A sore throat can be a real discomfort that is characterized by inflammation, pain, itching and discomfort to digest some foods. Its causes and treatments are as diverse as the ways to prevent it.

As it is a passage zone for various substances, the  throat is exposed to many infections and inflammation. You may be affected and injured by overly hot foods, flu, smoking in excess or eating a large amount of sweet or spicy foods.

In this article you will learn more about throat irritation, its causes, symptoms, prevention, and some tips that will help us treat it from home. We will also show you some alternatives to avoid suffering a relapse.

The throat irritation usually lasts 4 or 5 days  and it is important to treat it properly from home. We must be very careful if it is accompanied by high fever, cough, sneezing and secretions. If so, we should consult our doctor.

Causes

Among the most common causes of sore throat are:

• Influenza or spit
• Allergy
• Drastic temperature changes
• Excessive smoking and exposure to environmental pollutants and toxic substances
• Beauty products that contain very strong chemicals
• Poor oral hygiene
• Shout for a long time
• Tonsillitis, f aringitis or aringitis

Symptom

throat irritations are usually accompanied by a series of characteristic symptoms such as:

• Cough, tingling sensation and itchy throat
• Redness
• Dysphony
• Inflammation and throat odor, especially when swallowing food
• Fever
• Headache

Prevention

There are many ways to prevent this condition so we must take into account the following aspects.

• Do not smoke  and do not consume alcohol (or, failing that, try to minimize it).
• Warm up properly on cold or rainy days.
• Increase in large quantities the consumption of foods rich in vitamin C.
• Avoid screaming and try not to force the throat.
• Try not to drink drinks that are too hot.
• Avoid sudden changes in temperatures .
• Maintain excellent oral hygiene.
• Do not expose yourself to chemical substances.
• Take care of ourselves and rest when we have the flu , so as not to have a relapse.

Infusion of mint and honey for throat irritation

Properties of honey

Honey is a great natural product that has 80% sugars. It contains proteins, amino acids, organic acids, dextrins, minerals, yeasts and fungi .

Its consistency can be liquid or solid, and it should not carry any additive, nor be exposed to high temperatures because it could be affecting its quality. It has a great healing power because it reduces irritation and inflammation of the throat and fights cough in the case of having bronchial problems. All this makes it the perfect ally for an irritated throat.

Another important fact about honey is that its properties give it immense healing power, since it not only works as an anti-inflammatory expectorant of the throat, but also as:

• Bactericide
• Tonic
• Antiseptic
• Healing
• Antibiotic

Properties of mint

Allergies and other respiratory problems can cause congestion in the throat, nose, bronchi, and lungs. The properties of mint have an antihistamine effect that, accompanied by the strong and refreshing action of menthol, makes it a useful decongestant.

Peppermint has antibacterial properties. So, if our sore throat is caused by a bacterial infection, the mint will not only help to soften the throat: it willalso leave a pleasant taste in the mouth and combat bad breath. On many occasions, this is one of the consequences of sore throat.

The mint leaves contain rosmarinic acid, a phenol and several flavonoids. Peppermint oil contains very effective ingredients, such as menthol and menthone.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon mint leaves (15 g)
• 2 cups of water (500 ml)
• 1 tablespoon of honey (25 g)

Preparation

• We will heat the water and add the mint leaves.
• We wait until it is boiling, turn off and let it rest in a period of 5 to 7 minutes.
• Finally, we strain and pour a cup. Add 1 tablespoon of honey, stir and swallow.
• To accelerate the healing process of our irritated throat it is important to ingest this infusion 3 times a day.