Sore throat is a very common problem among children, especially during winters when the air is dry and cold. It causes irritation and pain in the throat and can make swallowing difficult.

While most sore throats go away on their own within a few days, some can be persistent and require medical attention. However, there are several home remedies that can ease your child’s sore throat and provide relief from the discomfort. In this article, we will discuss some of the best home remedies for easing your child’s sore throat.

Salt water gargle

Gargling with salt water is a time-tested home remedy for sore throat. It helps to reduce inflammation and kill the bacteria that cause sore throat.

To prepare the solution, add half a tablespoon of salt to a glass of warm water and stir till the salt dissolves completely. Ask your child to take a mouthful of the solution, tilt his head back, and gargle for 30 seconds. Spit out the solution and repeat two to three times a day.

Honey and lemon tea

Honey has natural antibacterial properties that help to soothe the throat and reduce inflammation. Lemon, on the other hand, is rich in Vitamin C that boosts the immune system and fights off infections.

To make honey and lemon tea, heat a cup of water till it comes to a boiling point. Add one tablespoon of honey and the juice of half a lemon. Stir well and let it steep for a few minutes. Strain the tea and let it cool down to a lukewarm temperature before giving it to your child. Do not give hot tea to young children.

Throat lozenges

Throat lozenges are an effective way to ease sore throat. They work by reducing inflammation and numbing the pain in the throat. You can get them easily over-the-counter at pharmacies.

However, it is important to choose the lozenges that are suitable for your child’s age. Do not give hard lozenges to young children as they can choke on them.

Steam inhalation

Steam inhalation is a simple and effective way to ease sore throat. It helps to soothe the throat and reduce inflammation. To do a steam inhalation, fill a bowl with hot water and add a few drops of essential oils like eucalyptus or peppermint.

Ask your child to lean over the bowl, cover his head with a towel and inhale the steam for about 10 minutes. Make sure to keep the bowl at a safe distance from the child to avoid burns.

Chicken soup

Chicken soup is not just a comfort food, but it also has medicinal properties that help to ease sore throat. The warm broth helps to soothe the throat and reduce inflammation.

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The protein in the chicken also helps to boost the immune system and fight off infections. You can make chicken soup at home or get it from a store. Make sure to choose the ones that are low in sodium.

Marshmallow root tea

Marshmallow root contains a substance called mucilage that helps to soothe and coat the throat. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce inflammation.

To make marshmallow root tea, steep a tablespoon of dried marshmallow root in a cup of hot water for 15 minutes. Strain the tea and let it cool down to a lukewarm temperature before giving it to your child.

Elevate the head

If your child has a sore throat, it is important to elevate his head while sleeping. This will help to prevent the mucus from accumulating in the throat and causing irritation.

You can use extra pillows to elevate the head or adjust the headrest of the bed. Make sure that your child is comfortable and not straining himself to breathe.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps to boost the immune system and fight off infections. You can give your child foods that are rich in Vitamin C like citrus fruits, kiwi, strawberries, broccoli, and tomatoes.

You can also give him Vitamin C supplements, but make sure to consult a doctor before giving them.

Avoid irritants

If your child has a sore throat, it is important to avoid irritants like smoke, dust, and pollution. They can aggravate the condition and cause more irritation to the throat.

Make sure that your child stays away from smokers and that the air in your home is clean and free from pollutants.

Rest

Rest is an important part of the healing process when your child has a sore throat. Encourage your child to rest and avoid strenuous activities like sports or running. Resting will give his body a chance to fight off the infection and recover faster.