{"id":607137,"date":"2026-04-26T08:38:27","date_gmt":"2026-04-26T08:38:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/607137\/"},"modified":"2026-04-26T08:38:27","modified_gmt":"2026-04-26T08:38:27","slug":"research-reveals-the-best-solutions-for-a-sore-throat","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/607137\/","title":{"rendered":"Research Reveals the Best Solutions for a Sore Throat"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Doctors Swear By These Sore Throat RemediesBrothers91 – Getty Images<\/p>\n

“Hearst Magazines and AOL may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links.”<\/p>\n

Everyone’s familiar with that scratchy, itchy, painful-to-swallow feeling of a sore throat. Some episodes of pharyngitis (the more technical term for the miserable condition) come with colds or the flu<\/a>, while others stand alone to create your misery. You probably have more than a few tricks up your sleeve for dealing with a tight, scratchy throat (Mom’s chicken noodle soup, anyone?), but at what point should you reach for medicine\u2014OTC or otherwise?<\/p>\n

Consult your doctor if your sore throat lasts for more than a week, says Jonathan M. Lee, MD<\/a>, an assistant professor of otorhinolaryngology (the study of diseases of the ear, nose, and throat) in the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. Red flags that could indicate something more concerning include “difficulty breathing or swallowing, drooling, trouble opening the mouth, facial swelling, stiff neck, [high] fever, persistent lumps in the neck, and prolonged hoarseness,” says Dr. Lee.<\/p>\n

Whether you’re suffering through a cold or fighting seasonal allergies, there are a few time-tested natural remedies that you can try before running for the nearest clinic. Our panel of doctors says that these tricks and tips may have you feeling better in no time. The best part? You probably already have most of them in your kitchen, saving you a trip to the drugstore. Even better, some home remedies give you good reason to revisit childhood joys. (Popsicles? Yes, please!)<\/p>\n

Honey<\/p>\n

Recent research<\/a> shows that honey can be effective at relieving sore throats. Not only does it give the throat a protective coating, but it also has anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. “Honey contains a compound that is converted into hydrogen peroxide in addition to other antimicrobial compounds,” says Caroline Roberts, M.D.,<\/a> associate professor of family medicine at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine in Chapel Hill. “However, children less than a year old should not be given any honey because of an increased risk of botulism.”<\/p>\n

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boonchai wedmakawand – Getty Images<\/p>\n

Frozen Foods<\/p>\n

“This is your excuse to have ice cream,” says Joseph Ladapo, M.D., Ph.D,<\/a> professor of medicine at the University of Florida in Gainesville and State Surgeon General of Florida. “Anything that\u2019s frozen\u2014ice itself, frozen ice pops, frozen yogurt\u2014numbs the tissue and nerves and reduces pain.” Plus, who wouldn\u2019t feel a little better after indulging in a treat?<\/p>\n

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LauriPatterson – Getty Images<\/p>\n

Teas<\/p>\n

“Warm drinks can be soothing for the throat,” says Dana Neutze, M.D., Ph.D.<\/a>, associate professor of medicine at UNC School of Medicine in Chapel Hill. “There is a small amount of evidence that herbal teas, including marshmallow root, licorice root, and elm inner bark help with pain, but the reason is not known.”<\/p>\n

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5second – Getty Images<\/p>\n

Saltwater Gargle<\/p>\n

There\u2019s a reason your mom or grandma probably told you that gargling with saltwater solves everything. “A saltwater gargle helps with swelling and keeping the mouth clean,\u201d says Monika Jindal, M.D.<\/a>, clinical and associate professor of family and community medicine at the University of Iowa\u2019s Carver College of Medicine in Iowa City. “Most recipes suggest \u00bc to \u00bd teaspoon of salt per cup of warm water.” It\u2019s totally safe (and easy on the wallet) to try several times a day while you\u2019re in pain.<\/p>\n

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Foodcollection RF – Getty Images<\/p>\n

Chicken Soup<\/p>\n

“Chicken soup is the most commonly prescribed home remedy for sore throat and cold symptoms, and there is actually data to show it works by inhibiting neutrophil migration, the components inside your body which cause inflammation in your throat,” says Dr. Roberts. “However, she notes, the research hasn\u2019t been performed on humans<\/a>, and the homemade recipe used in the study worked better than store-bought kinds.<\/p>\n

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Westend61 – Getty Images<\/p>\n

Warm Broth<\/p>\n

If your appetite has all but vanished during your cold, a sore throat doesn’t make it easier to force down a meal. A good alternative to an empty stomach is sipping on warm soup stock of any kind, says Prianka Chawla, MD<\/a>, primary care physician at Tufts Medical Center in Boston. Store-bought varieties can be used in a pinch, and just like a warm cup of tea, they’ll help soothe a dry throat while also giving you a bit of nourishment between meals, says Dr. Chawla. Try to source low-sodium<\/a> varieties if possible.<\/p>\n

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Andrey Zhuravlev – Getty Images<\/p>\n

Potato Poultice<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t knock this until you try it. “Cook potatoes and mash them, carefully wrap them in a cloth while they\u2019re hot, then cover with a second cloth,” advises Andreas Michalsen, M.D., Ph.D<\/a>, author of The Nature Cure<\/a>. “Apply to your neck and leave for a few hours.” It works like a heating pad, stimulating circulation to the area.<\/p>\n

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David Marsden – Getty Images<\/p>\n

Garlic<\/p>\n

“This is my personal remedy of choice, though it\u2019s not a popular one,” says Dr. Neutze. “There is not much hard evidence beyond one small study<\/a>, but it is thought that the allicin in garlic has antimicrobial properties.”<\/p>\n

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Robert Daly – Getty Images<\/p>\n

Apple Cider Vinegar<\/p>\n

There isn’t any definitive research on exactly how apple cider vinegar manages to combat sore throats, says David B. Feller, M.D.<\/a>, clinical associate professor of community health and family medicine at the University of Florida’s College of Medicine in Gainesville. However, diluting this potent pantry staple in water and gargling may reduce swelling and general throat pain, he says, noting anecdotal improvements in patients. Keep it to one tablespoon or less (it\u2019s highly acidic<\/a>), and mix it into a cup of warm water.<\/p>\n

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Michelle Arnold \/ EyeEm – Getty Images<\/p>\n

Supplements<\/p>\n

You should chat with your doc before <\/a>taking any supplements, but there\u2019s research supporting the use of zinc or elderberry to reduce sore throat symptoms, says Dr. Roberts. “Another natural remedy which has data showing good benefit<\/a> in treating sore throat, especially in children less than 6 years old, is Pelargonium sidoides root extract,” she says. “This is also called South African geranium, and it has been found to reduce both the severity and duration of a sore throat in kids.”<\/p>\n

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Seksak Kerdkanno \/ EyeEm – Getty Images<\/p>\n

Vicks VapoRub<\/p>\n

We don\u2019t typically think of mainstream products as “natural,” but the beauty of Vicks VapoRub\u2014which happens to be a Good Housekeeping Seal<\/a> star\u2014is that it works topically. When rubbed onto the chest, neck, or back, the traditional camphor, menthol, and eucalyptus ointment can temporarily relieve discomfort and help you breathe more easily. Plus, it can be used on kids as young as two, so it\u2019s one less medication for them to take by mouth.<\/p>\n

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jaminwell – Getty Images<\/p>\n

Humidifier<\/p>\n

While anecdotal evidence abounds, there isn\u2019t a whole lot of hard evidence to show that a humidifier<\/a> can actually relieve a sore throat. However, it probably won\u2019t hurt to try. The thinking is that dry air can exacerbate throat irritation, but a humidifier adds moisture to the air, making you feel more comfortable. Our Good Housekeeping Institute likes the Honeywell Cool Mist Humidifier for its quick results and easy cleaning.<\/p>\n

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Sebastian Gorczowski – Getty Images<\/p>\n

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