Most people never really think about how important their voices are until their throats begin to hurt. If your senior loved one has a sore throat, there are some home remedies that may alleviate the discomfort.
1. Gargle with Salt Water
Gargling with salt water may stop your loved one’s throat from hurting because the salt in the water shrinks swollen cells. Encourage your loved one to give a salt water gargle a try by putting 1/2 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of water.
2. Drink Apple Cider Vinegar
Your loved one will probably protest if you tell him or her to drink straight apple cider vinegar, so you might want to combine it with a tablespoon of honey in 8 ounces of warm water. Though it will likely not taste very good, many people swear this sore throat cure is the most effective.
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3. Use Steam
Steam can relieve a sore throat. Your loved one can boil some water in a pan, cover his or her head with a towel, and breathe in the vapors. Sitting in a steamy hot bathroom can provide similar benefits.
4. Drink Licorice Root Tea
Licorice root tea is easy to make by combining some licorice root with cloves in a cup of hot water. Your loved one should drink it while it’s still warm.
5. Suck on a Clove
Have your loved one pop a whole clove into his or her mouth and suck on it until it becomes soft. Then encourage him or her to chew it like a piece of gum.
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6. Drink Water
Many seniors don’t drink enough water, and some find increasing their water intake helps their throats feel better. Try to encourage your loved one to drink at least 64 ounces of water daily.
7. Gargle with Hydrogen Peroxide
Combine a capful of regular hydrogen peroxide with a capful of warm water. Ask your loved one to gargle with this solution for as long as he or she can tolerate it. Microorganisms that thrive in oxygen-deprived environments cannot withstand the effects of the hyper-oxygenated solution.
8. Try Milk & Honey
When your loved one’s throat becomes dry and raw, a combination of warm milk with honey can coat irritated tissues while soothing the discomfort.
9. Use a Sage Gargl
In addition to being a popular seasoning, sage is also a time-honored medicinal herb. Along with being an antimicrobial agent, sage also acts as an astringent. Put 2 teaspoons of dried or fresh sage leaves in a cup, then add 1 teaspoon of salt and some boiling water. Allow the mixture to steep for up to 20 minutes. Strain and give it to your loved one to gargle with throughout the day as needed.
Home remedies can be quite effective for preventing and alleviating symptoms of a wide range of conditions commonly found among aging adults. Seniors can face a variety of age-related challenges. Though some families choose to take on the caregiving duties, there may come a time when they need a trusted home care provider. Families sometimes need respite from their duties so they can focus on their other responsibilities, and some seniors need around-the-clock assistance that their families are not able to provide. Home Care Assistance is here to help. For reliable in-home care services, contact us at (804) 207-4746 today.