Sore Throat

What you need to know

Sore throats (pharyngitis) often occur at the first sign of a cold and respond well to complementary medicine. Prevention by keeping immune system in good order is normally advisable. Sore throats can be caused by: viral infection, inflammation, tonsillitis, dehydration, or overuse of the voice. Recurrent and chronic sore throats may be caused by smoking, excessive alcohol use, repeated vomiting (as in bulimia), or even by a Hiatus hernia.

The most useful Supplements:

If you can swallow supplements when you have a sore throat, then you need to concentrate on boosting immune function, so that your body can effectively fight off the infection.

Antioxidant complex	1 to 2 capsules per day
Beta Carotene	30mg to 60mg per day
Multivitamin and mineral	Hi-potency product 1-2 times per day
Vitamin A	20,000iu to 30,000iu - but only with your doctors approval if you are pregnant
Vitamin C with Bioflavanoids	1gm every 2 hours
Zinc lozenges	2 every 3 to 4 hours

Propolis lozenges are also very effective.

The most useful Herbs:

Supporting immune function is vitally important. Liquid preparations or tinctures are easier to take. Also look out for herbal yeast elixirs which are very helpful at boosting the system.

Most useful taken 1gm to 3gm of any single herb or a combination 3 to 4 times a day:

Slippery elm and Tea Tree lozenges are also very effective.

There are many useful herbs to use as a gargle. - Use 3 tspns per cup of boiling water, cover, stand for 10 mins, strain and use as hot as comfortable. Repeat every hour.

• Echinacea
• Lady's mantle
• rosemary
• Sage
• Thyme

Homoeopathy

Homoeopathic remedies appropriate to this condition include:

• Belladonna
• Causticum
• Lachesis
• Phytolacca

Aromatherapy

Essential oils used in a fragrancer or used externally (diluted in a base oil or cream and massaged onto the throat) can also help:

• Myrrh
• Sandalwood
• Tea tree - this can also be used as a gargle (3 drops to a glass of hot water)

Dietary changes that may be beneficial:

Nutritional changes based around supporting the immune system can help to prevent sore throats. If you have a sore throat the following may help:

• Drink lots of water - at least 6 large glasses a day. Make a drink of hot water, a dessert spoon of honey and the juice of half a lemon and sip slowly. Take it 4 times a day.
• For an acute sore throat, especially when accompanied by a fever, a 24 hour fast raw fruit and fruit juice fast will give the immune system a boost. Fresh pineapple and pineapple juice contain healing enzymes and other tropical fruit like mangoes, paw-paws and guavas are particularly beneficial.
• Especially comforting for children are iced lollies made with a 50/50 mixture of water and pure pineapple juice.

Other useful advice:

A thin cotton cloth soaked in cold water and squeezed, to remove excess moisture, should be wrapped around the neck and throat for 20 minutes, three times a day.

Reflexology and Yoga may also be useful at soothing the throat.

If you use your voice professionally and keep getting sore throats and laryngitis, consult an experienced voice expert or speech therapist, who will be able to teach you the most efficient way of using your voice without causing strain on the vocal cords.

If you have repeated sore throats, see the section on immune support or visit a naturopath for long-term nutritional advice.

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This information is licensed for use by Wellbeing Information Systems Ltd ("WIS"), and protected by international copyright law. All rights are reserved. (email info@wisinfo.co.uk). The information provided by WIS is for guidance only. Whilst it is based upon the expert advice of leading professionals, and extensive research, it is not a substitute for diagnosis by a qualified professional. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist or qualified practitioner before making any changes or additions to prescribed medication.