What is Sore Throat?
Common cold is primary reason behind sore throat for most of the cases which occurs due to viral infections. Streptococcus which occurs due to bacterial infections might be another reason for this problem. Other factors which irritates the back of the throat and mouth could cause a sore throat. The mucous membrane in the back of throat is very sensitive and could get infected often. Talking or shouting in loud voice for prolonged period could also cause bad throat. Other reasons for this condition includes dust, excessive smoking, inhalation of too much of even normal smoke, hot drinks or food, tooth problems, gum infections etc.
This condition is not very serious for most people. However, this could be a initial symptom of a more serious disease. It could be a signal for serious problems like flu, herpes simplex, chickenpox, measles, mononucleosis etc. Very rarely this could be a initial symptom of laryngeal cancer, diphtheria, gingivitis, abscess in tonsils etc.
Home Remedies for Sore Throat
- Echinacea and Goldenseal: Both these herbs works great in fighting with viral and bacterial infections. Remember not to use it for prolonged period of time i.e. not more than 6 to 7 days. This herb should not be used by a pregnant women or people who are allergic to ragweed
- Lungwort: This herb soothes throat and reduces irritation. For mouth irritation and scratchy sore throat slippery elm works well. Licorice has same healing properties as Lungwort. Licorice should not be used by a person suffering from high blood pressure problem and it should not be used for more than 1 week
- Marshmallow: Use of Marshmallow root is very beneficial for itchy and scratchy throat. Prepare a tea out of its roots and sip it which it is not very hot
- Raspberry: A tea prepared out of Raspberry leaves is very beneficial for giving relief from pain due to sore throat. It also helps in curing fiver blisters
- Mango Bark: Mango bark is very efficient in treatment of sore throat and other throat related infections. The medicated fluid is extracted from Mango bark by through grinding which could be applied on sore throat for relief. One could also gargle which is prepared with 10ml of fluid with 125ml of water
- Bishop’s weed: In case of acute condition of cold, Infusion of Bishop’s seed mixed with salt could be used as gargle for quick relief
- Cinnamon: Cinnamon is very effective in treatment of sore throat due to cold. Boil 1 tsp of powdered Cinnamon in a glass of water, mix a pinch of pepper powder and 2 tsp of honey to it. This mixture could be taken as medicine in treatment of sore throat
- Fenugreek Seeds: Gargle with Fenugreek seeds gives quick relief in sore throat. To prepare gargle mix 2 tbsp of Fenugreek seeds in a glass of cold water. Let it simmer on low flame for half hour. Cool it down to a temperature which you could bear. Strain and use it as gargle
- Holy Basil: Holy Basil the wonder plant is also beneficial in treatment of sore throat. Boil Holy Basil with water. This could be used for gargle and could also be used as a drink
- Tamarind: Tamarind water used as gargle is very beneficial in treatment of sore throat
- Tea Decoction: Decoction prepared out of tea leaves gives fast relief too. This decoction should be mixed with a pinch of salt for gargle. Gargle with it 2 to 3 times in a day for complete relief
