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Lifestyle and home remedies
By Mayo Clinic staffA sore throat can make you miserable. These tips can help.
- Drink more fluids. Warm liquids — such as soup, broth and tea — are good choices.
- Gargle with warm salt water. Mix 1/4 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water, gargle, and then spit out the water.
- Use honey and lemon. Stir honey and lemon to taste into a glass of hot water. Allow it to cool to room temperature before you sip it. The honey coats and soothes your throat, and the lemon helps reduce mucus. Don't use honey or corn syrup in a drink for children younger than age 1.
- Suck on a throat lozenge or hard candy. This stimulates saliva production, which bathes and cleanses your throat.
- Humidify the air. Adding moisture to the air can reduce throat irritation and make it easier to sleep. Be sure to change the water in a room humidifier daily and clean the unit at least once every three days to help prevent the growth of harmful molds and bacteria.
- Avoid smoke and other air pollutants. Smoke irritates a sore throat.
- Rest your voice. Talking may lead to more throat irritation and temporary loss of your voice (laryngitis).
Think about others, too. If you're not feeling well, take a few days off to avoid spreading your germs.
