Sore throats are common all year long, but they always seem to be more prevalent in cold weather. Common causes of a sore throat include smoking, pollution, allergies, viral infections, acid reflux, food allergies, polyps, cancer, bacterial infections, dry air, shouting, singing and breathing through your mouth when sleeping. Strep, tonsillitis, sinus drainage and colds can cause some of the worst sore throats.

There are many remedies over the counter and through your physician that will treat sore throats and alleviate the pain. Natural remedies, however are always the best. First off, try keeping you sinus' clear. Use salt or saline sinus spray when needed, and blow them whenever you can successfully do it without straining. Benedryl is one of the most common remedies used for allergies, sinus congestion and colds, but you can get close to the same effect by using a vapor rub and just putting a little under your nose to loosen up the congestion.

Drinking lots of liquids, especially warm or hot ones will also help to loosen and ease the soreness of your throat. Gargling with raspberry tea is another natural remedy used to ease the pain of sore throats. Drinking hot tea, especially green tea, can also be very soothing. Sometimes staying on liquids until the sore throat is gone is recommended. Gargling with warm salt water or turmeric is also recommended.

Other suggested remedies include gargling with sage, gargling with Listerine, drinking cider vinegar,eating horseradish, drinking lemon or lime juice, or eating some hard candy.