There are many causes of a sore throat, but the most common are colds, flu, strep infection and sinus drainage, especially if the sinuses are infected. Sometimes, too much talking or singing will cause the throat to be sore.
Coughs may be due to a sore throat and the reason behind it. Bronchitis, dry throat - caused by some medications, asthma, COPD and cystic fibrosis are other reasons for a cough. A cough that produces mucus should not be suppressed unless the coughing keeps you awake all night. A dry cough can and should be safely suppressed.
Cayenne pepper has long been used to quieten pain, no matter where it exist. For this reason, it is a natural choice for a sore throat. Apple cider vinegar has antiviral, anti-fungal and antibacterial properties. This is due to the high malic and acetic acids in the vinegar. Raw, organic apple cider vinegar is best to use for home remedies.
Lemons are rich in vitamin C and flavonoids. The juice of lemons helps the body rid itself of fever by increasing perspiration. Cloves are a spice people associate with pickles and apple pie. Cloves are a good source of vitamin C, an antiseptic, antibacterial agent, anti-inflammatory and anaesthetic.
Marshmallow, or Althea, is an anti-inflammatory that has mucilage in the roots and flowers. This helps the body break up mucus and allows the cough to bring it up from the lungs. It has been used for centuries in treating sore throat, colds, coughs and other upper respiratory infections.
Recipes:
- Make a tea using one tablespoon of dried marshmallow root and/or flowers in eight ounces of boiling water. Allow the tea to steep for 30 minutes, strain, re-heat and drink.
- Mix one-eighth of a teaspoon of cayenne pepper, the juice of one small lemon, one teaspoon of raw honey and one clove. Warm the syrup in a microwave until just before boiling. Allow the clove to steep for several minutes, then remove it. Drink the remaining syrup.
- Mix two tablespoons of raw apple cider vinegar with one-eighth teaspoon of cayenne pepper and one teaspoon of raw honey or grade B maple syrup. Stir and drink.
Honey is a natural antibiotic and natural sweetener that is soothing to a sore throat. For those who can tolerate more heat, adding one-half teaspoon of cayenne pepper will speed the healing.
A small amount of whiskey can be added to the lemon syrup to facilitate sleep.
Gargling with salt water or hydrogen peroxide are two ways to ease a sore throat that is raw from sinus drainage or overuse. Many people find it difficult to gargle, but swallowing a small amount of hydrogen peroxide will do no harm. Salt water, when swallowed, will cause some people to become nauseated.
If a sore throat persists or high fever is involved, consult a physician. Pregnant women should always check with their Ob Gyn before taking an herbal remedies.
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