Easy to Make Sore Throat Remedies
It is not unusual for anyone to encounter a sore throat at least once a year. Generally, the condition is not lasting and resolves independently after a few days of discomfort. However, it is sometimes one of the reasons for seeking healthcare services, especially for children.
Sore throats are contagious. Although not serious, they may require some people to call in sick at work to prevent its spread.
For many years, herbal teas have provided an immediate and effective solution to mild sore throats. Some herbs are excellent at addressing the cause, treating an ongoing illness, and improving the body’s immune resistance.
Why Sore Throat Happens
Sore throat, medically known as pharyngitis, typically involves throat irritation and difficulty swallowing. It may inflame the tonsils and glands in the neck and give a general feeling of sickness. A sore throat also produces a hoarse voice, which is very discomforting for people whose work involves talking.
Viruses cause most sore throats and are very common during flu season. Since the virus clears away after a couple of days, there is no specific treatment for a viral sore throat.
Strep throat – sore throat caused by streptococcal bacteria – is less common. It can also spread through direct contact and requires antibiotic treatment. Strep throat may cause health complications like kidney problems, heart damage, or throat abscess if left without treatment.
Homemade Remedies for Sore Throat
Nursing yourself back to health expedites sore throat recovery. Unless it is a bacterial infection, the least you can do is rest and drink plenty of fluids and take acetaminophen for the accompanying pain and fever.
A salt water or baking soda gargle may help tame throat inflammation. A cup of warm tea with anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties may also lessen the discomfort of a swollen throat.
Fire Cider
I’ll never forget the first time I tried fire cider—it was like stepping into a piece of living history. A friend swore by it, saying it was the remedy her grandmother used to keep their family healthy through countless flu seasons. They even called it Nature’s Amoxicillin and swore it’s as powerful as an antibiotic!
The fiery mix of apple cider vinegar, garlic, and ginger felt like it lit a fire in my chest, but the warmth and soothing relief were undeniable. It’s no surprise this remedy has been trusted in American homes for generations, with recipes passed down like precious family secrets.
It made me realize how much we’ve lost in today’s reliance on modern medicine—and how much power we still have when we reclaim these natural cures.
That’s why I’m so grateful for The Forgotten Home Apothecary. This book is like unlocking a vault of forgotten remedies, helping you rediscover powerful herbal solutions that work. Here’s just a glimpse of what you’ll find:
- Painkiller in a Jar: Learn how to make a remedy from a common backyard weed, wild lettuce, with effects similar to opium—but completely safe and legal.
- Nature’s Amoxicillin: A natural antibiotic alternative to keep your immune system strong.
- Memory Elixir: Harness the surprising brain-boosting power of rosemary, proven to enhance memory in studies.
- Mushroom Drops for MS: The same protocol the author, Dr. Nicole Apelian, uses to manage her MS naturally.
- Grandma’s Hot Salve for Back Pain: A powerful capsaicin cream that eases stiff muscles in minutes.
This isn’t just a book—it’s your chance to build a home pharmacy that doesn’t rely on expensive pills or crowded pharmacies.
Don’t wait for the next crisis or health scare to realize how much you need these remedies.
Take control of your health today, and bring these forgotten cures back into your life.
Lozenges
Throat lozenges and cough drops may alleviate a sore and scratchy throat, making them a no-fuss remedy even on the go. Commercial lozenges may contain menthol, a pain reliever, demulcent, and antiseptic ingredients to soothe the throat.
You may also prepare homemade cough drops using honey and ginger to relieve throat irritation.
Hot Toddy
A hot toddy, known as Southern cough syrup, is a cocktail traditionally used for common colds. The beverage is prepared by mixing spirits (brandy, whiskey, etc.), honey, lemon, and ginger in hot water. Some variations include adding apple cider, cinnamon, cloves, star anise, or brown sugar into the infusion.
Hot toddy is one of the famous and old-fashioned home remedies for colds. It may also be prepared without alcohol if desired.
Peppermint Tea
Peppermint tea (Mentha piperita) is an excellent beverage for a sore throat. In addition to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, peppermint contains natural menthol, which cools and soothes throat irritation.
Drinking an infusion of fresh or dried peppermint leaves provides immediate, although temporary, relief from a sore throat. A randomized trial also suggests the efficacy of peppermint and other essential oils in aromatherapy.
Chamomile
Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) is not only an excellent tea for sleep problems. It may also help ease the symptoms of flu and sore throat. It may reduce glandular swelling and irritation without causing stomach issues.
If you have the flu, drink chamomile tea every 3 to 4 hours to manage the symptoms. Chamomile is also a supportive tea while you are being treated for strep throat.
Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin, which is excellent at blocking pain and reducing inflammation. However, it is only advisable to take it if you do not have any open sores in your mouth or throat, as it may only worsen the pain.
Cayenne may be used as a gargle by mixing a quarter to half a teaspoon of cayenne powder in a glass of water. You may also add honey and ingest the mixture for a potent effect. But, please note that gargling or drinking will cause an initial burning sensation.
Echinacea
One of my go-to remedies for a sore throat is echinacea. This incredible herb has been my trusty companion for years whenever I feel that telltale scratchiness in my throat.
Not only does echinacea help soothe inflammation, but it also works wonders in boosting the immune system, giving your body the extra strength it needs to fight off infections.
A warm cup of echinacea tea has become my first line of defense—it’s like a comforting hug for my throat.
If you’re struggling with autoimmune issues, echinacea might not be your go-to herb. So be sure you ask for medical advice before taking it.
What I love most about echinacea is how easy it is to grow at home. You don’t need a green thumb—just a little care and patience, and you’ll have your own supply of this healing herb.
I always recommend starting with seeds that are free from pesticides and chemicals. That’s why the Medicinal Seed Kit has been such a game-changer for me.
It includes echinacea seeds, so you can grow the healthiest plants right in your backyard or even on a sunny windowsill.
Imagine having your own natural pharmacy at arm’s reach!
Trust me, there’s nothing like brewing a tea from herbs you’ve nurtured yourself—it’s fresh, potent, and free of anything artificial.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Anecdotal evidence supports the effectiveness of diluted ACV for sore throats. The solution is made by mixing one-part ACV with two-parts water and gargling it for a few minutes.
It is safe for drinking, often mixed with honey to adjust its taste. However, taking ACV in small amounts is recommended to avoid digestive problems. Apple cider contains acetic acid, which curbs the growth of bacteria and viruses but may also cause acid reflux.
Ginger Tea
This one is an easy and effective herbal home remedy for various illnesses including digestive and respiratory problems.
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) contains gingerols that soothe throat irritation with spiciness but are more manageable than cayenne. Gingerol decreases inflammation and stimulates the immune response to stave sore throat and heal infections faster.
Fresh ginger root may be chewed or prepared as a tea for immediate comfort from sore throat.
Turmeric
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is the best remedy for viral or bacterial sore throats. Its healing properties alleviate many health problems and enhance the immune response.
The best way to take turmeric is to mix it with a pinch of black pepper and ghee. Turmeric is fat-soluble, and its compounds are best absorbed by the body if combined with healthy fat. Black pepper increases the bioavailability of turmeric to maximize its healing effect.
Marshmallow Root
Althaea officinalis is a demulcent herb that produces mucilage to coat and soothe an irritated throat.
Marshmallow root infusion suits a sore throat caused by cough and cold and does not cause stomach problems. Its mucilage is even helpful in preventing gastrointestinal irritation.
Marshmallow root is different from the confectioners in the candy section of the supermarket. They are plants often sold as roots in online herbal stores. It is also easy to grow marshmallow root at home if you want a quick and easy remedy for a sore throat at any time.
Honey
Honey is used in many herbal preparations to sweeten teas or lozenges and boost their health benefits. Using honey alone may help ease a scratchy throat and lessen its inflammation.
Honey may be used to relieve symptoms of upper respiratory issues. A randomized study on honey as an adjuvant therapy for sore throat showed significant and faster recovery without side effects.
However, honey is only suitable for children over 1 year old to avoid the risk of infant botulism.
Usnea
When that first scratchy sensation creeps into your throat, it’s often the beginning of something worse—something that could knock you out for days. But did you know that usnea, nature’s powerful antifungal and antibacterial lichen, can stop a sore throat in its tracks?
Usnea contains usnic acid, a potent compound that targets harmful pathogens by breaking down their cell walls, effectively halting their growth.
What makes it even more impressive is its ability to soothe and coat an inflamed throat while giving your immune system the support it desperately needs to fight back.
Unlike over-the-counter lozenges that only mask the symptoms, usnea tackles the root cause, neutralizing bacteria and fungi before they spread.
Don’t be fooled—what starts as a mild sore throat can quickly escalate. Left unchecked, these infections can lead to bigger problems like swollen glands, fever, or even strep throat.
The last thing you want is to rely on antibiotics, which can wreak havoc on your gut health. Usnea is your natural, side-effect-free alternative—a tincture spray that’s powerful, easy to use, and always ready when you need it.
If you’re not up for harvesting and preparing usnea yourself, don’t worry. After testing countless products, I’ve finally found the most effective Usnea Tincture Spray available.
Why waste time letting an infection fester when you can take control right now? This spray is your ultimate defense against sore throats, ensuring you won’t have to suffer or let the infection spread. Your health is too precious to gamble on!
Honey-Lemon Tea
If you are down with flu or have the onset of a sore throat, look no further than your pantry for an adequate remedy. Lemon and honey are two ingredients you should not miss during your regular grocery run. They are handy both in culinary and medicinal use.
This recipe is the easiest to prepare even if you are too sick to move around or cook anything. It does not require a complicated method or special equipment.
Ingredients
Ingredients- 2 tsp honey
- 1 tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ½ to 1 cup hot water
- Mullein Tincture (20 drops for your throat irritation and the mucus that forms there blocking your airways)
Steps
- Place honey and lemon juice in a cup.
2. Pour hot water over the mixture and the tincture drops and then and stir well. Adjust the taste by adding more honey, lemon, or water as needed.
2. Pour hot water over the mixture and the 
To use: Take a cup of tea as often as you like to relieve a sore throat, congestion, or cough. If you want a spicier and more potent brew, add ginger slices to the water before boiling.
But let’s be real: gathering raw honey, hunting down pesticide-free lemons, and preparing the remedy takes time and effort—especially when you’re already feeling under the weather. Who has the energy for all that when your throat is screaming for relief?
That’s why the Usnea Tincture Spray is such a game-changer. With its powerful antibacterial and antifungal properties, it goes straight to the source of the problem, calming your sore throat and helping your body fight back—all in just a few sprays. No mess, no fuss, just instant relief when you need it most.
And it’s not just me who felt it. Here’s the review that actually made ME try it in the first place:
Smoking Mullein for Sore Throat Relief
If you’ve never considered it, smoking mullein might sound surprising—but it’s one of the oldest and most effective ways to soothe a sore throat and clear your lungs.
Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) has been used for generations as a natural remedy for respiratory issues, and when smoked, its gentle, non-irritating properties help calm inflammation in the throat and airways.
Unlike tobacco, mullein is completely safe to inhale and doesn’t contain harmful chemicals or addictive compounds.
The secret lies in mullein’s ability to act as an expectorant, loosening mucus and making it easier to expel. It also coats your throat with its soothing compounds, reducing irritation and easing that raw, scratchy feeling.
For many people, this method provides immediate relief, especially when dealing with dry coughs and throat discomfort that just won’t quit.
Plus, the mild herbal smoke can feel incredibly grounding and calming, which is a welcome bonus when you’re feeling under the weather.
Whether you’re new to smoking herbs or already familiar with the practice, mullein is a safe, effective choice for soothing a sore throat while supporting your respiratory health. Just a few puffs can work wonders!
This video shows how to do it.
What can help arthritis
I use a mulberry leaf/sour cherry tincture for arthritis. Very easy to make!
Thank you! Do you take it internally, or apply it topically?
Surprised to find that sage tea is not on your list! Drink a tea made with common culinary sage. Fast and effective for sore throat. Antibacterial as well. Also makes a great mouthwash. And… it works almost as fast and effectively as Imodium for diarrhea.