Persistant sore throats do need checking by a doctor, as most require antibiotic therapy. Strep throats won't improve without antibiotics, and left untreated can have rather nasty consequences.

But, in the meantime:

Aspirin gargles would probably be the most effective home remedy Mari. Dissolve 2 adult strength soluble aspirin in water, and gargle. Swallow the mixture after gargling. This coats the throat with analgesia as well of adding to your system via the digestive tract. Gargles of warm salty water, as suggested by Waves, can also be helpful....but spit that one out!

According to lots of sites, sage and honey seem to be quite effective but you'd need to consult one of the hoeopathic sites to get the recipe.

Meanwhile, here's a couple of web links related to home remedies for sore throats.
http://www.grannymed.com/meds/swelli...re-throat.aspx
http://www.natural-homeremedies.com/...sorethroat.htm