How to Soothe Your Sore Throat in Winter

Stuck with a sore throat? As we head into winter, we’ll be experiencing the uncomfortable, painful and tedious effects of sore throats more frequently. Sure, having a husky, sexy voice can be novel for a hot minute, but several days into a sore throat you’ll be well and truly over it. 

There is of course one thing you should do if you have a sore throat, and that’s get a Covid test. But there are also several things you can do to soothe it! 

A sore throat can be uncomfortable and painful, but there are several things you can do to soothe it:

Gargle Salt Water

Gargling with salt water might taste like you’ve swallowed half the ocean, but it can nip your sore throat in the bud. Gargling salt water helps reduce swelling and irritation in the throat, and has also been shown to reduce harmful bacteria in your mouth, lowering your risk of cavities and gingivitis. Win! To get gargling mix half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and gargle, several times a day.

Stay Hydrated

Sure, it’s basic, but keeping your throat moist will prevent dehydration, and reduce that crackling sensation happening at the back of your throat. Warm liquids like tea with a bit of honey, soup and bone broth are particularly beneficial (and tasty).

Use a Humidifier

Again, this is all about increasing the levels of moisture in the air. Running a humidifier in your room increases moisture levels where you spend a large portion of your day, sleeping. This is a particularly helpful tip for those who sleep with their mouth open (on the off chance you need tips on how to stop snoring, head here!)

Reach for Throat Lozenges

Throat lozenges can help soothe a sore throat and reduce the urge to cough. Look for lozenges with ingredients like menthol or eucalyptus.

Rest Your Voice

Losing your temper on the reg? Office gossip? Talking or yelling can irritate a sore throat, so try to rest your voice as much as possible. If you can’t take a vow of silence and need to communicate, try whispering (or texting) instead.

Seek Over the Counter Pain Relief

While it’s not necessarily soothing, if your sore throat is causing you a lot of pain, or is accompanied by a fever, reaching for over-the-counter pain relief will help dial down inflammation and ease your discomfort. Alternately, if your sore threat is being caused by allergies, reach for antihistamines. Just always remember to consult with your doctor first.

Let’s reiterate that last point! If your sore throat persists for more than a week or is accompanied by other symptoms like difficulty swallowing or breathing, it’s important to see a doctor. 

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