Sore Throat Causes, Symptoms & Natural Treatment

A sore throat (or pharyngitis) is an inf lammation of the pharynx—the area of the throat between the back of the nose and the beginning of the trachea and vocal cords. It is usually caused by infection, which can be viral or bacterial in origin.

A sore throat is a feature of illnesses such as tonsillitis and may also signal the onset of glandular fever, f lu, or scarlet fever. If scarlet fever is not treated with antibiotics it may lead to rheumatic f lu or kidney failure. Inf lammation of the throat can also be caused by heavy smoking or drinking, abuse of gargles or mouthwashes, general vitamin deficiency, or food allergy; it can also be a symptom of blood disorders such as anemia.

A sore throat will usually resolve itself in a few days, but infection, accompanied by high fever and malaise, may take up to three weeks. Streptococcal sore throat, or strep throat, is an inf lammation of the throat and tonsils caused by bacteria and is the most common type of strep infection. Onset is usually sudden and is accompanied by pain, redness, and swelling in throat tissues, pus on the tonsils, fever, headache, and malaise. If left untreated, strep throat can lead to rheumatic fever.

Symptoms 
• hoarseness and thirst
• pain, causing difficulty in swallowing
• possibly a burning sensation
• slight fever
• enlarged and tender lymph nodes in the neck
• possibly earache

TREATMENT 

Ayurveda
Dasamoola rasayna, an oral syrup, will treat a sore throat. Crush a piece of root ginger to extract the juice, and add to a tablespoon of honey and 3 tablespoons of lime. Sip four times a day.

Chinese Herbalism 
Yin Qiao Jie du Pian pills, for a sore throat accompanied by flu symptoms, swollen lymph nodes, and headaches. Sang Ju Gan Mao Pian or Sang Ju Yin Pian, for a sore throat with symptoms of cold. Liu Wei di Huang Wan, for Kidney Yin-Deficient sore throat. Also for chronic dry sore throat, with hot palms and soles, and night sweats. Honeysuckle tea may be useful. 

Traditional Home and Folk Remedies 
Gargle with salt water to ease symptoms and reduce inflammation. Apply an apple cider vinegar compress to the throat to ease symptoms. Gargle with honey water, which acts to encourage healing and deal with infection. White cabbage juice is anti-inflammatory and will draw out infection. A hot honey and lemon drink will reduce symptoms and encourage healing.

Herbalism 
Eat fresh garlic whenever possible, to absorb its antibacterial and antiviral properties. A gargle of red sage will help to soothe a sore throat. Golden seal powder, added to a cup of hot water, can be infused and drunk as required. Tincture of calendula can be added to a cup of boiled water for a mouthwash to encourage healing and treat infection. Burdock or comfrey teas will ease the pain. 

CAUTION
Do not take golden seal while pregnant.

Aromatherapy 
A steam inhalation of benzoin, lavender, or thyme will ease the discomfort and help to treat the infection. Massage a little lavender oil, blended in a light carrier oil, into the neck. Dab the throat with diluted tea tree oil on a cotton bud—it is analgesic and fights infection, which will help to ease symptoms and treat the cause.

Homeopathy 
Belladonna, for sore throat accompanied by a red face and fever. Gelsemium, when swallowing is painful, with weakness, exhaustion, pain in the neck and ears. Apis, when the pain is worse on the right side of the body, and improves after cold drinks. Lachesis, when pain is worse on the left side, there is a feeling of constriction, and pain is worse when swallowing saliva but better when swallowing food. Aconite, for a sore throat that comes on suddenly, with a burning throat and swollen tonsils.

Vitamins and Minerals 
• Increase vitamin C intake.
• Suck a zinc lozenge.