According to the World Health Organization, traditional medicine is the source of primary healthcare for up to 80% of all people. Increasingly, Americans are searching for alternative remedies for common ailments. For example, drinking celery and beet juice helps lower hypertension and cholesterol. Natural remedies offer many advantages. They are normally inexpensive and have been used successfully for many years.
Not All Throat Infections are Strep Throat
It would be hard to find someone who hasn’t suffered from a scratchy, irritated throat. Many home remedies effectively treat the symptoms and soothe the throat. However, if the problem worsens, you should call your primary doctor. Here is some basic information that you should know about throat infections:
- Viruses are most often the cause, especially for sore throats caused by the common cold. Viral infections are typically accompanied by a runny nose.
- Smoke or other irritants can cause a raw, scratchy throat.
- Strep throat is a very contagious bacterial infection.
Home Remedies for Sore Throats
Following are just 10 of the multitude of home remedies for strep throat and other throat infections. Begin treatment at the first signs of irritation or discomfort.
1. Ginger and Honey Tea
Ginger has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. This popular ginger/honey tea is said to quickly heal sore throats due to its antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. Ginger is also an analgesic that soothes pain in the throat area.
Mix 3 tablespoons finely grated ginger into 1 cup boiled water for 5 minutes. Add 2 tablespoons honey. Drink 5-8 cups during the day.
2. Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
Organic apple cider vinegar contains healing properties not found in ordinary store-bought vinegar. Antibacterial and a natural expectorant, apple cider vinegar in its raw form also contains prebiotic insulin, which increases white blood cell count, strengthening your immune system.
A vinegar tonic is easily made by adding 1-2 teaspoons of vinegar to 12 ounces of water. Honey is optional. Sip during the day.
3. Garlic
Garlic is a natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. In addition to allicin, garlic also contains many vitamins and minerals that boost the body’s own defences against disease and infection. Raw garlic seems more effective at boosting the immune system than garlic supplements.
4. Colloidal Silver
Research is mixed, but the use of colloidal silver against infections has many loyal supporters. For one, colloidal silver has proven itself effective against antibiotic-resistant superbugs, the bane of modern medicine. A natural anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antibacterial, colloidal silver has also shown impressive results in treating cases of flu and cold in particular.
Gargle one tablespoon 2-4 times a day or spray into the throat.
5. Lemon
Astringent lemon juice helps reduce inflammation and creates an acidic antimicrobial environment. It also contains citrus acid which helps to break up the mucus that causes a sore throat. A natural antiseptic, lemon juice is also rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, vitamins and nutrients. It also helps increase saliva production, thus lubricating an irritated throat.
Add 1 teaspoon lemon juice with optional honey to 1 cup water.
6. Cloves
Spicy, aromatic cloves are an important medicinal plant and a well-known home remedy because of their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Moreover, the eugenol contained by cloves acts as a natural pain killer.
Steep a few cloves with a tea bag and optional honey or simply suck a clove.
7. Cayenne
Hot and spicy cayenne peppers contain capsaicin, a potent pain-reliever and anti-inflammatory. In essence, cayenne acts as a pain modulator, blocking pain signals from reaching the brain.
Mix 1/2 teaspoon cayenne, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 cup warm water and gargle. Don’t give to young children.
8. Sage
Sage is another plant with a long history of use in the treatment of sore throats, coughs and inflammation of the mouth. It has been studied for its astringent, antiseptic and antibacterial qualities, all of which soothe a sore throat.
Steep 1 tablespoon fresh sage or 1 teaspoon dried sage in one cup boiled water for 5 minutes and enjoy. Honey or lemon is optional.
9. Turmeric and Ginger
Containing compounds of curcuminoids, turmeric inhibits inflammation and provides relief for burning, itching, pain and swelling of the throat. Coupled with the equally soothing ginger, you will have a powerful concoction to treat a sore throat.
An East Indian recipe for sore throats, colds and sinus problems mixes 1 teaspoon turmeric, 1 teaspoon grated ginger or a pinch of powdered ginger, a pinch of black pepper, honey to taste and 1/2 cup water. Bring to a boil, add 1/2 cup coconut milk and reheat to almost boiling. Drink hot.
10. Liquorice
Liquorice root has been used for centuries for sore throats due to the fact it works as a demulcent, or mucoid-protective agent (meaning a soothing substance that heals inflamed tissue). Moreover, liquorice root also assists in expelling mucus from the lungs and throat, speeding up the healing process.
Gargle with 1 teaspoon liquorice powder or syrup in 8 ounces of water.
Worldwide, people have been treating sore throats with home remedies for centuries. Try one or more of these remedies for your sore throat.
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