We've all been there- coarse voice, irritable, loss of appetite, all because of a sore throat! It can show up over night, and usually does. Accompanied traditionally with the common cold, a sore throat is defined by a discomfort, pain, or scratchiness in the throat, making it difficult to swallow. It is caused by either a viral or bacterial infection, inflaming the mucous membranes that runs along the lining of your throat, irritating the delicate tissues there hence making them feel sore.

But you don't really care about all that, all you want to know is how to make it go away! Take a deep breath, and follow this instructable for some majorly needed throat relief!

Let's get started!

Step 1: Staying Hydrated

You can start seeing relief earlier if you drink loads of liquids (just remember LOL!) This keeps your mucous membranes moist and better able to combat bacteria and irritants.

Water is the best in this regard, but by adding a few things to your water, you may see instant relief.

Honey and a couple of drops of lemon juice work wonderfully is easing throat discomfort. The honey coats your throat and suppresses coughs. The lemon helps break up mucus. The hot water relaxes the throat muscles

Or you could try the lemon juice and ginger concoction, the latter of which is a commonly used homeopathic remedy for just about everything under the sun. Mix with warm to hot water, and drink up!

Also, try to stay away from ice water, which may irritate your throat rather than soothe it.

Step 2: Salt Water Gargle

Gargling with warm salt water helps to reduce swelling and relieve discomfort. This is because the salt draws excess fluid from inflamed tissues in the throat, making them hurt less. Gargling also loosens thick mucus, which can remove irritants like allergens, bacteria and fungi from the throat. Salt water gargle is great even if you suffer post nasal drip!

Simply sip a mouthful of the mix, hold your head up high, allow the liquid to slightly enter the rear of your mouth, gargle for as long as you can bear, then spit out.

For every 8 ounces of water, use 1 tsp of salt.

Step 3: Humidifier

Cold-mist humidifiers condition the air with moisture, eliminating dryness which is a sore throat's best friend. Breathing in moist air can help soothe swollen tissue in your nose and throat. Think of it as a pseudo-glass-of-water, but for the air you inhale rather than the liquid your drink.

If you do not have a humidifier, you can use the "old-world" technique which is just boiling water over the stove. The steam that is given off from the water is the same as the steam given off from a humidifier machine. I added some lemon slices to the boiling water for a nice fresh scent.

Step 4: Lozenges

These usually horrible tasting candy look-a-likes typically work immediately in relieving sore throats. Modern day lozenges no longer contain opioid drugs, which told the brain that there was no sore throat.

Now a days, lozenges usually contain anesthetic or benzocaine, which relieve pain. But also contain demulcents, which form a soothing film over a mucous membrane, relieving minor pain and inflammation of the membrane. Lozenges are made from a hodge podge of herbs most of which contain mucilage. This guy is responsible for coating the throat with its gooey texture.

Step 5: Tea

A cup of hot tea will not only relax you, but soothe your achy throat on its way down. The antioxidants of herbal teas will help fight infection, whereas the vitamins will help boost immunity. The hot water will help loosen the mucous that has gathered and swollen around your throat.

Peppermint and cloves are both popular herbs that have been used as analgesics for centuries. They may temporarily numb your throat, making you feel more comfortable.

Step 6: Rest

If you have a sore throat, likes are that you're not feeling well otherwise as well. Common cold is to blame, but sleep or just plain rest can help your body use all that stored energy in fighting the bacteria or virus that is causing your dreary wearies.

But you can also rest your throat by not talking. Think of it as nature's way of telling you to shut up. Seriously though, talking may cause further irritation to your swollen membranes.