DIY Life

I've had a sore throat all week, so I set out to do a bit of research on some home remedies that may fit the bill. Luckily, I stumbled on this article from HowStuffWorks, as I consider it the wellness jackpot. There are many ways listed to combat a sore throat, but here are ten of my favorite:

1. Keep Your Nasal Passages Clear
According to HowStuffWorks, two of the most common causes of sore-throat pain are postnasal drip and a dry throat that results from sleeping with your mouth open when your nasal passages are blocked. Stop the flow with an over-the-counter decongestant and you'll wake up feeling ten times better.

2. Take it Easy
If your sore throat doesn't require the medical attention of a doctor, rest will help get you back on the road to recovery.

3. Gargle
I can't stomach gargling with salt water, so rasberry tea is a great alternative. (HowStuffWorks offers a great recipe for rasberry tea: to make, pour 1 cup boiling water over 2 teaspoons dried leaves. Steep for 10 minutes, then strain. Allow to cool.) If you have a fever as well, the gargle can be used as a fever-reducing drink, too. Bonus!

4. Drink Citrus
Mix 1 tablespoon each of honey and lemon juice in 1 cup of warm water and sip throughout the day.

5. Take an Analgesic
Plain old aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen is a wonderful (and surprising!) remedy for a sore throat. Be sure to take with a full glass of water to avoid a sore throat and stomach ache.

6. Eat a Popsicle or Juice Bar
Not only is a popsicle soothing on the throat, but it will provide the fluid necessary to get you back on your feet.

7. Enjoy Hot Drinks
Coating the tissue in your throat with warm or hot liquids provide a benefit similar to applying hot packs to infected skin.

8. Consume Hard Candy
Some doctors admit that sugar can help soothe a sore throat and the ticklish cough that may come with it. If nothing else, sucking on hard candy will help keep your throat moist, which will make you feel more comfortable.