Are you looking for natural cures for a sore throat? Often the first sign of a cold coming on is a dry, scratchy throat. How can you make it feel better? Read on to find out.
What Causes A Sore Throat?
It's always due to some kind of infection in the throat area. 90-95 percent are caused by viruses. Flu and cold viruses are the most common culprits. Mononucleosis (mono) may be a suspect as well.
The remaining five to ten percent are caused by bacteria. A bacterial infection is usually more serious than one caused by a virus.
Streptoccocus is a bacteria that causes strep throat. This is a very serious infection that can damage the heart and the kidneys, and also cause pneumonia, scarlet fever, ear infections, tonsillitis, and sinus infections. Strep needs to be treated with antibiotics to kill the infection.
If you or your child has severe throat pain, pain with swallowing, and a high fever, see the doctor as soon as possible. There may or may not be white spots on the throat as well.
Need Relief For A Sore Throat?
These natural remedies help to strengthen the immune system while treating infection at the same time.
Common sage is a wonderful remedy. It has antiseptic and antibiotic properties that are highly recommended by herbalists to help the mouth and throat. You can find it at the produce counter in any grocery store. Sip a tea made with sage and honey to soothe a sore throat while fighting off illness at the same time.
Garlic is well known as an antibacterial and antiviral herb. Crush it and cook it lightly when adding it to dishes to keep its healing powers intact. Or try taking a garlic supplement to prevent colds.
Agrimony and thyme are astringent herbs. They help to shrink swollen tissues, including your mucus membranes. Try adding some fresh thyme leaves to your sage tea. Or add a few drops of agrimony and thyme tinctures to your tea instead.
Lemon balm is a common garden herb with a lemony smell and taste. Most people don't know that it has powerful antiviral properties as well as a pleasant flavor. Try a tea made with lemon balm and honey for quick relief, and to help get rid of the flu as well.
If you do need antibiotics for a bacterial infection, eat plenty of yogurt to replenish your supply of good bacteria. Plain, unflavored yogurt is best. It's less expensive, and you can mix in fresh fruit. If you prefer the flavored varieties, look for the cartons marked "light," which have much less sugar in them.
The next time you need relief for a sore throat, reach for one of these natural cures that helps to heal while soothing the dryness and scratchiness.
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