Aromatherapy
To prepare an aromatherapy gargle, combine one drop of either cypress, marjoram, rose, sandalwood, or thyme oil with one cup of water.
Cypress has antibacterial and astringent properties and benefits the entire respiratory system. Prepare a steam inhaler by adding 3 to 5 drops cypress to a large bowl of hot water. Cover your head with a towel and breathe deeply for ten minutes.
Apply a thin layer of carrier oil externally over the throat area. Choose from canola, sunflower, grapeseed, or safflower. Follow with seven drops sandalwood essential oil over the carrier oil and rub gently into the skin. The preparation is very soothing, prevents skin irritation, and has a pleasant smell.
The following recipe makes a vapour rub you can use on your throat and chest:
1/
4 teaspoon eucalyptus essential oil
1/
8 teaspoon each peppermint and thyme essential oils
1/
4 cup olive oil
Combine all ingredients in a glass bottle and shake well. Gently massage on to your throat and chest.
For additional relief during the night, add one drop eucalyptus and three drops benzoin oil to a bowl of hot water by your bed.
Food
Mix raw honey (the crystalline form of honey) with lemon juice to coat and soothe your irritated throat. Experiment until palatable. You may also add these ingredients to a tea.
Add a pinch of sea salt to a quarter cup of warm water and gargle. Repeat three or four times daily. This traditional cure eases pain and restores moisture to your throat.
Food Supplements
Acidophilus and Bifidus supplementation will restore beneficial bacteria counts in the digestive tract and help keep harmful bacteria at bay. It is essential that these bacteria be restored to the body, particularly after the use of antibiotics. Look for a dairy-free formulation with at least 2.5 billion viable cultures per capsule and keep refrigerated. Take 2 or 3 capsules daily on an empty stomach, preferably in the morning or right before bed. Supplements with Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) provide a beneficial "bed" and initial food source for the bacteria. If dairy allergies have been ruled out, you can also eat yogurt that has had either bacterial culture added.
Bee propolis helps protect the mucous membranes of your mouth and throat and has antibacterial properties. If purchasing in tincture form, look for 50 to 65% extract. Take 10 to 15 drops, twice daily. Bee propolis is also available in lozenge form and may be prepared with honey.
Herbs
Fenugreek helps relieve the pain of swollen glands that can accompany a sore throat. Add 20 drops fenugreek tincture to 1 cup water and gargle three times daily.
Garlic has antibacterial and antiviral properties as a result of its incredibly complex molecular structure. Allicin is considered the active ingredient in garlic. You can increase the content of allicin in garlic by crushing the buds and leaving them out for five minutes or more. The oxygen in the air facilitates the conversion of alliin to allicin. Take at least two cloves daily. If supplementing, take 400 to 500mg up to three times daily and look for supplements with a high allicin content.
Licorice soothes a sore, hoarse throat and acts as an expectorant that helps treat colds and other respiratory conditions. If preparing a decoction, gently boil 1/2 teaspoon powdered root with 1 cup of water for 10 minutes. Drink up to 2 cups daily. NOTE: Do not use licorice for more than seven consecutive days and avoid if you have high blood pressure. If using a tincture, take 20 to 40 drops up to 2 times daily.
Lungwort can also be used to soothe throat irritation. To prepare an infusion, add 2 tablespoons to 1 cup hot water. Take once daily.
Marshmallow root has anti-inflammatory and mucilaginous properties that soothe and coat a scratchy, itchy throat. Add 1 teaspoon chopped root to a cup of hot water. Take three times daily. You may also let the preparation cool to room temperature and then drink. This allows the mucilage to be more effective as the water becomes quite slimy.
Raspberry leaf helps ease a painful sore throat and relieves fever blisters. If preparing an infusion, pour 1 cup boiling water over 1 teaspoon of herb. Cover for 10 minutes. Drink 3 times daily. If using a tincture, take 15 to 20 drops good quality tincture 3 times daily.
Slippery elm is a popular herbal remedy used to soothe a scratchy sore throat and irritated mouth. The oligomeric procyanidins compounds present in this woody plant have antiseptic and anti-allergenic properties as well. The bark also contains mucilage. Mix one tablespoon of powder with water to form a paste. Bring one cup water or milk to a boil and pour the paste in. Boil five more minutes and strain. Drink three cups daily or when needed. Slippery elm is also available in lozenge form.
Homeopathy
Certain remedies can be used in acute situations if your symptoms fit the symptom picture of the remedy. For dosages, see the dedicated section on Homeopathy. Consult your homeopath or naturopath to determine your constitutional remedy: the remedy that best fits you as a whole person. Your homeopath or naturopath will take a complete case history considering all of your mental and physical ailments and match these symptoms with the symptom picture of the remedy.
Belladonna: Bright red sore throat that develops suddenly on the right side. Throat is sore to the touch and is accompanied by a high fever and thirst.
Lachesis: Soreness begins on the left side and moves to the right. Made worse when swallowing saliva and feels better when eating.
Lycopodium: Soreness beings on the right side and moves to the left. Throat feels better after drinking warm beverages.
Lifestyle
A toothbrush can harbour bacteria. Change your brush monthly or after any infectious illness.
Stop smoking. Smoking often irritates and dries mucous membranes and causes sore throats.
If household cleaners are irritating your throat, reduce or eliminate exposure. Common household cleaners containing poison symbols should be eliminated. If you cannot drink it, why would yourself to it in small doses over a long period of time? Long term toxic exposure is a silent and deadly threat. And viable alternatives are readily available. Natural alternatives are available in health food stores, while vinegar or baking soda and water clean just about anything. Companies such as Nature Clean, Simply Clean, and Ecover sell viable alternatives that work just as well, if not better, than their toxic equivalents.
Minerals
Zinc gluconate lozenges help relieve pain and promote healing. Allow the lozenge to "bathe" your throat as long as possible, as opposed to quickly breaking up and swallowing the lozenge.
Miscellaneous
Most hot liquids help soothe an inflamed, sore throat and rehydrate parched mucous membranes. In addition, the increased temperature in your throat prevents cold viruses from reproducing. Be sure your drink is not too hot, though, as this will cause burning and amplify any pre-existing pain. Drink slowly.
The dry, hot air in your office or home can further irritate sore throats. Use a cool-mist humidifier to add moisture to the air.
Vitamins
If your sore throat is a sign of greater infection to come, take a pre-emptive strike by supplementing with vitamin C to boost immunity. Take 2,000 to 5,000mg daily. Start at the lower dosage and increase up to bowel tolerance.
