What's the best way to soothe a scratchy throat?

Hot liquids.: Many things are used commonly. Hot salt water gargles, hot tea with honey. Otc preps like chloraseptic ( a numbing medication) or guaifanesin ( an expectorant) plus or minus dm ( a cough suppressant).

Remedies: Consider adding 2 tsp of slippery elm bark to 1 cup of hot water (steep for at least 5 minutes in a covered teapot). Drink this as needed to relieve pain or a few times per day. Slippery elm bark lozenges are another option. Boil freshly sliced, peeled ginger root in water until the tea is tan. Add 3 tbsp of honey. Sip to help relieve sore throat pain and to accelerate healing of laryngitis.