. Eugenol contained in cloves is a primary irritant and can cause local skin irritation, allergic contact dermatitis, ulcer formation and tissue necrosis, as well as irritation of the eyes and respiratory tract.
2. High oral concentrations may result in seizures, hepatotoxicity and coma. 
3. Consumption of cloves should be stopped two weeks before elective surgery.

When to see a doctor

Throat pain, although common and often self-limiting, can sometimes indicate an underlying condition that requires medical attention. While home remedies can relieve mild cases, it’s essential to be aware of situations when seeking professional medical advice becomes necessary. Here are some indications to consult a doctor:

1. Persistent or worsening symptoms

If your throat pain persists for over a week or worsens despite trying home remedies, it’s advisable to seek medical evaluation. It is vital if the pain is severe and impacts your ability to eat, drink, or speak normally.

2. High fever

If a high fever accompanies your throat pain, it could be strep throat. A doctor can perform a throat swab to determine the illness and suggest appropriate antibiotics if needed.

3. Difficulty swallowing or breathing

If you experience significant difficulty swallowing, breathing or if your throat feels swollen, it can be a severe condition requiring immediate medical attention.

4. Enlarged lymph nodes

If there are swollen lymph nodes in your neck along with throat pain, it could be a sign of an underlying infection. A healthcare professional will evaluate and determine the appropriate action.

5. Recurring or chronic throat pain

If you frequently experience throat pain or if it becomes a chronic issue, it’s best to consult a doctor.

What not to do when you have a sore throat [2][16]

1. Local antiseptic and/or antibiotic-containing throat preparations should be explicitly avoided when you have a sore throat since the vast majority of cases of acute sore throat are viral infections. These substances can cause severe allergic reactions.
2. Avoid extremes in diet, such as:

• Ice creams, ice water
• Excessively spicy food
• Too many sour and acidic foods
• Excessively oily and fried foods
• Dry foods taken alone
• Meats and other foods that are too slow or heavy to digest
• Caffeine, tobacco and alcohol

3. Avoid exposure to toxic chemicals, fumes and second-hand smoke.

FAQs

Conclusion

Throat pain can be a bothersome condition. However, effective home remedies can help you find relief and support the healing process naturally. However, it’s important to remember that while these home remedies can offer comfort, a healthcare professional should evaluate persistent or severe throat pain for proper diagnosis and treatment. In addition, they can help determine if an underlying infection or condition requires specific medical intervention.

By incorporating these natural remedies into your self-care routine, you can actively manage your throat pain and promote a healthier throat. However, if your symptoms persist, worsen, or are accompanied by concerning signs, seeking professional medical advice is a better option.

Disclaimer:

The information provided here is not intended to replace professional advice or treatment.

References:

1. Sore Throat
2. Sore Throat – PMC
3. Turmeric: A Herbal and Traditional Medicine. 2009
4. A Review Paper on Tulsi Plant (Ocimum sanctum L.). 23 May 2020
5. A REVIEW ON HERBAL GARGLES. 21 April 2022
6. Triphala: An Alternative Therapy in Periodontics – A Critical Review.
7. Ginger—An Herbal Medicinal Product with Broad Anti-Inflammatory Actions. 20 July 2005
8. Oil pulling for maintaining oral hygiene – A review.
9. PREPARATION AND EVALUATION OF MEDICATED HERBAL CANDY OF MAHUA FOR SORE THROAT.
10. Cinnamon and health. 04 Oct 2010
11. Evaluation of the Efficacy of Turmeric-Based Lozenges for the Prevention of Postoperative Sore Throat in Surgeries Done Under Laryngeal Mask Airway Insertion. 06 September 2022
12. Chemistry, Pharmacology, and Medicinal Property of Sage (Salvia) to Prevent and Cure Illnesses such as Obesity, Diabetes, Depression, Dementia, Lupus, Autism, Heart Disease, and Cancer.
13. Ginger Root
14. Cinnamon
15. Cloves
16. Ayurvedic approaches to the treatment of sinus infections