7 Effective Apple Cider Vinegar for Sore Throat Remedies to Get Faster Relief

It is not surprising to learn that most people are familiar with apple cider vinegar’s medicinal and therapeutic benefits. From being a popular tonic for weight loss to helping treat infections, it offers many advantages. However, many people are unaware of its potential benefits for soothing a sore throat.

Apple cider vinegar is more than just a remedy for weight loss or other common issues; it can also be a valuable tool for addressing sore throat symptoms. While a sore throat may not always require medical attention, leaving it untreated can negatively impact one’s quality of life, which is certainly not ideal.

In this article, we will explore the various remedies using apple cider vinegar to alleviate sore throat. We will cover the benefits, potential drawbacks, and any risks associated with these remedies.

Why is Apple Cider Vinegar Good for Sore Throat?

Before discussing the benefits of apple cider vinegar for a sore throat, it’s important to understand what a sore throat actually is.

A sore throat is a condition characterized by irritation, itching, pain, or roughness in the throat. The main symptom is throat pain, which can worsen if left untreated. Addressing the condition before it intensifies and interferes with your daily activities is essential.

Apple cider vinegar’s anti-inflammatory (R) and antimicrobial (R) properties make it beneficial for treating a sore throat. These combined effects help eliminate the infection causing the sore throat while soothing irritation and inflammation that contribute to painful swallowing difficulties.

Additionally, apple cider vinegar is mildly acidic, which helps combat infections and microbial growth that could be the root cause of sore throats.

How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Sore Throat?

Apple cider vinegar can be used alone as a tonic, but if you want to enjoy it without scrunching your nose or negatively affecting your taste buds, using the following simple tips to create a more pleasant concoction can be very beneficial for treating a sore throat.

Check Out the Most Popular Self Care Tips On Apple Cider Vinegar For Sore Throat

1. Apple Cider Vinegar

The first and most common concoction involving apple cider vinegar for sore throat is a simple and effective remedy many opt for. 

The combination of water and apple cider vinegar not only helps moisturize and hydrate the throat but is also beneficial in combating any infection or microbial growth that could be causing the sore throat.

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
• 1 glass of warm water

What to Do:

1. Mix 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar into the glass of warm water.
2. Drink this once or twice, depending on the severity of the soreness and pain.

How Often?

• 1-2 times daily until the symptoms subside

2. Apple Cider Vinegar and Honey

The combination of honey and apple cider vinegar is soothing on the palate and highly effective in treating a sore throat. Both apple cider vinegar and honey possess antimicrobial properties (R) (R), which help address the infection caused by microbial growth.

The addition of honey is particularly helpful if the sore throat is caused by a cold or cough. However, it’s important to ensure the proper quantities for optimal results.

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon of honey
• 1 glass of warm water

What to Do:

1. First, mix the honey into the warm water, then add the tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and stir well.
2. Drink this mixture to relieve sore throat discomfort.

How Often?

• Once daily

Also Read: 5 Major Health Benefits Of Raw Honey

3. Apple Cider Vinegar and Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper and apple cider vinegar may not be a common combination, especially for treating a sore throat, but it can be surprisingly effective.

While the benefits of apple cider vinegar are already discussed, cayenne pepper plays a key role in healing sore throats. 

Cayenne pepper contains anti-inflammatory (R) and analgesic properties (R), which help alleviate the pain and irritation associated with a sore throat. The combination of both ingredients reduces throat pain and soothes scratchiness and discomfort.

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
• 1 glass of warm water

What to Do:

1. Mix the apple cider vinegar with warm water.
2. Add the cayenne pepper to the solution and stir until well combined.
3. Drink this concoction for relief from the sore throat.

How Often?

• 1-2 times daily

4. Apple Cider Vinegar and Lemon

The combination of apple cider vinegar and lemon can be pretty acidic for some and may require an acquired taste. Therefore, it’s best to adjust the recipe to make it more palatable and easier to drink.

Lemon is rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants, which help boost the immune system and prevent the proliferation of microbes that can cause a sore throat. Its mild acidity further complements the apple cider vinegar in soothing and treating the sore throat.

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
• Juice of half a lemon
• 1 teaspoon of honey
• 1 glass of warm water

What to Do:

1. Mix all the ingredients into the glass of warm water and stir well.
2. Take small, gradual sips and allow the solution to coat your throat.

How Often?

• 1-2 times daily

Also Read: 9 Perks of Drinking Lemon Water Before Bed

5. Apple Cider Vinegar and Salt

Yet another effective remedy for sore throats involving apple cider vinegar is mixing it with salt. The salt has mild antimicrobial properties and helps eliminate any microbial growth that could be causing the sore throat.

It is always advised to use this mixture for gargling only and avoid swallowing it, as doing so may affect blood pressure and adversely affect the body.

Ingredients Required:

• 1 tablespoon of salt
• 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
• 1 glass of warm water

What to Do:

1. Mix all the ingredients and stir until the salt is completely dissolved.
2. Gargle with this solution, making sure not to swallow it.
3. Rinse your mouth thoroughly with water after finishing.

How Often?

• Once daily

6. Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda

Another effective combination for treating a sore throat with apple cider vinegar involves mixing it with baking soda. This mixture helps eliminate microbial growth and prevents the infection from spreading further. 

Baking soda’s alkalinity also helps balance the pH, providing additional relief. When combined with apple cider vinegar, this remedy can effectively combat a sore throat.

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
• ½ teaspoon of baking soda
• 1 glass of warm water

What to Do:

1. Mix all the ingredients and stir well until everything dissolves.
2. Allow the bubbles from the baking soda to subside.
3. Gargle with this relief solution.

How Often? 

• Once daily

7. Apple Cider Vinegar and Cinnamon

The tonic made with apple cider vinegar and cinnamon is highly effective in treating sore throat-related conditions. This is mainly due to cinnamon’s soothing and antioxidant properties (R), which help alleviate the constant irritation and pain caused by a sore throat.

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder
• 1 glass of warm water

What to Do:

1. Mix all the ingredients.
2. Stir until everything dissolves.
3. Drink this for relief from a sore throat.

How Often? 

• 1-2 times daily

Also Read: What Happens When You Drink Apple Cider Vinegar In The Morning Every Day?

Some More Safety Tips While Using Apple Cider Vinegar

Another important factor to consider when using apple cider vinegar for a sore throat is taking safety precautions to prevent potential health issues that could worsen the condition.

In this section, we’ll discuss common safety tips to follow when using apple cider vinegar to treat a sore throat:

1. Choose Wisely: For the best results and maximum health benefits, choose unpasteurized, unfiltered, and organic apple cider vinegar.
2. Rinse Mouth: Always rinse your mouth and oral cavity thoroughly after gargling with apple cider vinegar tonic to remove any residue, which can negatively impact dental health.
3. Persistency: If you’re wondering how apple cider vinegar helps with a sore throat, it’s essential to continue using it consistently. It doesn’t provide immediate relief, so persistence is key to seeing benefits.
4. Discontinue When Needed: If using apple cider vinegar seems to worsen your condition, discontinue use immediately. Prolonged consumption could lead to adverse effects.
5. Avoid Certain Foods: Avoid spicy and junk foods while dealing with a sore throat, as they can irritate your condition further.
6. Know When to Avoid: If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, avoid using apple cider vinegar, as it can adversely affect both maternal and baby health.

By following these safety precautions, you can ensure the effective and safe use of apple cider vinegar in treating a sore throat.

Side Effects of Using Apple Cider Vinegar

Much like the list of benefits, there are several potential side effects that one should be aware of to avoid any negative impact.

1. Digestive Problems

It has often been observed that some people experience digestive issues due to excessive consumption of apple cider vinegar. It can promote feelings of fullness and reduce appetite, potentially leading to lower calorie intake, which may negatively impact overall well-being.

2. Frequent Urination

Apple cider vinegar is a diuretic, which may cause you to visit the bathroom more frequently than usual.

3. Lowered Potassium Levels

Although there are limited studies supporting this, it is believed that consuming apple cider vinegar may affect potassium levels in the body, which can adversely affect overall bone health.

4. Tooth Enamel Erosion

Another common issue is the consistent erosion of tooth enamel. The acetic acid in apple cider vinegar can erode dental enamel, gradually losing minerals from the teeth, which may eventually result in decay.

5. Drug Interactions

Although there isn’t much specificity regarding this side effect, it is always best to consult a doctor before trying the apple cider vinegar remedy for curing your sore throat. Apple cider vinegar for sore throat is an effective remedy that helps alleviate symptoms gradually. 

If you expect quick results, they may not come right away. Be patient with the process and use it consistently for the best results.

Conclusion

Apple cider vinegar is one of the best remedies for alleviating sore throat symptoms due to its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and soothing properties. 

Whether used as a single ingredient or with other ingredients such as honey, cayenne pepper, lemon, salt, baking soda, or cinnamon, these natural remedies help reduce irritation, fight infections, and soothe discomfort. 

However, like every medicine, caution must be exercised when using it; there are always side effects, such as digestive problems and erosion of the enamel in teeth, to name a few, and it may also interact with other medicines. 

If done carefully and habitually, apple cider vinegar can eventually help ease and improve your sore throat and general throat condition. 

Consult your doctor immediately for any problem, particularly for pregnant or breastfeeding mothers. Patience and persistence will result in the best outcome.

• Sep 2018
  Written by Somapika D
• Feb 2025
  Edited by Lakshmi Gayatri