Home Remedies For Sore Throat

SORE THROAT

Sore throat refers to the inflammation of the pharynx or back of the throat. It occurs frequently when a person has a cold or an attack of influenza. 10% of sore throat may be due to strep throat infection. Strep throat is an infection of the pharynx, caused by group A streptococcus bacteria, whereas sore throat may be a viral or a bacterial infection. Strep throat is common among children and teenagers, between the ages of 5 to 15.

Sore Throat Symptoms

Pain, irritation of throat, chills and fever

In the case of an acute sore throat, the patient complains of pain, irritation and inflammation in the throat - followed by chills, fever, and some hoarseness or laryngitis

Lymph glands become swollen and tender

The lymph glands along the sides of the neck may become swollen and tender. The back of the throat may become very red and even covered with a grayish-white membrane. The patient may experience difficulty in swallowing, especially during the acute stage. There may also be some postnatal discharge if the inflammation has spread to the nasal passages

In addition to the above mentioned symptoms some of the symptoms of strep throat are difficulty in swallowing, headache, rash, stomach pain and so on. But having all these symptoms does not necessarily mean that your child is suffering from strep throat.

Sore Throat Causes

Common cold and influenza

The main causes of a sore throat are common cold and influenza. Other causes include sinusitis, measles, diphtheria and even leukaemia in rare cases

Sore Throat Remedy

Sore Throat treatment using Mango Bark

Mango bark is efficacious in the treatment of a sore throat and other throat disorders. Its fluid, which is extracted by grinding, can be applied locally with beneficial results. It can also be used as a throat gargle. This gargle is prepared by mixing 10 ml of the fluid extract with 125 ml of water

Sore Throat remedy using Belleric Myrobalan (Bahera in Hindi)

The herb "belleric myroblan" is a valuable sore throat remedy. A mixture of two grams of the pulp of the fruit, a quarter teaspoon of salt, half a teaspoon of powdered long pepper and two teaspoons of honey should be administered in the treatment of this condition. The fried fruit can also be roasted after covering it with wheat flour, and used as a cure for a sore throat.

Sore Throat treatment using Bishop's Weed (Ajwain)

Bishop's weed is valuable for sore throat treatment. An infusion of the seeds mixed with common salt can be used beneficially as a gargle in an acute condition caused by a cold.

Sore Throat treatment using Cinnamon (Daalchini)

Cinnamon is regarded as an effective remedy for a sore throat resulting from a cold. One teaspoon of coarsely powdered cinnamon, boiled in a glass of water with a pinch of pepper powder, and two teaspoons of honey can be taken as a medicine in the treatment of this condition. Two or three drops of cinnamon oil, mixed with a teaspoon of honey, also give immense relief

Sore Throat remedy using Fenugreek Seeds (Methi)

A gargle prepared from fenugreek seeds has been found to be a very effective remedy for treating a sore throat. To prepare this gargle, two tablespoons of fenugreek seeds should be put in a litre of cold water and allowed to simmer for half an hour over a low flame. This should then be allowed to cool to a bearable temperature, strained, and then used entirely as a gargle.

Sore Throat cure using Henna

The leaves of henna are useful as a sore throat cure. A decoction of the leaves can be used as a gargle for this purpose.

Sore Throat cure using Holy Basil (tulasi)

The leaves of holy basil have also been found beneficial in the in curing sore throat. Water boiled with basil leaves should be taken as a drink, and also used as a gargle to relieve a sore throat

Sore Throat remedy using Kantakari (herbal plant)

The herb kantakari is a valuable in sore throat remedy. An extract of the plant should be used as a gargle for this purpose. This extract is prepared by continuously boiling the plant in about two litres of water after washing it thoroughly

Sore Throat treatment using Liquorice (Rubbusoos in Hindi)

Liquorice is a recognized home remedy for sore throat in all parts of India. A small piece of raw liquorice should he chewed or sucked for treating this condition. The healing property of the herb soothes inflammation quickly

Sore Throat cure using Sage (Kind of leaf)

Sage is another effective cure for a sore throat. Half a litre of boiling water should be poured on a handful of sage leaves. When moderately cool, a little vinegar and honey should be added according to taste. This mixture should be used as a gargle. A teaspoon of this mixture call also be taken internally at the same time

Sore Throat remedy using Tea Decoction

A decoction made from tea leaves is very beneficial in the treatment of a sore throat. This decoction, mixed with a pinch of salt, should be used as a gargle. It can be used two or three times daily for obtaining relief. It is not necessary to use fresh leaves for this purpose. Boiling water can be poured over used tea leaves in the tea jug and this decoction used as a gargle.

Sore Throat treatment using Tamarind (Imli)

Tamarind is also beneficial in the treatment of sore throat. Tamarind water should be used as a gargle. A powder of the dry leaves and an infusion of the bark can also be used for preparation of a gargle for treating sore throat.

* Garlic is the most important home remedy for sore throat. Chew some garlic pieces.
* Add lemon juice (from one lemon) some honey, to a glass of hot water. Drink this. It will give immediate relief from pain.
* Gargle with warm salt water. It is the best old age home remedy.
* Increase your liquid intake and make sure your house is humidified properly.
* Cut a lemon into 2 pieces. Take one piece and put some salt and black pepper on it, press with a knife so that salt-pepper penetrates into the lime. Put the lemon on heat to make it warm. Slowly lick this lemon squeezing it until no juice remains. Do it 2-3 times a day.
* Chives and scallions are helpful for a soar throat when simmered in water for 5 minutes. Drink as a tea.
* Figs, beets are also very effective in sore throat.
* Slippery Elm bark (Ulmus rubra) helps to soothe sore throats or cough. For sore throats, slippery elm bark can be taken as a tea. Prepare a tea by adding 1 tablespoon of dried bark to a cup. Pour 1 cup of boiling water into the cup. Steep it covered for at least 10 minutes and then strain. Have up to 3 cups of slippery elm bark tea a day.
* Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is another good sore throat home remedy, however people with high blood pressure, heart, kidney or liver disease, pregnant or nursing women, or people who are taking diuretics, blood pressure drugs, should not use it.
* Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis), a herb found in Europe and North America, has been used for centuries as a sore throat home remedy. To make marshmallow root tea, add 1 tablespoon of the dried root to a cup. Add a cup (8 ounces) of boiling water, steep it covered for at least 10 minutes then strain. Drink up to 3 cups a day. Consult a doctor before taking marshmallow.
* Honeysuckle Flower, a sweet tasting and smelling herb, is one of the most commonly used sore throat remedies in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) as a remedy for sore throats. To prepare honeysuckle tea, bring 1 quart of water to a boil. Add 1 cup of honeysuckle flowers (not the leaves). Steep for at least 10 minutes, covered, and then strain. Sweeten with honey or stevia to taste if desired. Drink up to 4 cups a day.
* Add 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar, a pinch of cayenne pepper, juice of 1/4 a lemon, and 1 teaspoon of honey to a cup. Add 1 cup of hot water and stir. Drink up to 4 cups a day. This is also very useful home remedy for sore throat.
* Gargle with aloe Vera juice two times daily.
* Combine one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar, one teaspoon of cayenne pepper and three tablespoons of clover honey in a glass of warm water. Gargle as often as necessary.
* Betony is a useful astringent, which reduces inflammation. Make a tea and use as a gargle.
* Add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to 1 cup of boiling water; stir well and gargle while mixture is very warm. To this mixture you can add 4 parts Echinacea, 1 part garlic bulb, and 2 parts peppermint leaves to 1 part cayenne.
* Another remedy is to add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to 1 cup of boiling water; stir well and sip slowly.
* Prepare a tea by adding 1 or 2 teaspoons of dried chamomile blossoms to a pint of boiling water; steep and drink a cup every few hours.
* Add 30 drops of Echinacea/goldenseal combination to one cup of warm water; drink every two hours.
* Grapefruit seed extract is a powerful all-around antimicrobial product and is an excellent disinfectant and antiseptic. Add five drops to a glass of water for a soothing gargle.
* For sore throat treatment prepare a mixture by adding ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar and ¼ cup of honey. Take one tablespoon every four hours or as needed for pain relief.
* Steep two teaspoons of dried hyssop in one cup of boiling water, covered for ten minutes; strain and drink cool for an expectorant or hot to relieve coughs, congestion, and sore throat.
* Grind one tablespoon of mustard seed and add the juice of half a lemon, one tablespoon of salt, one tablespoon of clear honey, and 1 1/4 cups of boiling water. Leave this mixture, covered, for 15 minutes and use as a gargle.
* For sore throat treatment prepare a tea by adding 2 sprigs of coarsely chopped parsley, 3 whole spice cloves, 1 teaspoon of powdered myrrh, and 1/4 teaspoon powdered goldenseal to 1 pint of boiling water. Steep. Stir occasionally while cooling, then strain and use as a gargle or mouthwash.
* Boil some pomegranate rinds and drink as a tea. The pomegranate contains astringents
* Prepare a tea by adding five fresh crushed or dried leaves; place in a cup and fill with water cooled to just below boiling; cover and leave to infuse for five minutes; remove leaves and drink. May also be used as a gargle.
* For sore throat get a small dixie cup, pour cultured buttermilk in the cup. Slowly swish and gargle it in your mouth slowly drink a small cup of it every hour for 1 day and sore throat will be gone next day.
* Take 4 cloves of garlic - minced fine, 1 tbsp. Honey,1/8 tsp. cayenne (approx.). Mix this together, take a spoonful when needed and chew it up well before swallowing.
* Water boiled with basil leaves should be taken as a drink, and also used as a gargle to relieve a sore throat.
* Tamarind water should be used as a gargle. A powder of the dry leaves and an infusion of the bark can also be used for preparation of a gargle for treating sore throat
* Two tablespoons of fenugreek seeds should be put in a litre of cold water and allowed to simmer for half an hour over a low flame. This should then be allowed to cool to a bearable temperature, strained, and then used entirely as a gargle.

Sore Throat Diet

All-fruit diet

A person suffering from a sore throat should fast on orange juice and water for three to five days, depending on the severity of the condition. When the severe symptoms subside, the patient may adopt an all-fruit diet for three or four further days

Well-balanced diet

Thereafter, he may adopt a well-balanced diet, with emphasis on seeds, nuts, grains, raw vegetables, and fresh fruit.

Sore Throat treatment: Other Suggestions

Warm-water enema and wet pack

During the initial juice and water fast, the bowels should be cleansed daily with a warm-water enema. This should be done twice daily in more serious cases. A wet pack should be applied to the throat at two-hourly intervals during the day, and one at night. The procedure is to wring out some linen cloth in cold water, wrap it two or three times around the affected part, and cover it with flannel. Gargles may be done several times.

Hot Epsom salts bath and exercises

A hot Epsom salts bath, taken daily during this period, will be highly beneficial. Dry friction, deep breathing, and other exercises should form part of the daily health regimen

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer. Never use any home remedy or other self treatment without being advised to do so by a physician.