A sore throat may be caused by a viral or a bacterial infection. Viral infections, such as the common cold, flu and mononucleosis, are more common. Bacterial infections include strep, mycoplasma and hemophilus-conditions which are considerably more serious than viral infections. However, bacterial infections respond well to antibiotics, whereas viral infections don't. If your sore, itchy throat is caused by a viral infection, as is the case for most people, we've compiled a comprehensive list of

There are many different home remedies for a sore throat, and the simplest ones are often the most effective. Many remedies take effect in as little as an hour, but some can take overnight to work. If you try a home remedy, and your symptoms persist overnight, visit your doctor.

A very common remedy is gargling with warm salt water. This ubiquitous treatment has been around for ages, and seems to work wonders on a sore, itchy throat. To prepare, simply add about a teaspoon of table salt to a mug of warm water and stir until the salt dissolves. Gargle the solution slowly. The entire mug should take about 15 to 20 minutes to finish. Many people vouch that this is the best remedy for sore throat. But everyone responds differently to different treatments so you should check which one works best for you.

A simple home remedy for sore throat is a solution made by combining unfiltered apple cider vinegar, honey and warm water. To prepare, add one spoonful of apple cider vinegar, and one spoonful of honey to a mug of warm water. Gargle with the mixture as many times as necessary.

Another remedy for soothing, lasting relief makes use of honey, lemon juice, unfiltered apple cider vinegar, and cayenne pepper. For this classic recipe you'll need one teaspoon honey, two teaspoons lemon juice, one teaspoon apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Combine all ingredients and add to a mug of warm water, and stir. Gargle with the mixture three or four times a day. This treatment is one of the most effective sore throat remedies that you can make at home.

Another quick remedy, although not strictly 'natural,' calls for the use of a handy little device in your room-a humidifier or vaporizer. Since your air passages are swollen and irritated when you have a sore throat, the cool or warm mist created by a humidifier or vaporizer can soothe the air passages and prevent hoarseness. But make sure that you do not overdo it; excessive use of a humidifier or vaporizer can make your room too damp and cold, which can be counterproductive. If you do not own a humidifier or vaporizer, simply fill a shallow pan with water and place it somewhere safe in your room.

Whenever you make your own home remedy, give the mixture a few tries before you pass a verdict on its efficacy. Even the best remedy for sore throat will not work right away, and remember that most recipes should be gargled approximately once every hour for best results.

Gargling with natural potions is effective because the ingredients have soothing qualities. The best remedy for sore throat will have the following properties-it will be a warm solution and it will either coat or cleanse your sore throat. A salt and water mixture is a warm solution that cleanses, whereas honey recipes are warm solutions that coat the mouth.

So, what's the best remedy for sore throat? Many would argue that it's prevention. Even if you're not feeling under the weather, take active steps to prevent sore throat, say, by using a humidifier every night, or avoiding smoking or even secondhand smoking.

Remember, if your sore throat persists for longer than a week, see a doctor because it might be an underlying symptom of something more severe