What is sore throat? A sore throat is a feeling in which one feels a stinging sensation. It is an inflammation, redness and swelling in the throat. The throat feels irritated, hard and it may hurt when you swallow things. When the soreness become severe, it may even be difficult to swallow the saliva. Sore throat can be either acute or chronic. An acute sore throat will heal within a few days (3 to 7 days), while a chronic sore throat may take a lot longer. Chronic sore throat could be due to some serious underlying medical conditions and may need immediate medical attention. According to an estimate by the National Center for Health Statistics, there around 62 million cases of chronic sore throat each year that require medical attention! According NHS UK, the bacteria or virus that causes sore throat is normally caught from someone who already has them. It could be through coughing, sneezing and speaking. Causes of sore throat There are many causes of sore throat. The most common of these causes is cold, virus, bugs and bacteria. If the throat has a bacterial infection, it may become painful and one may feel very tired. Bacterial infection is often accompanied with fever, headache and fatigue. Most commonly it is the cause of bacterial or viral infection due to common cold. 90 to 95% of sore throat is the cause of viruses, and there are more than 200 viruses causing the ailment. There are also some non-infectious causes.  Hay fever is one of the most general among the non-infectious causes. It is an allergic reaction to pollen or spores and may make the throat sore. Other non-infectious causes include: irritation from smoking, irritation from alcohol, gastro-esophageal reflux etc. Symptoms that accompany a sore throat

• Inflammation in throat
• Cough
• Headache
• Running Nose
• Fever

Using Honey as a treatment for sore throat

The anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial property of honey has a very good effect on healing sore throats. If you have honey at home, it should be the first step to grab the jar and take a tablespoon. It soothes the inflammation and kills bacteria causing infection. It is said that professional singers take honey to sooth their throats and vocal cords before performance. Top 10 easy ways to use honey to fight cold and sore throat Here are some easy home remedies while using honey for sore throat. You can combine a few or just stick to one your like.

1. Take Honey Directly

Simply take a tablespoon of honey and let it slowly trickle down your throat. This coats the throat and helps reduce irritation.

---

2. Honey and Lemon Water

Add one tablespoon of honey to a cup of warm water, squeeze in some fresh lemon juice, and sip slowly. Repeat several times a day for soothing relief.

---

3. Honey with Saltwater Gargle

• Take a pinch of salt in warm water and gargle.

• Then, mix a tablespoon of honey into the remaining solution and sip it.

---

4. Honey and Apple Cider Vinegar (Small Dose)

Mix 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar into 3 tablespoons of honey. Gargle with this solution several times a day, especially before bed.

---

5. Honey and Apple Cider Vinegar Syrup

Combine 1/4 cup honey with 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar to make a syrup. Take 2 tablespoons every 2–4 hours to relieve soreness.

---

6. Green Tea and Honey

• Boil water and pour it over green tea leaves in a cup.

• Add 1 tablespoon of honey, cover, and leave for 10 minutes.

• Drink slowly — both honey and green tea have antioxidants that soothe the throat.

---

7. Ginger, Lemon, and Honey Tea

Grate a small piece of ginger root into a cup, squeeze in some fresh lemon, add honey, and pour in hot water. Leave it for 5 minutes, then enjoy. This is a warming and soothing remedy.

---

8. Warm Honey and Lemon

Take a tablespoon of honey and mix it with fresh lemon juice. Hold the spoon over a low flame until it starts to bubble slightly. Let it cool down and drink slowly for quick relief.

---

9. Honey and Olive Oil

Mix equal parts raw honey and extra virgin olive oil and take twice a day. This combination helps reduce inflammation and coats the throat naturally.

---

10. Honey and Black Pepper

Mix a pinch of black pepper into a tablespoon of honey, warm it in the microwave for a few seconds, and then take it. This is an effective remedy for cough and sore throat.

---

Other Home Remedies for Sore Throat

• Gargle with sea salt several times a day, especially before bed.

• Drink plenty of fluids to keep your throat hydrated.

• Suck ice pops to soothe soreness and inflammation.

• Zinc lozenges can help reduce symptoms.

• Extra virgin olive oil: Taking 2 tablespoons a day may help reduce inflammation.

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can honey really cure a sore throat?
A: Honey doesn’t cure the underlying infection, but it soothes irritation, reduces coughing, and may speed up recovery. It’s most effective as a supportive home remedy.

Q2: How much honey should I take for a sore throat?
A: Generally, 1–2 tablespoons per day is safe for adults. You can divide it into smaller doses with warm water, tea, or other remedies.

Q3: Can I give honey to children?
A: No — honey should not be given to children under 1 year old due to the risk of botulism. For older kids, a teaspoon in warm water or tea is usually safe.

Q4: Is raw or organic honey better than regular honey?
A: Yes. Raw, organic, or Manuka honey retains natural enzymes, antioxidants, and antibacterial properties that may be lost in processed honey.

Q5: Can honey help with coughs too?
A: Absolutely. Honey coats the throat and can reduce coughing, especially at night. It is often recommended as a natural alternative to over-the-counter cough syrups.

Q6: Are there any side effects of taking honey?
A: Honey is generally safe for adults, but consuming large amounts can increase calorie and sugar intake. People with diabetes should monitor their blood sugar carefully.

Q7: Can I mix honey with other home remedies?
A: Yes! Honey pairs well with lemon, ginger, turmeric, green tea, apple cider vinegar, and black pepper for enhanced soothing and anti-inflammatory effects.

Q8: How long does it take for honey remedies to work?
A: Most people feel relief within hours to a day, but persistent or severe symptoms may take longer or require medical attention

When to See a Doctor

Most sore throats heal within 3–7 days with home remedies. However, see a doctor if:

• Your sore throat does not improve with home remedies.

• Symptoms persist or worsen despite medication.

• You experience severe pain, fever, or difficulty swallowing.

In rare cases, a persistent sore throat could indicate serious infections or other medical conditions, so medical attention is important if symptoms don’t improve.

Generally, you do not need to see a doctor for a sore throat. It may go away within three to seven days and heal on its own. If you take the home remedies, you make it heal faster. However, in some cases there may be a serious problem behind the apparent sore throat. For example, if your throat does not respond to medication or does not heal within a few days, you should see your doctor. Sometimes, the infection may get severe and spread to other areas, in which case, your doctor might prescribe antibiotics to fight infection. In rare cases, it could be a serious problem such as sever sinus infection and cancer.