Is Warm Water Good for Sore Throat?
Sore throat is an uncomfortable and painful condition that can make it difficult to swallow, talk, and even breathe. It’s usually caused by a virus, such as the common cold, or a bacterial infection, such as strep throat. While there’s no cure, drinking warm liquids is often recommended as a home remedy to help relieve symptoms. But is warm water really good for sore throat?
What Does Drinking Warm Water Do?
Drinking warm liquids can help soothe the throat and provide a feeling of relief. This is because warm liquids can help clear away mucus and reduce inflammation. It’s also thought that warm water helps stimulate saliva production, which can help ease the feeling of dryness in the throat.
Is Warm Water Better Than Cold?
Warm water is generally considered to be more effective than cold water because it can provide more relief and comfort. Cold water can reduce inflammation and numb pain, but it can also cause the throat to constrict, which can make symptoms worse.
What Are Other Home Remedies for Sore Throat?
In addition to drinking warm liquids, there are a number of other home remedies that can help relieve sore throat pain, including:
Gargling with warm salt water
Gargling with warm salt water can help reduce inflammation and kill bacteria. To make a salt water gargle, dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water and gargle for 30 seconds.
Using a humidifier
Using a humidifier can help keep the air moist, which can help reduce irritation and inflammation in the throat.
Drinking herbal teas
Herbal teas, such as ginger, licorice, and marshmallow root, can help soothe a sore throat.
Conclusion
Drinking warm liquids is often recommended as a home remedy to help relieve sore throat pain. Warm water is generally considered to be more effective than cold water because it can provide more relief and comfort. In addition to drinking warm liquids, there are a number of other home remedies that can help relieve sore throat pain, such as gargling with warm salt water, using a humidifier, and drinking herbal teas.