Do natural sore throat remedies actually work? Here’s the truth

Suffering from a dry, achy throat? You’re not alone. Sore throat is one of the most common ailments we experience yearly, especially when temperatures fluctuate. Besides that, pollutants and allergens can irritate the throat and weaken our immune system, causing sore throats.

When we get a sore throat, the first thing we tend to do is head to the pantry and whip up a homemade fix. These days, however, a sore throat can take much longer to resolve, which begs the question: are natural sore throat remedies able to provide fast relief and recovery?

Read on to find out why our throats hurt in the first place and if our go-to ingredients actually work.

What makes a sore throat painful?

The pain you feel when you have a sore throat is due to an inflammatory response to allergens, environmental irritants, or bacterial and viral agents.

When your body detects these foreign agents, it jumps into action by producing antibodies in the lymph nodes and sending them to the infected site, causing the throat glands and tissue to swell.

Ingredients that contain anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce this swelling and relieve the ache, which is why they can be extra beneficial for sore throats.

Do natural sore throat remedies work?

If you are on a mission to soothe a sore throat and get back on the mend, you may be familiar with three of the most common natural remedies we’re about to share. Keep reading to find out if they’re truly effective.

Consuming honey

Honey is a go-to remedy for a good reason. The sweet stuff not only tastes great, but also feels soothing on a scratchy throat.

What’s more, it’s been used in traditional medicine for centuries thanks to its inflammation-fighting power. The antimicrobial properties of honey can help ward off viral infections and stop the spread of illness, while the pH of honey inhibits bacterial growth.

For an extra medicinal punch, you may want to try Manuka honey. Studies show that it boasts a stronger antibacterial capacity than other commercially available honey, making it a great cure-all.

Despite the health benefits that may be associated with honey, we’re sad to share that it is actually high in sugar, which can be detrimental to your health. Each glucose spike could trigger inflammation within the body, so you’ll want to limit your honey intake.

Gargling salt water

Those who’ve attempted this trick are sure to vouch for its efficacy. But how does it work?

Well, research has found that gargling a solution of warm water and salt can help thin and loosen mucus buildup, which clears the way for a soothed throat.

Experts suggest mixing a quarter to half a teaspoon of salt with about 120ml of water and gargle the solution a few times a day to maximise its benefits.

Drinking herbal tea

Sipping on a warm mug of tea will moisten the affected areas of the throat to aid in relief. And if you opt for herbal teas, you can provide further relief from irritation and inflammation.

Depending on the teas you choose, they can be chock-full of antioxidants that help bolster your immune system. Some teas that are traditionally used to treat sore throats include chamomile, marshmallow root, liquorice, and slimmery elm.

You can even whisk some honey into your tea for a one-two punch.

A convenient, great-tasting solution to sore throats

We’re glad that these natural sore throat remedies are proven to be effective, but we’ve gotta admit – sometimes, they can be a real hassle to whip up, especially when we’re out and about most days. These methods may take longer to take effect and bring about results too.

To help relieve a scratchy throat quickly no matter where you are and what time it is, try Leftose Lozenges (Honey Lemon) and Leftose Max Lozenges (Blackcurrant).

Housed in travel-friendly blister packs, lozenges are a convenient way to ease a dry, achy throat. Plus, they stimulate saliva production as they dissolve slowly in your mouth, which keeps the affected area of the throat moist for an added soothing effect.

Here’s what makes Leftose Lozenges and Leftose Max Lozenges a cut above the rest:

It contains a natural, anti-inflammatory enzyme

Unlike other lozenges, Leftose’s lozenges contain a natural enzyme, called Lysozyme Hydrochloride.

Derived from egg white, this enzyme can also be found in the human body, present in our tears, saliva, and breast milk.

What it does is help reduce inflammation caused by persistent sore throats, and relieve pain and swelling. More impressively, it breaks down and dissolves phlegm quickly and effectively, providing instant relief from an aching throat.

At the first signs of a sore throat, dissolve one lozenge slowly in your mouth every two to three hours or as required for fast pain relief.

Vitamin C and zinc boost immunity

Apart from the anti-inflammatory Lysozyme Hydrochloride, Leftose Max Lozenges (Blackcurrant) contain immune-boosting vitamin C and zinc.

Studies have shown that early supplementation with zinc can help heal a sore throat faster. And while this natural mineral can be found in many forms, it may be most effective in lozenge form because those allow it to maintain contact with the affected area for longer.

Zinc also blocks out common illnesses and raises the body’s defence against harmful elements, halting and destroying harmful bacteria before it even gets into the body.

Meanwhile, vitamin C is one of many antioxidants that can protect against damage caused by harmful molecules called free radicals, lending your immune system a helping hand.

It’s sugar-free and non-drowsy

With Leftose Lozenges (Honey Lemon) and Leftose Max Lozenges (Blackcurrant), you won’t have to worry about spiking your glucose levels as they’re both sugar-free formulas.

Even better, the formulas are non-drowsy, so you can pop in a lozenge at any time of the day for instant relief.

To ensure a sore throat never stands in the way of your daily routine, it’s best to have a stash of Leftose Lozenges at the ready.

Leftose Lozenges (Honey Lemon) retail for S$8.90 while Leftose Max Lozenges (Blackcurrant) retail for S$10.90 at Guardian, Watsons, and Unity stores, as well as online at Wellchem official stores on Lazada and Shopee. You can also find Leftose on the authorised reseller, Glovida. 

About Leftose

Established four decades ago, Leftose is a pharmaceutical brand that offers natural, non-drowsy remedies that are trusted by millions of adults and children across the world.

The brand’s tablets were traditionally dispensed at clinics for phlegmy cough and sore throats. In fact, you may recognise the green Japanese text at the back of the blister packs.

Thankfully for us, Leftose’s full range of products is now available at major retail pharmacies, including its signature tablets, syrup for kids, lozenges, and gummies.

This article is brought to you by Leftose.