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Immune & Respiratory

Sore Throat

Reviewed by the Nimbera editorial team · Last updated May 2026

Pain, scratchiness, or irritation in the throat, often worse when swallowing

When to see a doctor

See a doctor for sore throat with fever above 101F, white patches or pus on tonsils, difficulty swallowing or breathing, skin rash, or symptoms lasting more than 7 days - these may indicate strep throat or bacterial infection requiring antibiotics.

Natural remedies · 5

Tap any remedy for the full how-to and citation.

How we rate evidence▾

Strong - Multiple randomised controlled trials or systematic reviews with consistent positive outcomes.

Moderate - At least one RCT or several high-quality observational studies with plausible mechanisms.

Limited - Small trials, animal studies, or traditional use with limited human clinical evidence.

Sources link directly to PubMed, Cochrane Reviews, or NCCIH.

Saltwater Gargle

topical
Strong evidence
Free

Honey in Warm Water or Tea

ingestible
Moderate evidence
$5-25

Licorice Root Gargle

topical
Moderate evidence
$5-15

Rest and Warm Fluids

lifestyle
Strong evidence
Free

Zinc Lozenges

ingestible
Mossad et al. (1996) double-blind RCT, n=100; zinc gluconate lozenges reduced sore throat duration from 3.0 days to 1.0 day vs. placebo (P < 0.001) in adults with upper respiratory infections (PMID 8678384).
$8-$15 for a pack of 18-25 lozenges, typically sufficient for one illness episode.

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Remedy information is compiled from primary clinical sources including PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). Evidence ratings reflect published human trial data at time of writing. This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Read our full disclaimer.