Summertime is here and with it comes the sun, the heat, and unfortunately, the summer sore throat. Whether it’s allergies, dehydration or a viral infection, a sore throat can be a real pain.

Luckily, there are many natural remedies that can help ease the discomfort and speed up the healing process. Read on to find 30 ways to naturally relieve summer sore throat.

1. Gargle with Salt Water

A simple and effective way to soothe a sore throat is gargling with salt water. Salt water is a natural antiseptic that can help reduce inflammation and kill bacteria causing the sore throat.

Mix a half teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and gargle for 30 seconds, then spit it out. Repeat this a few times a day.

2. Drink Honey and Lemon Juice

Mixing honey and lemon juice can help soothe a sore throat and relieve coughs. Honey has antibacterial properties that can help kill bacteria causing the sore throat, while lemon juice can help reduce inflammation.

Mix a tablespoon of honey and a tablespoon of lemon juice in a glass of warm water and drink it several times a day.

3. Drink Herbal Tea

Drinking herbal tea can also help relieve a sore throat. Chamomile, peppermint, and ginger tea are good choices as they have anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that can help ease the pain and inflammation.

Add a tablespoon of honey to your tea for added benefits.

4. Use Essential Oils

Essential oils such as eucalyptus or peppermint can be used to ease the discomfort of a sore throat. Add a few drops of essential oils to a bowl of water and inhale the steam with a towel over your head.

Alternatively, add a few drops of essential oil to a carrier oil like coconut oil and apply it to the neck and chest.

5. Chew Garlic

Garlic has antimicrobial properties that can help kill bacteria causing the sore throat. Chewing a raw garlic clove can help reduce the severity of a sore throat. Alternatively, you can add crushed garlic to a glass of warm water and drink it.

6. Drink Warm Water

Drinking warm water can help soothe a sore throat and reduce inflammation. Try adding a bit of honey or lemon juice to your warm water for added benefits. Drinking hot liquids like tea or soup can also provide relief.

7. Eat a Popsicle

Eating a popsicle can help numb the sore throat and reduce pain. This is a perfect solution for children who are suffering from a sore throat. It will also help hydrate the body.

8. Use a Humidifier

A humidifier or steam vaporizer can add moisture to the air and help soothe a sore throat. Make sure to keep the humidifier clean to prevent the buildup of bacteria or mold.

9. Drink Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has antibacterial and antifungal properties that can help kill the bacteria that cause inflammation in the throat. Mix a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of warm water and drink it several times a day for best results.

10. Use Marshmallow Root

Marshmallow root has a soothing effect on the throat and can help reduce inflammation. Mix one tablespoon of dried marshmallow root in a cup of hot water. Let the mixture steep for five minutes before drinking.

11. Try Licorice Root

Licorice root has anti-inflammatory properties that can help ease the pain of a sore throat. Suck on a piece of licorice root to soothe a sore throat.

You can also make licorice root tea by adding one tablespoon of dried licorice root to a cup of hot water. Let the mixture steep for five minutes before drinking.

12. Rest Your Voice

Resting your voice by avoiding talking or whispering can help reduce the strain on your throat muscles. Give your voice a break and take a few days off from talking. This will help speed up the healing process and prevent further damage to the throat.

13. Try Zinc Lozenges

Zinc lozenges can help reduce the duration and severity of a sore throat. Zinc is known to have immune-boosting properties which can help the body fight off infections. Suck on a zinc lozenge every few hours for best results.

14. Chew on Cloves

Cloves are antibacterial in nature and can help soothe a sore throat. Chew on a clove to benefit from its numbing effect.

15. Drink Licorice Tea

Licorice tea is a perfect solution for soothing a sore throat. Licorice tea has anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties that can help relieve coughing and reduce inflammation. Add honey for added benefits.

16. Try Sage and Echinacea Tea

Sage and echinacea tea have analgesic effects and can help reduce pain and inflammation. Brew a cup of sage and echinacea tea and drink it three times a day.

17. Drink Pineapple Juice

Pineapple juice has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in the throat. It also contains vitamin C which can help boost the immune system. Drink fresh pineapple juice or eat fresh pineapples.

18. Use Aloe Vera

Aloe vera has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe a sore throat. Mix a tablespoon of aloe vera juice in a glass of warm water and drink it several times a day. You can also add aloe vera gel to your tea.

19. Try Thyme Tea

Thyme tea has antiseptic and antioxidant properties that can help relieve a sore throat. Add fresh thyme leaves to a cup of hot water and let it steep for five minutes. Drink it several times a day for best results.

20. Drink Cinnamon Tea

Cinnamon has antimicrobial properties that can help kill bacteria causing a sore throat. Boil a cinnamon stick in a cup of water, then add honey and lemon juice for added benefits.

21. Use Slippery Elm Bark

Slippery elm bark has a soothing effect on the throat and can help reduce inflammation. Mix a tablespoon of slippery elm bark in a cup of hot water. Let the mixture steep for five minutes before drinking.

22. Avoid Irritants

Avoiding irritants like smoke or pollutants can help prevent further irritation of the throat and speed up the healing process. Wear a mask to protect yourself from pollutants or avoid environments with smoke or dust.

23. Drink Peppermint Tea

Peppermint tea has a cooling effect that can help soothe a sore throat. Add honey for added benefits.

24. Drink Chamomile Tea

Chamomile tea has soothing properties that can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Add honey for added benefits.

25. Try Turmeric Tea

Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in the throat. Mix a tablespoon of turmeric powder in a glass of milk and drink it before bedtime.

26. Drink Carrot Juice

Carrot juice is known to boost the immune system and fight off infections. It can also help soothe a sore throat. Drink fresh carrot juice or eat raw carrots.

27. Use Ginger

Ginger has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Suck on a piece of raw ginger or add it to your tea for added benefits.

28. Drink Echinacea Tea

Echinacea has immune-boosting properties that can help fight off infections causing a sore throat. Brew a cup of echinacea tea and drink it several times a day.

29. Use Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper has pain-relieving properties that can help reduce the severity of a sore throat. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to a glass of warm water and drink it several times a day.

30. Use Marshmallow Root Syrup

Marshmallow root syrup has a soothing effect on the throat and can help reduce inflammation. Mix two tablespoons of marshmallow root syrup in a glass of warm water and drink it several times a day.