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How to cure a sore throat naturally

You’ve worked hard on your technique, auditioned great, and finally (finally!) landed that choir solo, that lead role in the musical, or that job as lead singer in a local band. You’re warmed up and ready to go, and on opening night you have a sore throat. There is no doubt that sore throats affect both professional and amateur singers, at the highest levels and in the local community theater. And a sore throat at the wrong time can ruin a singing career. If you have a sore throat that you just want to get rid of, here are some natural home remedies to try:

Cayenne pepper. Many people use cayenne pepper to gargle: about 1 teaspoon of cayenne in 4 oz. of warm water. The amounts can be adjusted to your tolerance level. According to those who use the remedy, it usually works even when antibiotics have failed, but it may take a few tries. Most successful garglers do so every fifteen minutes or so until the pain subsides.

Apple cider vinegar. This is a popular folk remedy, and doctors suggest there is some basis to it: the acidity of the vinegar should kill the bacteria that cause sore throats on contact. To use this remedy, mix one teaspoon to two tablespoons (as strong as you can take) of vinegar with water. Gargle and then swallow twice every hour. Remember to rinse your mouth with water after gargling to prevent the acidity of the vinegar from damaging your tooth enamel.

Cayenne pepper and vinegar. For those who really like punishment, try combining hot apple cider vinegar and cayenne pepper. Instead of gargling, drink the mixture. According to those who use the remedy, it will dislodge mucus in the back of the throat, clearing the airways.

Saltwater. To try this remedy, combine a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and gargle the entire mixture. Repeat several times a day, or until your throat improves. The idea behind this is that the salt dilates the capillaries in the back of the throat, increasing blood flow and bringing more bacteria-fighting antibodies to the area.

Honey is often used as an additive to help soothe the throat. Try it with a tablespoon of lemon juice, in hot lemon or chamomile herbal tea, or mixed with hot apple cider vinegar remedy.

Lemon. Lemon is also a much-touted cure for a sore throat. You will find it recommended to gargle with a tablespoon of lemon juice, add a drop or two of lemon juice to hot water, or drink herbal tea with lemon and honey. It is recommended to add honey to a lemon cure, because it makes the taste more bearable. Honey also soothes a sore throat, while the acidity of the lemon kills bacteria, making honey and lemon a good combination.

Ginger tea. Peel a ginger root and cut it into thin slices. Boil the slices in water to make ginger tea. Add a tablespoon of honey, drink a cup, and then gently clear your throat. This tea should make the back of your throat tingly, and the throat clearing at the end should dislodge any loose mucus. This tea can soothe your throat and help you regain your voice if you have lost it.

Licorice. For this cure, you will be using a sprig of real licorice, not a candy bar of licorice. Peel the skin off the stick, then suck or chew on it. The herb should ease your sore throat over time.

Soy sauce and lime. This is a Javanese cure which is a different version of the honey lemon cure. Combine the juice of one lime with one teaspoon in one tablespoon of soy sauce and drink. Those who recommend this cure say that a tablespoon of the mixture is enough to cure a mild sore throat.

To moisten. Sore throats are often caused by postnasal drip, which can leave your throat dry, scratchy, and irritated. Also, dry air alone is enough to cause a sore throat along with a nasty cough. If the air in your house dries out in the winter, and if you heat your house it does, try using a humidifier in your bedroom. Moist air could be all you need to get rid of a sore throat or cough.

There’s no doubt that a sore throat could put a serious damper on your ability to sing. Try these home remedies to get rid of that sore throat fast, but don’t expect them to work right away; There is no such thing as a miracle cure. Also, if you find that your sore throat lasts longer than two weeks, no matter what you try, you should see a doctor. Severe sore throats can indicate strep throat, bronchitis, and other more serious infections that need to be treated with antibiotics.

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