Herbal Remedies: Sore Throat

 Causes

1. Common viruses, including the viruses that cause mononucleosis (mono) and the flu. Some viruses can also produce blisters in the mouth and throat (aphthous stomatitis)

2. Infection of the tonsils or adenoids.

3. Breathing through the mouth or smoking can produce throat dryness and soreness.

4. Bacterial infections. The two most common bacteria that cause sore throat are streptococcus (which causes strep throat) and Arcanobacterium haemolyticum.

5. Arcanobacterium causes sore throats mainly in young adults and is sometimes associated with a fine red rash.

6. Sore throat appearing after treatment with antibiotics, chemotherapy, or other immune-compromising medications may be due to the yeast candida, known as thrush.

7. A sore throat lasting more than two weeks can be a sign of a serious illness.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a sore throat usually include a painful burning or scratching sensation in the back of the throat, pain when swallowing, and sometimes tenderness in the neck.

Other symptoms that may accompany a sore throat include:

1. Coughing

2. Sneezing

3. Hoarseness or laryngitis

4. Runny nose

5. Mild fever

6. General fatigue

7. Swollen lymph nodes (glands) in the neck 

8. Bad breath

Remedies

1. The most effective way to cure sore throat would be to mix 4 cloves of garlic, 1 tbsp. of honey and 1/8 tsp. of cayenne. Have 1 tsp. of this mixture every day during sore throat. Make sure to chew well before swallowing.

2. In a cup of water, put some Holy Basil leaves. Boil this concoction, allow it to cool, and strain well. You can either drink it or use it for gargling.

3. A simple remedy for treating sore throat would be to gargle with lukewarm water. Add some salt to it, before gargling. This would surely provide relief.

4. In a pint of boiling water, add 1 or 2 tsp. dried chamomile blossoms. Let them steep well and then strain the water. Have a cup of this concoction, every few hours, during sore throat.

5. Another effective home remedy for sore throat would be to mix a tsp. each of apple cider vinegar and honey, along with a pinch of cayenne pepper and extracted juice of 1/4 lemon, in a cup of hot water. Stir well before drinking. Have this mixture 4 times a day.

6. Boil a glass of water. In it, add a pinch of powdered cloves, a pinch of pepper powder, and 1 tsp. honey. Drink this concoction once a day, preferably early morning. This is an effective way to cure sore throat.

7. Fenugreek seeds are beneficial in treating sore throat. In a glass of lukewarm water, add some fenugreek seeds and let them steep for some time. Strain the water and gargle with it, to cure sore throat.

8. In a pint of boiling water, add 2 sprigs of coarsely chopped parsley, 3 whole spice cloves, 1 tsp. of powdered myrrh and 1/4 tsp. of powdered goldenseal. Let the water simmer the concoction. Use it for gargling.

9. Take a cup with a lid and put some honey in it. Now, cut an onion slice and soak it in the honey. Put on the lid and keep aside for an hour. Have a tsp. of this honey every few hours.

10. Another beneficial method to get relief from sore throat would be to drink a glass of warm water, with lemon juice and some honey added to it.

11. Take a lemon and cut it into two halves. In one of the pieces, sprinkle some salt and black pepper Press it with a knife so that the pepper and salt penetrate in. Now, warm this lime piece and lick it. Have this twice or thrice a day, to get immediate relief from sore throat.

12. Barberry Tincture is effective in curing sore throat. Take 1/4 cup water and add 15 to 20 drops of the tincture to it. Have this water thrice daily, for 10 days.

13. In 600 ML of water, add 25 grams of fresh sage water and 1/4 tsp. cayenne. Give it a boil and allow it to cool. Now, strain this concoction and drink it once a day.

14. Make tea by putting a tsp. of dried red sage in one cup of boiling water. Cover it with a lid and leave for 10 minutes. Now, strain this mixture and add a few drops of vinegar to it. YOu can either drink it as tea or use it for gargling.

Precautions

Prevention of sore throat is not guaranteed by salt water gargling but it will lessen the risk.

Have a tablespoon of warm honey immediately after waking up.

Additionally, avoid polluted places and do not smoke.