

Natural Sore Throat Remedies To Try

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At one time or another, everyone gets a sore throat and seeks out immediate sore throat remedies for the burning, scratchy pain. Some sore throats can be bad enough to need medical intervention (occasionally serious intervention), but most disappear on their own. When they hang around a little longer than expected, a little TLC, mixed with some sore throat remedies, can usually do the trick. Nevertheless, it will help you and your family if you can be aware of what causes sore throats, the difference between the serious and the less worrisome, and why some remedies work—or don’t.

What is a Sore Throat?
Pharyngitis is the medical name for a sore throat, which is caused by acute inflammation of the mucous membrane in the lower pharynx. There may also be inflammation of the soft palate and tonsils. The pharynx is the tube that connects the back of the mouth to the esophagus. The pharynx is quite short and plays a role, along with the larynx, in shaping the sounds used in speaking. That is why the voice is often affected when a cold or the flu strike. Because it is so open to the outside of the body, the pharynx is easily attacked by infectious agents. Common symptoms are a throat that is scratchy, tender and swollen, and accompanying difficulty in swallowing.

To be able to choose the right sore throat remedies, the prime infectious agents need to be identified. Viruses are the most frequent invaders and are responsible for common colds and flu.
Influenza can be a serious viral infection, but it is bacteria that cause the more serious throat infections, such as strep throat. Children over 5 and teenagers are most prone to strep throat, caused by the streptococcus bacteria, so parents are advised to watch for the symptoms.

Symptoms of Strep Throat
In addition to a sore throat, a patient with strep throat may suffer chills or fever. There may be hoarseness or laryngitis, and the lymph glands along the side of the neck sometimes swell and become tender. There is difficulty swallowing, and the back of the throat looks very red and inflamed and may even have a whitish membrane covering. If the infection spreads, mucous discharge from the nose may occur. In addition, other conditions - such as headaches, stomach pain and rash - may occur. These symptoms are indicative, but do not mean for certain that strep throat is the cause. Nevertheless, a trip to the doctor is warranted for an expert diagnosis. The sore throat remedies used in cases such as this are usually antibiotics and bed rest.

Viral Sore Throats
Viral infections are the more common cause of sore throats, and, although there is no one cure, there are a number of sore throat remedies that can help. One remedy that absolutely does not work is the use of an antibiotic. These are strictly for use against bacteria, not viruses.
In fact, a large problem nowadays is the heavy over-use of antibiotics, which has merely resulted in bacteria evolving hardier and hardier strains that are now resistant to many of the once very powerful antibiotic agents. Other remedies do work, if not as absolute cures, at least at the palliative level.

Other Causes
While viruses and bacteria are the major causes of sore throats, there are some others to consider. Smoking is often a culprit and its depredations may open the way to other infectious agents. Acid reflux can be a throat irritant, as can chronic coughing, shouting, even singing. Mouth breathing, or sleeping with the mouth open, can also dry the throat membranes and cause soreness. In general, the throat is very vulnerable to damage, which can be quickly taken advantage of by viruses and bacteria.

Sore Throat Remedies
Outside of a doctor’s prescription, there are two main categories of remedies: those available over-the-counter at your pharmacy and home remedies that have been developed with trial-and-error methods by people just looking for a bit of relief.

The most common over-the-counter remedies are sore throat lozenges and pastilles. Basically, they produce saliva that lubricates the throat and washes away infection. Many pastilles contain glycerin or honey, which relieves irritation, local anesthetics that reduce pain or antiseptics that probably have only a marginal effect. It is important to follow the instructions on the packet. Painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen will ease the soreness, and soluble aspirin can be used as a gargle.
However, be mindful to not give aspirin to children, and do not swallow the gargle.

More traditional sore throat remedies start with simple warm drinks made with honey or lemon, or both. A salt-water gargle, using a half teaspoon of salt to a cup of warm water, every few hours has also been proven effective. Some people find cold liquids also work well to relieve pain. Sucking on hard candies to produce soothing saliva is as useful as sucking lozenges. If the air seems too dry, a mist vaporizer or a humidifier will help. Even a bowl of water left open will help stop your throat from drying out if you don’t have a humidifier.

There is also a host of other more unlikely remedies. Herbalists suggest the inner bark of the slippery elm tree has healing powers for sore throats, and the bark is used as the active ingredient in lozenges they make. Licorice is also used in throat soothing herbal teas, as is marshmallow and honeysuckle. There are many more natural herbs and products specifically used for sore throats that you can find at health food stores and herbalists.

Sometimes used, and less difficult to come by, is a mixture of a teaspoon of ground cinnamon boiled in a cup of water with a pinch of pepper and two teaspoons of honey. Taken three times a day, it is suggested, will help alleviate a painful throat infection. Three or four drops of cinnamon oil, mixed with a teaspoon of honey, is also effective.
A mix to relieve sore throats that is quite pleasant to drink is to add a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar, a pinch of cayenne, the juice of a quarter of a lemon, and a teaspoon of honey to a cup of hot water. Drink this three times a day. You will notice that most of these remedies are built around lemon and honey in warm water. These are really the ingredients responsible for increasing the saliva that coats the throat and helps sluice away the infection.

But remember, all these sore throat remedies are palliative; they do not cure the sore throat but only relieve the symptoms while the body’s immune system deals with the virus. That is why it is important not to be stressed or overworked when suffering from a cold or sore throat. The body needs all the help it can get to fight the infection. Give it that help by taking things easy.

As with all self medications, if the symptoms persist, or if other symptoms like fever or dehydration develop, do not hesitate to seek advice from your doctor.

Always Consult Your Physician First

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