Four Remedies to Relieve a Throat Infection

Sore throats are common, which is why many people simply choose to let them go away on their own. If your throat feels dry and you’re unable to swallow, you’re probably suffering from a throat infection.

Today, we’ll explain everything you need to know about this discomfort as well as four remedies that may help you feel better.

Causes of a Throat Infection

A throat infection can be viral or bacterial, meaning it can be caused by either viruses or bacteria.

• Viral: This is the most common one, because it stems from common diseases and the spread of viruses produced by a cold or flu.
• Bacterial: This infection is characterized by pain and inflammation. Strep throat, which is caused by a streptococcal infection, belongs in this group.

Symptoms of a Throat Infection

If you have a bacterial infection, you’re probably suffering from:

• Fever
• Swollen tonsils
• Headache

If your sore throat is viral, though, then you’re probably suffering from:

• Cough
• A cold
• Nasal congestion
• Sore throat

Tips to Relieve Your Discomfort

Hydration, rest, and avoiding certain habits can help you fight a throat infection.

To relieve your discomfort, you should follow these recommendations:

Drink More Water than Usual

You should always stay hydrated. Water at room temperature will help relieve your pain.

Dryness worsens the situation. That’s why you the pain is more intense in the mornings, since the throat tends to dry up at night. To keep your throat hydrated, eat hard candies or lozenges to stimulate saliva production.

See also: Have a Sore Throat? Fight it with These Tips

Don’t Smoke

If you have a sore throat, try not to smoke. Otherwise, your throat might take longer to heal. Tobacco smoke will cause more discomfort and worsen your pain. And, in any case, it’s harmful to your health.

Discover: Treatments and Supplements to Stop Smoking

Eat Dinner at Least Two Hours Before Bed

This way, gastric juices won’t rise up into your esophagus and cause burning and sore throat. Having dinner two hours before bed will ensure the food you ate digests before you go to sleep, which means you’ll run less risk of worsening your discomfort.

Rest

Resting is always beneficial, even in these cases that are considered unimportant. If you rest, you’ll also clear your mind and make better decisions.

This way, you’ll take better care of your throat and your body in general. Resting is very important.

Throat Infection Remedies

Before you resort to antibiotics, it’s important for you to understand that these substances only fight bacteria, not viruses. Thus, if you have a viral throat infection, you shouldn’t take antibiotics.

If you have a bacterial throat infection, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics. The most common type of bacterial throat infection is strep throat, with symptoms of:

• High fever
• Sudden sore throat
• Sneezing
• A cold
• Cough

Taking antibiotics in excess isn’t recommended because you may end up becoming immune to them.

Four Natural Throat Infection Remedies

Some natural remedies can help you fight a throat infection. Here are four of them:

1. Garlic tea

If you have a throat infection, garlic is a natural antibiotic that will help you fight it effectively.

Ingredients

• 3 or 4 garlic cloves
• 2 cups of water (500 ml)

Preparation

• Crush the garlic cloves. Heat the water until it boils.
• Then, add the garlic and cook for 5 minutes.
• Let stand. After that, strain the liquid and drink.

2. Echinacea tea

This is a plant whose natural properties stimulate your immune system. Furthermore, it’s known to fight respiratory disorders such as influenza or the common cold.

This remedy will activate your defenses when you’re not feeling well. This way, your body will fight all bacteria and viruses.

You have to take this infusion on an empty stomach and before bed.

Ingredients

• 2 cups of water (500 ml)
• 2 teaspoons of echinacea flowers (10 g)
• Honey to sweeten (to taste)

Preparation

• First, pour the water into a pot, along with the flowers.
• Then, let the preparation boil over medium heat for 7 minutes and remove from heat.
• Finally, let stand for another 7 minutes before straining and serve.

3. Ginger tea

Ginger is a root that helps fight many diseases. In cases of infection, it’s an excellent antibiotic that fights bacteria and viruses. We recommend you use fresh ginger root for best results.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of water (250 ml)
• 1 teaspoon of grated ginger root (15 g)

Preparation

• Boil the water and then add the ginger.
• Cook for 5 minutes and remove from heat.
• Let stand and then drink.

4. Onion tea

Onion is a great ally against throat infection. This is because it contains vitamin C, quercetin, and isothiocyanates. These substances act as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents that help dilate the airways.

Ingredients

• 2 cups of water (500 ml)
• 1 onion

Preparation

• Wash the onion and cut it into julienne strips.
• Add the onion to a pot with water and bring to a boil.
• Remove from heat, let stand for about 7 minutes, and drink.

If these remedies don’t relieve your discomfort, we invite you to consult a specialist so they can prescribe appropriate drugs to fight your throat infection.

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