Sore throat is one of the most common ailments of both children and adults. It can be associated with the flu or common cold but it can also occur for a number of different reasons.
If a sore throat appears during a viral infection, there is no use in prescribing antibiotics, since they have no effect on viruses. This is why it is good to know which remedies can help with this uncomfortable and painful problem.
Slippery elm
Slippery elm is an old folk remedy that can be very effective against sore throat. It contains mucilage, a substance similar to gel that swells when mixed with water. Thanks to this ingredient, slippery elm gently coats the throat and reduces irritation.
This herb is the main ingredient in natural lozenges designed for sore throat, which can be found in herbal medicine stores.
Another herb that has similar effect on sore throat, again thanks to mucilage, is Marshmallow. This herb is not recommended for persons who have diabetes or who use other medicines, because it may decrease their absorption.
Licorice
Licorice is one of the main ingredients in many teas and preparations for sore throat. However, licorice does have certain side effects and some people, like persons who suffer from high blood pressure, diabetes, liver or kidney damage, cancer or heart disease are advised to avoid it, and the same goes for pregnant, or nursing women.
Honeysuckle
The flower of honeysuckle plant is one of the most used remedies for sore throat in traditional Chinese medicine. This remedy is not so easy to find like others mentioned in this article, and it is best to look in Chinese health stores.
Honeysuckle flower remedy for sore throat is taken in form of a tea that should be taken four times a day.
Sage
Sage is another plant traditionally used for treating sore throat, mainly because it has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. It comes in form of sprays, lozenges or capsules, but it can be also prepared as tea. The tea can be used for drinking or for gargling.
The most famous home remedy
Possibly the most effective and most popular home remedy for sore throat is made from lemon, apple cider vinegar, cayenne pepper and honey. Each of these ingredients has its own properties and they all work together in synergy to heal the throat.
This remedy is made from one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar, a pinch of cayenne, the juice from one quarter of lemon and a teaspoon of honey. The ingredients are added to a cup of hot, but not boiling water is added and stirred thoroughly.
Your thoughts on this
Loading...