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All-Natural & Effective Sore Throat Gargle

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When I first discovered the wonders of apple cider vinegar as a sore throat remedy, I was both amazed and, I’ll admit, a little disgusted. You see, I have never been a huge fan of the smell or taste of vinegar. I find it pretty off-putting. However, after using this gargle recipe for sore throat for several years, I know that the benefits are more than worth it. So it’s ranking a little higher in my book!

I know that there are some people out there who love vinegar and everything about it. That’s not me, but maybe you are! If so, then you will appreciate this sore throat gargle recipe even more. And one positive thing about apple cider vinegar is that it is sweeter and slightly less pungent than other vinegars.

This remedy may not be something I would choose to use when feeling well due to the taste and smell, but that’s part of why it’s a remedy! And I can testify that this gargle recipe is the absolute best thing for a sore throat. Even if you dislike vinegar, making and using this gargle is totally worth it because it is effective. It works, people! If you really can’t stand the taste, you can certainly cut the recipe with a little extra water if it makes taking it easier for you. It may not be quite as effective, but it will still help a lot.

sore throat gargle recipe in half pint mason jar

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Why this gargle recipe for sore throat is so great

My husband and I will use this gargle recipe at the first sign of a sore throat, because it also prevents illnesses from progressing. Now, my husband likes the taste, but as I mentioned before, I do not. I will admit, there have been times where I’ve avoided doing the gargle as long as possible. The good news for me is, even if I wait to do it until I’m in the worst part of an illness, it starts kicking the pain and swelling in my throat fast.

Another thing I love about this gargle recipe is that even if you aren’t sick with a sore throat, it is so healthy and natural! It is safe to use at any time, if you would so choose. There are actually some really yummy, gut-healthy drinks that can be made with honey and apple cider vinegar. I may leave the cayenne out for those though.

Let’s talk briefly about the ingredients in this recipe and why they work so well. And remember, if you want to be walked through even more about how and why this sore throat gargle works (along with other natural remedies) be sure to check out Easy Growing Health!

apple cider vinegar being poured into quarter pint mason jar

Ingredients in the sore throat gargle

Apple cider vinegar has immune-boosting properties, especially when it’s raw and unfiltered. One of the main reasons is because it is a probiotic. The beneficial bacteria it contains makes it effective at killing the bad bacteria that may be present with a sore throat, like strep, for example.

It is also a natural antimicrobial, which means it has the potential to kill viruses. So even if your sore throat is not due to bacteria, using apple cider vinegar is beneficial. In either case, it lessens any irritation in the throat that we desperately want relief from!

Raw and unfiltered honey offers inflammation-busting benefits. This is because in its most natural form, raw honey is antibacterial and antimicrobial. It still contains the bee pollen and propolis that carries these properties.

Finally, the kicker ingredient in this recipe: cayenne pepper. Is gargling with cayenne pepper pleasant? Nope, not really. But if you are serious about getting rid of a bad infection in your throat, you will not want to leave it out.

Cayenne pepper is anti-inflammatory, improves circulation, and can even relieve pain. In other words, using this gargle recipe for sore throat will make swallowing easier, which is the worst part of having a sore throat!

Last year I had a horrible case of strep that left the back of my throat white and infected. Trust me when I say, I was miserable. But after consistently gargling with this recipe every couple of hours, my throat was clear and barely sore. I am convinced that the cayenne in this recipe is what specifically cleared up my strep in a matter of 24 hours.

sore throat gargle in half pint mason jar with cayenne pepper sprinkled in front

How to make this gargle recipe for sore throat

This recipe couldn’t be simpler or quicker to put together. Which is a good thing, because who feels like concocting something complicated when you’re dealing with a bout of sore throat?

Just add all of your ingredients to a mason jar, and shake it up. I do like to shake together my honey and warm water first so that the honey properly dissolves, then add my other ingredients.

water going from tap into quarter pint mason jar to dissolve honey

How to use sore throat gargle

Obviously, once you make this simple gargle, you just need to get to gargling! Whenever I get a sore throat, I make this recipe and keep it right by the most convenient sink so I’ll remember to use it often. My husband actually prefers just drinking it, which you can also do. But I like to gargle because I feel like it keeps the beneficial ingredients on the affected area for more time. Not to mention, I don’t really care for the taste enough to drink it… haha. If you do, more power to you!

How to store leftover sore throat gargle

This gargle recipe for sore throat makes enough to fill a half-pint sized mason jar, which is perfect for storing. The great thing about the mason jar is you can just put all your ingredients straight in, shake it up, then use! If you prefer the gargle to be chilled, you can store it in the fridge, but it isn’t necessary. I usually wait to stick it in the fridge until after my illness is over, if I still have any gargle left.

Easy Growing Health

If you’re somewhat new to natural remedies and looking to learn more about how to stock your medicine cabinet and be prepared to fight any respiratory illness, I would love to walk you through a few easy ways to be prepared to naturally treat your family in Easy-Growing Health. The exclusive video lessons walk you through the what, why, and how of treating respiratory illnesses and sore throat using natural, easy-to-find ingredients. And the resource bundle includes a recipe booklet, shopping list, healing protocols, additional learning resources, and more!

If you’re ready to start a journey to inside-out wellness; save money on medication and doctor bills; treat seasonal illness naturally, and be told exactly how to do it then you will definitely want to check it out.

Now, let’s get to the recipe!

quarter pint mason jar with apple cider vinegar sore throat treatment in front of aloe vera plant
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5 from 5 votes

All-Natural Sore Throat Gargle

This all-natural, easy-to-make gargle is sure to bust any cause of sore throat!
Prep Time2 minutes
Total Time2 minutes
Keyword: diy natural remedies, natural sore throat treatment, natural strep throat treatment, sore throat gargle, throat gargle
Cost: $1.50

Equipment

  • Half pint mason jar with lid

Materials

  • 1 tbsp honey raw is best
  • 1 tbsp warm water
  • 2/3 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

Instructions

  • Add honey and warm water to your mason jar or vessel of choice. Feel free to use a little extra honey if you desire more sweetness.
  • Stir or shake until honey is dissolved.
  • Add apple cider vinegar and cayenne pepper.
  • Stir or shake again. It's ready to use!

Notes

  • This gargle does not have to be refrigerated, but you can if you like!
  • Remember to shake well before each use.

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all-natural sore throat gargle that really works pinterest graphic

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14 Comments

    1. I usually try for 10-15 seconds but longer isn’t going to hurt. You can swoosh it! I just gargle and spit because I’m not a fan of the ACV taste. You can definitely swallow it too, though.

  1. 5 stars
    Woke this morning with a terrible sore throat that I believe was due to snoring. Had to go help daughter today, so just suffered through all day. Got home this evening and have gargled with this concoction 4 times. Each time, I was amazed because I actually could notice a slight healing to my throat. Yay! Still amazed. Throat feels nearly normal. Fully expecting to wake with the sore throat again (I’m sure I will be snoring), but confident that this will help get me on my feet in no time again. So glad you shared and to have found it. Thank you.

  2. 5 stars
    I tested positive with covid two days ago. thought i had a bad cold but my throat was killing me. found your recipe and tried it. amazing!! this will be my go to gargle from now on. thank you for sharing

  3. 5 stars
    This is the tastiest, yet best recipe ever
    I had a very painful sore throat for the last 12+ hours and I used this recipe, garbled and then swallowed. It made the pain a bit less and I’ve tried every recipe today. Best one yet!!

  4. 5 stars
    Had a viral infection that caused my throat to feel raw, and doctor said to treat with over the counter meds so i looked on pinterest for sore throat remedies, decided to try this one because i know the ingredients are good ones that i always have on hand. My throat had been sore for a week and i really DIDN’T think this would work but you sounded very convincing, well it worked. Got rid of my sore throat in one day of using this several times a day. I used manuka honey, apple cider vinegar with the mother, and tried it a couple times with the amount of water the recipe called for but found it too strong for me so i probably ended up adding at least a cup of water to make it tolerable. This will definitely be what i use from now on at the first sign of a sore throat. I always prefer home remedies to meds and usually search pinterest for what i need. Thank you so much for sharing this!

    1. honestly, no. that’s not to say that it won’t help at all if you leave the cayenne out, but I believe it’s the most effective ingredient in the gargle!