7 home remedies for sore throats

There are many possible causes for that frog in your throat: strained vocal chords, excessively dry ambient air or a viral infection, to name just a few. These home remedies should get you back on your feet — or throat.

Resting your vocal chords may be all that is needed — so speak softly and as little as possible. In addition, an array of simple remedies can speed up the healing process. If there is no improvement, you should consult a doctor.

1. Hot tea of any kind can soothe a sore throat — especially sage tea, which should ideally be made fresh every time from dried sage leaves. Slightly warmed mulberry juice (from a health food store) also alleviates discomfort. Don't rush it down, take your time drinking it and you'll feel the effects consistently and over a longer period.
2. If your mother treated your sore throat with a soothing mug of hot milk and honey, she was right on the money. Drinking this beverage several times a day will quickly ease hoarseness.
3. Tasty, economical, and effective: cut an apple into slices, lightly fry it in a little butter or oil, sprinkle with plenty of sugar and eat.
4. A potato wrap speeds healing. Boil, peel and mash two to three potatoes. Spread the warm spuds onto a cloth and wrap around your throat with a wool scarf to hold them in place. Wear until the potatoes cool three times a day.
5. Make a refreshing throat compress by soaking a linen cloth in warm thyme, sage or mullein tea. Gently wring out the cloth and wrap around your throat, covered by a wool scarf.
6. Add a few drops of either lavender or eucalyptus essential oil to 250 millilitres (one cup) of boiling water and inhale to ease hoarseness.
7. Ice cream is also a favourite pain remedy, and not just for children. Or try a hot drink flavoured with lemon and honey. If you aren't seeing improvement after trying these remedies, be sure to visit a doctor.