Causes of Sore Throat

Sore throat in humans is primarily experienced on account of the inflammation of the pharynx. The pharynx is a tube that extends from the esophagus to the back of the mouth. The main triggers of sore throat are viral infections like the flu or a cold which at most times accompanied by achy muscles, fever and a runny nose. A sore throat arising out of a viral infection usually tends to clear on its own within a few days. Sore throat is also caused by bacterial infection particularly from the streptococcal bacteria which results in strep throat. Sore throat arising out of a bacterial infection has symptoms like stomach ache, swollen neck glands etc. Certain external factors resulting in a sore throat in some cases are allergies, acid reflux, smoking etc.

Treatments for Sore Throat

There are plenty of natural sore throat remedies that can be administered at home itself to soothe the irritated throat and to eventually cure it. One of the natural treatments for sore throat is to add some honey and lemon juice to a glass of hot water. Drinking this mixture is known to immediately provide relief from the pain associated with a sore throat. Similarly drinking a few cups of chamomile tea throughout the day is also known to help cure a sore throat infection. One of the most common and effective treatments for a sore throat is a gargle with warm salt water or even aloe vera juice at least twice a day. Taking a hot water Epsom salts bath daily while suffering from a sore throat is also known to provide relief from a sore throat along as also deep breathing and related exercises. Chewing pieces of fresh garlic is also a highly effective treatment for a sore throat. Some people have found that either drinking or gargling with warm water in which basil leaves are boiled has also proven to be effective in curing a sore throat.  Similarly the juice of ginger if consumed with some honey is also known to be effective in curing a sore throat.

Sore Throat Diet

While suffering from a sore throat it is advisable to have a balanced diet comprising of fruits, leafy vegetables, cereals, whole grains etc. Foods that are fried and oily are known to aggravate the symptoms of a sore throat and hence should be avoided. Certain foods that tend to have a cold propensity such as papayas, bananas, watermelon, cucumbers etc should be avoided while suffering from a sore throat.