Herbal Remedies For Sore Throat

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The sore throats are usually caused due to viral infection. Although they cause considerable uneasiness and discomfort to the person, they usually reduce on their own. However, the infection caused by streptococcus is quite serious. In case, you are suffering from a severe throat infection (more than 7 days) it is advisable to consult a doctor and get tested for streptococcus.

There are a lot of herbal remedies to treat sore throat and most of these herbs help in reducing the symptoms and are mucilaginous, soothing and antibacterial too. Brewing tea with these herbs is the best way to use them. Most of these herbs are available at natural health stores and supermarkets.

The herbs can be differentiated based on their actions and are divided into four categories. Firstly, consider the specific symptoms and then blend together the herbs that are suitable for you.

Demulcent Herbs

They are slippery in nature and aids in coating the mucous membranes, which brings instant respite to the dry and itchy throat. Slippery elm, licorice and marshmallow are some of the demulcent herbs.

Slippery Elm

The gruel made from this herb is used in the treatment. The powdered slippery elm (1 tbsp) is placed in a pint jar containing hot water (1/4 cup). Once the mix is blended completely, use lukewarm water to fill the jar. Stir and drink the concoction. Besides being nutritive, this gruel is digestible easily and hence it is used by those, who are not able to consume normal foods.

Licorice

This demulcent root is wonderfully soothing and helps in treating varied flu and cold symptoms including bronchitis, cough and sore throats. It is readily available as tea bags or you can purchase the root of this herb. You can prepare the tea by using 5 – 71/2 inch licorice root pieces. Place them in water (3 cups) and bring it to boil. Simmer for about ½ an hour on low flame.

Strain and drink the warm tea as needed. However, it is suggested not to use during nursing or if you are pregnant. Also, people with diabetes and hypertension must use the herb cautiously. The root also has anti-viral properties and is used for cold sores as well. Licorice is quite effective in treating coughs, colds and sore throats.

Marshmallow

You can prepare tea using marshmallow. Simply put marshmallow root (1/4 cup) in a jar. Fill it with lukewarm water and allow it to sit for about 4 hours. This brew will become slippery and more mucilaginous with time.

Strain and drink when desired. You can decoct the marshmallow root by boiling it for 20 minutes. The herb is anti-microbial and stimulates phagocytosis – a vital function of the immune system.

Astringent Herbs

The pores present in the mucous membranes is tightened with these herbs. Besides reducing the swelling and inflammation, they keep out further infection. Red clover, sage and horehound are some of the astringent herbs.

Sage

Sage tea is effective in soothing a sore throat. This popular kitchen spice is being used for hundreds of years in treating a number of ailments including sore throats. Place crumbled sage leaf (1 Tbsp) in a cup. Pour boiling water (8 oz.) and then infuse for 30 minutes. Strain and drink the tea mixed with lemon and honey.

Horehound

This intense tasting herbal plant is used to treat coughs and sore throats. A tablespoon of horehound is placed in a cup and covered with hot water (8 oz.). It is allowed to steep for about twenty minutes. You can add honey to the tea, as it tastes bitter.

You can also prepare a sweeter blend known as horehound syrup using horehound flowering tops (1/2 cup), water (2 cups) and local raw honey (2 cups). Place the herb in a jar with boiling water. Allow it to sit for about 2 – 4 hours and strain. Gently re-warm the brew and mix honey in the tea. You could use this syrup by keeping it in the fridge for a month.

Antimicrobial Herbs

These herbs help in eliminating pathogens. Goldenseal root, ginger, garlic, bee balm and cottonwood buds come under this category. These herbs are taken infused in honey. Besides being antimicrobial, honey is soothing as well.

Garlic

Garlic mixed with honey is comforting to the throat. It is also anti-microbial. You can prepare this spicy and sweet treat by filling a container with minced garlic (freshly pounded) and honey. Stir the mixture well and use it as required. Garlic has a drying tendency, which is avoided by honey.

Ginger

This warming herb is used by people suffering from flu and colds. It is also a stimulating diaphoretic and helps in eliminating the heat from the body. The herb is highly effective against streptococcus spp., Staphylococcus, salmonella spp., and Escherichia coli. It is also anti-inflammatory and circulatory stimulant. You can take this herb in the form of tea, ginger honey or the dried or fresh ginger can be used in vegetables and meats.

Lymphatic Herbs

These herbs help in stimulating the movement of lymph. It is quite effective in dealing with swollen lymph glands and sore throat. Mullein, burdock root, red root, calendula flowers and Echinacea are examples of such herbs.

Mullein Leaves

This herb works wonders on the complete respiratory system. It is especially useful, when the lymph glands are swollen and there is painful coughing. The tea is prepared by filling a pot with mullein leaves and then covering it up with boiled water. Allow it to sit for 4 hours and then strain and use it.

Echinacea

This herb is effective in treating swollen lymph glands. Echinacea helps in the movement of lymph, so that the immune system could do a better job.

Red Root

This incredible lymphatic herb is used in the tincture form and can be effectively combined with Echinacea.

Cayenne Pepper

Add cayenne pepper (1/2 tsp), salt (1/2 tsp) and boiling water (1 cup) stir well and rinse your throat with the warm mixture for about a minute. This helps in improving the circulation and eliminates the infection as well. The herb numbs the nerves in the throat and the warm water and salt soothe the pain and rinse away the toxins and bacteria.

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