Treat Your Sore Throat Using These Home Remedies

Treat Your Sore Throat Using These Home Remedies

Treat Your Sore Throat Using These Home Remedies

It’s the season of allergies, flu and one of the most irritating conditions- a sore throat. It pays frequent visits to me every year. This is why, every time I know that a sore throat is developing, I immediately call up my doctor for a viral sore throat treatment and accompany it with some of the most effective home remedies. Some of them are backed by science while others by anecdotal evidence.  So you can choose which of the remedies will work best for your condition. But remember that none of these methods are a replacement for treatment by a professional. 

Now let me give you an introduction to what you can do to treat your sore throat at home. But before I begin, let’s first understand the symptoms of a sore throat. 

Symptoms

Most of you may already have an idea about the symptoms but in case you don’t here’s what you are looking for.

A sore throat feels like a clogged throat. You may feel slight pain and swelling around your neck and it may increase while swallowing. Sometimes, you can see the redness and swelling of your tonsils too. And you can hear a change in your voice. Considering the fact that sore throat is also one of the symptoms of COVID-19, you must consult a doctor just to be safe.

 

Now let’s move on to the home remedies for a sore throat.

Fluids are your best friend

If your grandmother ever told you that chicken soup is beneficial for you, she wasn’t wrong. It can be really good to ease a sore throat. And not just chicken soup, every kind of hot and cold fluid can be very effective in easing the pain and swelling. You can choose to have cold or hot fluids. It’s entirely based on your preference. While some find relief with hot fluids like soup and herbal teas, others may feel a reduction in pain with cold fluids like ice chips and plain water. 

 

Fluids are one of the many ways of staying hydrated. A sore throat can be very dry and this dryness further aggravates the swelling. Fluids, however, can avoid further escalation of this condition and maintain the right hydration around your throat to prevent any irritation. In case you feel congested, drinking fluids will help find relief with it too. 

Gargle twice a day

Gargling is the answer to a scratchy, swollen and painful throat. But not just with plain water, you must warm it up until it’s lukewarm and add a little bit of salt. Use this solution twice a day and you will feel significant relief from the pain of sore throat. I do it every day, even when I don’t have a sore throat. 

 

Gargling acts like a flush. It removes any irritants and the virus from your throat and helps relieve the pain by soothing the inflammation.  Also, it helps loosen out excess mucus and relieve the congestion. But remember, gargling is not a treatment to the condition. It is only a method that can help provide symptomatic relief. If you are looking for a recipe, there isn’t a rulebook. All you have to do is add a little bit of salt or even baking soda (it helps with a sore throat due to acid reflux) in warm water and gargle. 

Get enough rest

A sore throat is commonly caused by a virus. And when that happens your body has to be at the top of its defenses to get rid of the intruder. Most of your body’s energy and focus is shifted to fighting the contaminant and getting rid of it as soon as possible. Since it is working so hard, you feel lethargic and weak. At this time the best you can do for yourself is rest. 

 

Your body recovers the best while you are asleep. The rest of your body is less demanding so your body focuses on healing and creating more white blood cells. So fighting the weakness while you are sick is only making matters worse. So put a pause to your routine and let the body recover. 

Try honey

Most of us have honey sitting on our kitchen counters. And this is what makes it one of the most convenient home remedies for a sore throat. Take a spoonful of honey and gulp it down as it is. Or you can mix it with some tea, cucumber water or just plain warm water. 

 

Honey is known to possess antibacterial properties, this is what makes it a healer and helps deal with the irritation. It is also a natural anti-inflammatory. So it can reduce the swelling around your throat and tonsils. In addition to this, honey can create a temporary coating in the throat that prevents itchiness and soothes the cough or irritation. 

Use humidifier

A humidifier can also provide symptomatic relief from a sore throat. Your throat feels scratchy and itchy because it is dry and lacks moisture. A humidifier compensates for this lack. It adds moisture in the air so that your throat does not feel dry. When the air is dry, your mucus hardens and it becomes difficult to get rid of it. A humidifier also helps remove excess mucus by loosening it. So it acts like steam for a cold. 

 

Moist air also reduces pain by helping to lower the level of swelling and inflammation in the throat and nasal passages. So if you are one who frequently suffers from sore throat and cold, investing in a humidifier can be a good call. 

Wear a mask when going out

This is more of a prevention than a remedy. While you may already be wearing a mask due to COVID-19, even when the situation eases down, it’s always best to wear a mask when going out or when around people. 

 

This way you avoid spreading the virus to others. And for your own benefit, wearing a mask prevents contact with any irritants in the environment. They can worsen the already aggravated throat and make it difficult for the sore throat to heal. 

Conclusion

I have experienced a fast recovery from a sore throat using these home remedies. So you should give them a try. Let us know which remedy suits you the best. And remember, if you like this information, share it with others so they can find a home remedy to soothe their sore throat too. 

 

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Learn About Bronchitis And The Best Home Remedies For it

Bronchitis And The Best Home Remedies

Learn About Bronchitis And The Best Home Remedies For it

Bronchitis is a respiratory disease that is caused by bacteria, viruses, irritants like smoke, and some other particles that can cause irritation in the bronchial tubes. Bronchial tubes are the tubes that carry air to your lungs. Bronchitis is caused when these bronchial tubes get swollen and inflamed. This causes a nagging cough and mucus. Fortunately, there are many ways in which you can treat acute bronchitis on your own without any specific medical treatment. These home remedies can improve symptoms within two weeks. But, if you feel that your condition is not recovering at a normal rate, then you must see a doctor online for proper guidance and treatment.

Acute bronchitis is more common in people, and symptoms may last a few weeks. It usually does not cause problems for people suffering from it for more than these few weeks. However, chronic bronchitis is a serious condition in which your lungs sound congested, and it does not go away or keep coming back. So, it is better for you to treat your symptoms as soon as you see them for a rapid recovery. If you take proper self-care, you can bounce back quickly and stay fit. But first, let’s get familiar with the symptoms associated with bronchitis that you have to look out for.

Symptoms of bronchitis

As I mentioned above, bronchitis leads to the tightening of your airways and excess production of mucus. The increased phlegm can cause breathing problems and a persistent cough.

Some of the common symptoms are-

  • Congestion in chest
  • White, yellow, or green mucus with cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • Fever
  • Chills and body aches
  • Tiredness
  • Wheezing or a whistling sound when you breathe
  • Feeling “wiped out”
  • Sore throat
  • Muscle aches
  • Runny nose with nasal congestion

The cough can last for more weeks even after all the other symptoms associated with acute bronchitis are gone while your bronchial tubes are healing. Slowly the swelling will also go down. But, if you have chronic bronchitis, the cough can even last for more than 3 months and might come back after every 2 years at least.

And if you have a fever, shortness of breath, or a cough, you should consider consulting your doctor for it, as it might be the COVID-19, which has similar symptoms.

The best home remedies for acute bronchitis

You can treat your acute bronchitis at home if you use a few natural remedies. One more advantage of these remedies is that some of them also have additional health benefits for you. So, let’s go through these remedies.

1. Ginger and ginger tea

Certain herbs contain medicinal effects that can help in soothing the inflamed membranes of your respiratory tract. Ginger is one of those herbs. Researchers have found evidence that shows that ginger can help against respiratory infection, thanks to its anti-inflammatory effect against it. The ginger root acts as an expectorant and can soothe the irritation that you feel in your respiratory tract because of the respiratory infection.

There are various ways in which you can consume ginger. These are –

  • By chewing dried, crystallized ginger.
  • Eating it raw or adding it to your food.
  • Adding fresh ginger in your tea.

It is very safe to use ginger in its natural form. But, if you are not used to gingering that much, taking it in small amounts can be a better option for you, especially if you are sensitive to it. While eating ginger occasionally is safe for everyone, you should not consume it if you have diabetes, heart problems, or any kind of blood disorder. Also, pregnant or breastfeeding women should also avoid ginger.

2. Steam

One of the best ways to break up mucus to expel it more easily is by using steam. And it is very easy to use in the bath or shower. Just make sure you do not make your shower too hot, keep it at a level that you can handle. Then step in, and take deep breaths through your mouth and nose.

This way you can relax the muscles that got tensed from coughing. And if you are feeling short of breath or ill, you should not soak in a hot bath.

There is one more way to use steam. In this you have to make a steam bowl by putting hot water in a large, heatproof bowl. Then drape a towel over your head (covering your head), and then inhale the steam by leaning over the bowl. Just make sure that the water is not too hot, or it can cause irritation in the lining in your nasal passage. And do not inhale that hot steam for more than a minute or two.

3. Gargling with salt water

Gargling with salt water is another great method to break up mucus while reducing pain in your throat as well. Swishing warm salt water in your throat and mouth a few times in a day can help get rid of excess mucus. 

You simply have to add a teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water. Then take small sips of this saltwater and gargle at the back of your throat. And make sure you do not swallow the water. You need to spit it out in the sink. Repeat this for a few more times, and then rinse your mouth with plain water. Garling can help in saving you from future respiratory infections such as colds. 

4. Take some rest and sleep

While you are fighting with the infection and cough, it can make you feel very tired. You need to listen to your body and get some rest, especially in the beginning. You need to give your body the required rest, even if you have some work to do. Many people suffering from some kind of acute illness do not pay attention to their body’s call for rest. 

Get an adequate amount of sleep to allow your body to rest. Experts say that you need enough sleep to maintain a healthy immune system. Studies also show that sleep deprivation can make you more vulnerable to the cold virus. 

You can also use an extra pillow under your head to avoid mucus from settling in your throat at the back. It can be a bit difficult to get a sound sleep when you are fighting a cough, but it is also essential. The immune function of your body gets repaired and enhanced (to fight the inflammation) during the deep stages of sleep.

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The Best Home Remedies For Urinary Tract Infections

The Best Home Remedies For Urinary Tract Infections

The Best Home Remedies For Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary tract infection, or UTI, can affect any part of the urinary tract, that includes kidneys, ureters, urethra, or bladder. The most common cause of UTIs is bacteria from the bowel, although fungi and viruses can also cause these infections. Traditionally, antibiotics are used when we talk about urinary tract infection cure, but there are several home remedies too that can help in managing the symptoms of UTIs.

UTIs are one of the most common bacterial infections in the United States. UTIs are more prevalent in women than in men. The reason for this is the urethra, which carries urine out of the bladder. Women have a shorter urethra than men, and due to this bacteria can easily enter and reach the bladder. In fact, almost 50 percent of all women experience a UTI once in their lives.

Some symptoms of urinary tract infections are –

  • Frequent urination
  • Strong odor from urine
  • Pelvic pain
  • A burning sensation while peeing
  • A feeling that bladder is not empty after urinating

As I mentioned above, UTIs can be treated without using antibiotics with some remedies. And many of these remedies can be done at your home. These remedies can even reduce the chances of recurrence of UTIs. Having said that, let’s look at these home remedies.

1. Increase the intake of fluids

Keeping yourself hydrated is already very beneficial for your health, but it is also associated with the risk of urinary tract infection. It is one of the easiest ways to prevent and treat UTIs. Drinking a lot of water can help in flushing away the bacteria that can cause infection. Your urinary tract organs tend to remove the waste from your body more efficiently without losing the vital nutrients and electrolytes.

Drinking water helps in diluting the urine and making you pee more often and easily. This makes it difficult for bacteria to reach the bladder and cause an infection.

The amount of water a person should drink depends upon person to person. But, it is better for every individual to drink at least six to eight-ounce of water every day. And never ignore your thirst, drink whenever you feel thirsty. Drinking a lot of water will make you pee more, which will help in removing the bacteria from your urinary tract.

2. Urinate when the need arises

You should never hold the urge to urinating. Frequent urination pressurizes the bacteria in your urinary tract and then helps in removing it. Also, it reduces the time for that bacteria to get attached and form infection in the urinary tract. So, urinate as soon as possible whenever the urge arises.

3. Increase the intake of Vitamin C to keep your urinary tract healthy

There is some evidence that proves that increasing your consumption of Vitamin C can help in preventing urinary tract infections. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that can improve the functioning of the immune system. It is also important as it can make the urine more acidic, which stops the growth of bacteria in your urinary tract, or even kill the bacteria. Vitamin C can be used in various forms to treat UTIs. Many studies show that Vitamin C can have proactive effects that can reduce the risk of UTIs by more than 50 percent. More studies back this statement that a high intake of Vitamin C can decrease the risk of UTIs. The best way to increase your intake of Vitamin C is to eat fruits and vegetables that contain high amounts of Vitamin C. Some examples are red peppers, grapefruit, kiwifruit, and oranges.

4. Drink unsweetened cranberry juice

Drinking unsweetened cranberry juice is one of the most popular natural treatments for urinary tract infections. It can also be used to deal with general infections and also reduce the amount of time for the recovery of a wound. Cranberries can prevent the bacteria from sticking to your urinary tract, and hence preventing infection.

Studies on the effectiveness of drinking cranberry juice for urinary tract infections have got mixed results and opinions over the years. But, most people believe that it may help in reducing the risk of UTIs. Cranberry juice also has antioxidants, such as polyphenols. This means cranberry juice has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. But remember, you will get the benefits only if you are consuming unsweetened cranberry juice, instead of sweetened commercial brands.

5. Take probiotics

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that you can consume through food or supplements. They can help in keeping your urinary tract healthy and free from harmful bacteria. Probiotics also help in promoting a healthy balance of bacteria in your gut. Probiotics are also linked with improving digestive health and enhancing immune function.

Some studies show that a few strains of probiotics can help in reducing the risk of UTIs. A particular strain of probiotics, Lactobacillus, can help in treating and preventing UTIs. It does not let harmful bacteria from adhering to urinary tract cells and lower the pH levels in urine. It also produces hydrogen peroxide in urine, which is antibacterial.

There are various fermented and dairy products that contain probiotics. These are yogurt, kefir, kombucha, sauerkraut, and some types of cheese. You can also take probiotics supplements in the form of capsules or powder.

6. Soothe UTI pain with heat

Inflammation and irritation associated with urinary tract infections can cause burning, pain, and pressure in the area surrounding your pubic area. You can apply a heating pad to soothe the area. But there are a few things that you need to keep in mind before using heating pad –
1. Ensure that the heat setting is low.
2. Do not apply the pad directly to your skin.
3. Do not use it for more than15 minutes at once to avoid burns.

7. Try natural supplements

There are a few natural supplements that can help in reducing the risk of developing a urinary tract infection. Some of them are – D-Mannose, bearberry leaf, cranberry extract, and garlic extract. These natural supplements can also prevent the recurrence of UTIs.

Final thoughts

Urinary tract infections are a common problem and people suffering from it can easily get frustrated. But, following these home remedies, such as drinking a lot of water, can help you in preventing these infections.

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