Sore Throat? Try These Simple, Effective Remedies

TCM physician: Relieve pain by pressing two acupoints

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Ever wake up with a sore throat, sounding hoarse, and think to yourself, “Oh no—I’m coming down with a cold!”? What can you do? Here are a few simple traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) remedies to effectively relieve a sore throat.

Press 2 Auricular Acupoints Around the Ear for Sore Throat Relief

For a sore throat press these 2 acupoints around the ear to relieve pain.

The two acupoints involved are the “pharynx,” and “throat,” clearly visible once you gently pull back the tragus (the cartilage over the ear canal) with the dark external auditory canal revealed. The exact bearing locations are, the pharynx acupoint at about 12 o‘clock position above the external auditory canal, and the throat acupoint lies between 11 o’clock and 10 o'clock next to the external auditory canal.  They work in tandem, one for the pharynx and the other for the larynx.

The “pharynx” is the upper opening of the esophagus, and the “larynx” is the upper opening of the trachea. When you experience a sore throat, by pressing these two acupoints, you will feel pain at them. This is the time when the pain in the throat will improve.

According to traditional Chinese medicine, the meridian is the energy channel of the human body, responsible for transporting qi and blood around the whole body. Qi and blood are the basic substances that constitute the human body and maintain all physiological activities. The body has 12 main meridians corresponding to 12 internal organs, and the internal organs are connected to the surface of the body through the meridians. Some points on the meridians that have special functions are called acupoints. Stimulating the corresponding acupoints through acupuncture and/or massage can treat diseases of the corresponding viscera.

3 Sacred Aqueous Solutions to Relieve Sore Throat

There are also a few handy quick fixes to help relieve pain from a sore throat:

1. Salt Water Gargle

Gargle with warm salt water several times a day. Salt water doesn’t provide immediate relief from a sore throat, but it can kill bacteria and help relieve throat discomfort.

A 2017 study found that salt water gargling was effective in reducing plaque and oral microbial populations when used in tandem with conventional plaque control methods, suggesting salt water rinse can be used as an adjunct to routine mechanical plaque control for prevention of oral diseases.

2. Honey Water

I have had the experience of taking honey to relieve a sore throat. About two years ago, I was on my way to Singapore to give a speech. As soon as I got on the plane, my throat suddenly became tight, itchy, and painful. I started coughing and could hardly speak. There was no medicine to buy on the way, and I did not bring any medical equipment with me—so I wondered what I could do to remedy the situation.

After arrival, I had no choice but to bite the bullet and give the speech. When I was speaking, a gentleman who ran a wild honey business in Indonesia noticed something was wrong with my voice. So, he brought some water with wild honey for me to drink. After drinking it, the irritating symptoms were sufficiently eased such that I was able to complete my speech with ease.

Flavonoids and polyphenols are the two main bioactive molecules present in honey, which are potent antioxidants. Studies have confirmed that honey has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties, and thus offers protection against various diseases such as those of the respiratory, cardiovascular, and nervous systems, the gastrointestinal tract, and diabetes.

Honey contains natural antiseptic ingredients that can relieve pain and reduce inflammation. However, please note: Babies under one year of age should not eat honey.

3. Lemon Water

Lemon water tastes sour—but sourness can quench thirst—and it’s also rich in vitamin C. Drinking lemon water with a bit of honey is a magic recipe for discomforts of the throat and stomach.

Linus Pauling, who won two Nobel Prizes in chemistry, said that vitamin C prevents and alleviates the episodes of the common cold.

Although not yet fully proven, high doses of vitamin C may help shorten the duration of colds. It is also likely that vitamin C supplementation may prove its worth in preventing the occurrence of colds for people who undergo strenuous exercises within a short period.

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