What are some effective home remedies for a sore throat?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Honey is one of the most effective non-drug remedies for soothing a sore throat, along with warm liquids, saltwater gargles, throat lozenges, and staying hydrated. These simple home treatments can reduce irritation, ease pain, and support your body's natural healing process.

However, a sore throat can stem from many causes—viral infections, strep, allergies, acid reflux, or something more serious. Knowing the underlying cause is key to choosing the right treatment and avoiding complications. Before guessing or waiting it out, take a free, instant, online symptom check to better understand what may be causing your symptoms and get personalized guidance on your next steps.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/20/2026

Important Next Steps

Discover likely causes of sore throat Learn if sore throat needs care today Find out what’s causing your sore throat See OTC options for sore throat relief Find a doctor for sore throat care Discover medically valid sore throat remedies Understand if sore throat needs urgent care

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Explanation

When you have a sore throat, some simple home remedies can help you feel better. Honey is one of the best options. It can coat your throat, making it feel less scratchy, and it has natural properties that can help fight germs.

Here are a few tips for using home remedies:

Honey: You can add honey to warm water or tea. This can help soothe your throat and reduce coughing.
Warm Salt Water: Gargling with warm salt water can help reduce swelling and discomfort in your throat.
Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids can keep your throat moist and prevent it from getting dry and scratchy.

These remedies are helpful because they are easy to use and can often be found at home. However, if your sore throat doesn't get better or you're unsure about your symptoms, you can use Ubie's free AI-powered symptom checker to better understand what might be causing your discomfort and whether you should seek medical care.

(References)

Maisonneuve H, Sebo P, Sommer J, Gerner P, Winkler NE, & Haller DM. (2022). Use of non-pharmacological home remedies in ENT. Revue medicale suisse, 35543682.
Abuelgasim H, Albury C, & Lee J. (2021). Effectiveness of honey for symptomatic relief in upper .... BMJ evidence-based medicine, 32817011.
Sebo P, Winkler NE, Moussa MA, Haller DM, & Maisonneuve H. (2023). a cross-sectional study of primary care patients in .... Family practice, 37573550.

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