A sore throat can certainly mess up your day, whether it’s from a cold or allergies. Luckily, there are several herbs that can help soothe the discomfort, many of which you can find at your local grocery store or maybe even in your garden.

Sage is fantastic because it has astringent, antiseptic, and antibacterial properties. It’s been used for ages to treat sore throats, coughs, and mouth inflammations.

Thyme is another helpful herb. It has antiseptic and antibiotic qualities, making it great for relieving coughs and symptoms of bronchitis.

Ginger and honey are a powerful duo for tackling sore throats. They have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that combat the growth of fungi, bacteria, and other microorganisms.

If your throat is feeling sore, try this natural remedy:

Ingredients:

– 2 tablespoons fresh sage
– 2 tablespoons fresh thyme (lemon thyme works too)
– 1 slice of fresh or dried citrus
– 1-inch fresh ginger
– 1 tablespoon raw honey
– Vodka or a neutral-flavored alcohol (to extend the spray’s shelf life)
– French press (optional)
– Amber or blue glass spray bottle

Benefits of Each Ingredient:

Fresh Sage
Sage is known for its sweet, savory flavor and health benefits. It contains flavonoids, volatile oils, and phenolic acids. Sage is antiseptic, antibacterial, and astringent, helping to reduce inflammation and swelling. Native Americans used it long before modern medicine for treating sore throats.

To make sage tea, steep two tablespoons of fresh sage in a cup of hot water for 10-15 minutes, then strain.

Fresh Thyme
Thyme is one of the world’s most powerful antioxidants. It has antiseptic, antibacterial, antispasmodic, and expectorant properties. For a sore throat, it soothes and cools. Make thyme tea by steeping two tablespoons of fresh thyme in near-boiling water for 10-15 minutes, then strain.

Fresh or Dried Citrus
Citrus, especially lemon, is great for sore throats. The citric acid breaks up mucus and reduces inflammation, while vitamin C strengthens the immune system. Use lemon by juicing half a lemon and diluting it in water to use as a rinse.

Fresh Ginger
Ginger is a strong anti-inflammatory and pain reliever with a warming, spicy taste. For ginger tea, grate an inch of fresh ginger into a cup of boiling water and steep for 5-10 minutes. Add raw honey for extra benefits.

Raw Honey
Honey has been used for soothing sore throats for ages. It coats and protects the throat while fighting infection. Mix a tablespoon of raw honey into warm water and drink it slowly.

How to Make the Sore Throat Spray:

1. Add two tablespoons of fresh sage to a cup or French press.
2. Add two tablespoons of fresh thyme.
3. Peel and slice an inch of fresh ginger.
4. Add a slice of fresh or dried citrus.
5. Pour in enough hot water to just cover the herbs.
6. Let it steep until it cools.
7. Add a tablespoon of raw honey and mix well.
8. Add an equal amount of vodka. Mix well.
9. Strain out the herbs.
10. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and store it in the fridge for up to six months.

To use the herbal sore throat spray, spritz one or two times into your mouth, aiming for the throat. You can use this spray multiple times a day.

More Natural Remedies for a Sore Throat

Saltwater Rinse
Gargling with saltwater can help reduce swelling and remove microbes. Dissolve a teaspoon of salt in warm water and gargle for 30 seconds. Repeat every hour.

Garlic
Garlic contains allicin, which has antimicrobial properties. Crush a garlic clove, let it sit for 10 minutes, then swallow it. If that’s too strong, add raw garlic to your meals or take a garlic supplement.

Onion
Onions, like garlic, contain allicin. Make onion tea by boiling the skin of half an onion in water until the water changes color. Strain, let it cool, and sip slowly. Your sore throat should feel better within an hour.

Peppermint Leaves
Peppermint leaves contain menthol, which provides a cooling effect and helps break up mucus. Make peppermint tea by steeping a teaspoon of dried leaves in boiling water for 10 minutes. Drink up to five times a day.

These natural remedies can offer quick relief from a sore throat. For more options, consider exploring other home remedies.