5 Hot And Cold Drinks To Soothe A Sore Throat
One of the most common symptoms of getting sick is a sore throat. This part of the body can give early signs of the flu or even more serious problems. Therefore, it is important to attend to these annoyances in order to avoid greater consequences.
There are different medications to soothe a sore throat. However, you can always resort to natural options that can be prepared at home, such as these drinks that we show you below.
Causes of a sore throat
A sore throat is one of the most common conditions when exposed to weather changes or viruses. According to a publication from the Mayo Clinic, the causes of this condition may be the following:
- Common cold
- Flu (influenza)
- Mononucleosis
- Measles
- Chickenpox
- Croup – a common childhood illness characterized by a harsh, dry cough
In addition to these, there are other less common causes such as:
- Allergies
- Dryness
- Irritants such as tobacco and alcohol
- Muscle tension
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease
Hot and cold drinks to soothe a sore throat
1. Water
One of the best drinks for general health is water. Hot or cold, it will help soothe a sore throat and any other discomfort associated with it. It is recommended that you drink at least two liters or eight glasses of water a day, in order to stay healthy and hydrated.
To make drinking a lot of water become a habit for you, we recommend having a personal thermos. By always having it full of water and taking it with you, you will feel the need to drink until this becomes a habit.
2. Fruit juice
Fruits provide all the vitamins and minerals that the body requires to function properly. These will help you to be stronger and hydrated, and thus you can take care of your throat. Remember to prepare this juice at home, to make sure of the ingredients it contains and their quantities.
Pineapple juice, orange or lemon are good choices because they have anti – inflammatory properties and have vitamin C. The latter, as mentioned in a publication of the National Institutes of Health , is an important antioxidant to contribute to the proper functioning of the immune system and, thus, protect the body from different diseases.
3. Tea
Tea will always be a good option! Being warm, it can help relax your throat muscles. In addition, depending on the herb, it can support you in the discomfort you feel. An example is sage, a relaxing and anti-inflammatory herb that may be suitable for soothing a sore throat.
4. Water with honey and lemon
One of the most common remedies in popular culture to relieve a sore throat, and some conditions related to the flu or the common cold, is the combination of honey and lemon.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of water (250 ml)
- 1 tablespoon of honey (25 g)
- 2 teaspoons of lemon juice (10 ml)
Preparation
- Heat the water, add a tablespoon of honey and another of lemon juice and mix well.
- In addition to consuming it, you can gargle with this drink for better results.
5. Hot broth
Although it sounds strange, this is one of the most used natural remedies in popular culture to alleviate symptoms associated with the cold or flu. In relation to this, a Northwestern Medicine publication points out that chicken broth contains certain properties and fats that could help to improve pain and inflammation of the throat.
When to consult the doctor?
By drinking this variety of drinks, you will be able to notice relief from a sore throat and some symptoms associated with this condition. However, if you spend many days with discomfort, it is best to go to your doctor to rule out a major health problem and find the appropriate treatment.
Finally, in addition to consuming them to improve the condition of your throat, these drinks can also be taken as a snack or to comfort you on a cold day. Do not hesitate to share these new recipes with your family and friends to also take care of their health.
