The winter period has so far been a mild one for Ireland but that is set to change this week. Met Eireann is predicting the weather to get gradually colder as the week progresses, with the forecaster expecting -5C to be recorded during the week.

When the weather becomes cold and wet outside it very often leads to us getting a bad cold or flu. This results in the always annoying and uncomfortable sore throat that can linger for days afterwards. Our immediate concern when soreness strikes is how to get instant relief. You may be tempted to run to your doctor, but some of the best treatments are home remedies. Here are a few helpful examples of how to get rid of your sore throat…

Gargling saltwater

 Many studies have concluded that gargling several times a day with warm salt water can reduce swelling in the throat and loosen mucus which will help to flush out the irritants and bacteria that are causing the discomfort.  Start by dissolving half a teaspoon of salt into a cup of water. If the salty taste is too overbearing, try adding a small amount of honey to sweeten it up. Also it is important to remember to spit out the mixture when finished and not to swallow it.

Drinking fluids

It is vital to remember to stay hydrated especially when you’re sick and your throat is irritated or inflamed.  Remember to drink enough fluid so that your urine is light yellow or clear. The reason for this is that it keeps your mucous membranes moist and better able to combat bacteria and irritants like allergens, and makes your body better able to fight back against other cold symptoms.

Marshmallows

Believe it or not this is actually quite an old remedy for a sore throat. Sap from the marshmallow plant has been used for hundreds of years to treat coughs, colds, and sore throats. The sweet treats that you will find in the supermarket are not the same as real ones many believe that they have sore throat fighting properties due to the fact that the jelly in them coats and soothes the throat. It may sound a bit strange but at the very least it may cheer you up when you are feeling poorly.

Rest

It certainly isn’t a quick fix to your problem but in the end rest is the key. Getting some rest is probably the best thing you can do to battle the infection that caused your sore throat in the first place. The majority of sore throats are caused by cold viruses, and there’s very little we can do to cure a cold once we’ve contracted it. The best thing to do is to make sure that your body is well rested as it will help it fight off the virus so you can get better sooner.