Prevent and Cure the Sore Throat
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| Natural Remedy | What experts say about them |
| Zinc (Lozenges) |
 (What's this?)Zinc lozenges relieve the symptoms of a sore throat due to the common cold and flu. Dose: Use lozenges containing 13 to 25 mg of zinc gluconate or acetate. Allow one lozenge to dissolve in the mouth every 2 hours while awake. Start taking the lozenges at the first signs of throat soreness. A commonly reported but mild side effect from using the lozenge is a bad taste in the mouth. Note: Stick with zinc gluconate or acetate; most research studies were done with this form. |
| Sage | Sage shows antiviral activities in animal and lab studies. Mouthwash containing sage is shown to reduce the pain from sore throat. It is popularly used in Europe for treating mouth and throat inflammation. The German Commission E approves its use for sore throat. A recent well-designed clinical study showed that echinacea and sage combination was as effective as using a prescription solution containing chlorhexidine and lidocaine. Dose: Infusion - Use 3 grams of the herb in 150 mL of water or use 3 drops of the essential oil in 100 mL of warm water. Gargle up to three times daily or as often as needed to get relief from sore throat. |
| Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra) |
 Slippery elm lozenges seem to help treat the pain from a sore throat. It is a demulcent, soothing and protecting an irritated mucous membrane. Dose: As a lozenge, follow manufacturer's direction. A typical lozenge contains about 150 mg of slippery elm. |
| Ginger (Zingiber officinale) |
Helpful Ginger is well known for helping with nausea and vomiting in motion sickness. Ginger will also help treat sore throat and pain. Dose: Take 500 mg or use the tea formulation. Use up to four times daily as needed. Click here to see other dosages. |
| Apple Cider Vinegar | Helpful Gargle a solution made with 5 mL (1 teaspoon) of apple cider vinegar in a cup (250 mL) of warm water. |
| Cinnamon Bark | Helpful This bark can reduce the inflammation in the throat and may help provide good relief from pain. Dose: Use mouthwash containing cinnamon bark or the oil. Use as directed by the manufacturer. |
Natural Home Remedies to Enhance the Immune System to Speed Up Healing
The natural remedies listed below do not directly provide pain relief from throat soreness but they boost the immune system. This is a necessary step to allow the mucous membrane in the throat area to heal quickly.Some of the natural remedies also have antiviral and antibacterial properties that can be helpful in killing off the germs that cause throat soreness.
| Natural Remedy | Immune Boosting Natural Remedies that Speeds Up the Healing of a Sore Throat |
| Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea) |
Echinacea is known to boost the immune system. This is helpful in shortening the duration of the sore throat caused by viral or bacterial infections such as the common cold and the flu. A recent well-designed clinical study showed that echinacea and sage combination was as effective as a prescription mouth rinse. Dose: Take 500 mg four times daily of the raw herb on the first day, then use 250 mg four times daily for up to 10 days. Tincture - Use 2 to 4 mL four to six times daily. |
| Vitamin C |  Vitamin C is used for treating and reducing the duration of the common cold and the flu. It is helpful in treating a sore throat as well and can offer support for healing the skin. Dose: Take 1,000 to 3,000 mg (1 to 3 grams) daily. Divide into two doses. Higher doses (megadoses) have been used. Click here to jump to the full review on vitamin C and to get detailed information on megadose therapy. |
| Ginseng | Ginseng is shown to stimulate the immune system and may be helpful in providing relief from the pain of a sore throat by healing the mucous membrane faster. Dose: Take 100 mg daily to prevent catching the cold. Higher dosages have been used. Click here to get the full review and other dosages for ginseng. |
| Garlic | Some clinical studies show that taking garlic regularly seems to reduce the chance of catching the cold and the flu. This herb may be helpful if the sore throat is caused by a viral infection. Dose: Take 200 to 400 mg up to three times daily. |
| Andrographis |
Andrographis stimulates the immune system and increases the activity of germ-fighting white blood cells. It also seems to have anti-allergic activities and can be helpful in throat soreness caused by allergies. Thus, andrographis is useful for treating soreness of the throat due to viruses, bacteria and allergies (hay fever). Dose: Take 400 mg three times daily. |
| Elderberry | Elderberry is a rich source of anthocyanidins, tannins, flavonoids and rutin. These chemical substances are known to benefit and regulate the immune system in our body as well as acting as an antioxidant. Dose: Typical dose used is 15 mL (1 tablespoon) taken up to four times daily. |
| Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) |
Studies show that it can boost the immune system and have a positive effect on the immune cells in our body. Dose: Dosages used to prevent the cold is 4 to 7 grams daily. |
| Cordyceps |  Cordyceps is shown to regulate and boost the immune system. It may be helpful in curing viral and bacterial infections that causes soreness in the throat. Dose: Take 500 mg two or three times daily. |
| Goldenseal | Goldenseal may shorten the duration of a sore throat. It possesses antiviral and immune boosting effects in laboratory studies. Dose: Typical dosage is 4 to 6 grams of the root extract taken up to three times daily. |
| Oil of Oregano | Oil of oregano shows potent activity against viruses and may be helpful in killing off the virus responsible for causing soreness in the throat. Dose: Typical dosage used is 500 mg up to four times daily as per manufacturer directions. |
| Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum) |
In lab studies on cells, boneset seems to boost immune cell functions. It is traditionally used to help cure viral infections and thus, help with soreness of the throat caused by a virus. Dose: Steep 1 to 2 grams of the herb in 150 mL of boiling water. Drink three times daily. Extract (1:1) - Use 1 to 2 mL three times daily. |
| Aniseed Blackberry Blueberry Borage seed oil Forsythia Honeysuckle Stinging nettle Yarrow |
Helpful These following herbs have been traditionally used to treat the symptoms of the common colds. It may be useful for speeding up the healing of a sore throat caused by a viral infection. Some of these herbs have been shown to have antiviral activities and immune boosting activity in lab studies. Others, such as blueberry and blackberry show anti-inflammatory benefits and is traditionally used to treat sore throat, common cold and flu symptoms. |
| Vitamin O | Helpful Since this vitamin is mostly salt water, it may be helpful for treating soreness in the throat. Click here to read the full review before you buy it. |
Facts and Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
What are some symptoms and how long does it last?
Symptoms of
soreness in the throat can include:
- pain in the back of the throat
- pain during swallowing of food or saliva
- scratchy feeling in the back of the throat
- feeling of dryness or a lump
- pain may range from annoying to severe pain
Most
people can easily tell if they have soreness in the throat. It may
feel like it's coming for the entire back of the throat or just
one-sided or on one spot only.
Often soreness in the throat may indicate possible bacterial or viral infections (see table below) so watch out for signs and symptoms such as sinus problems, ear ache, swollen glands (tonsils), post nasal drip, cough and fever.
It may be acute (short-term) or chronic (persistent and long-term).
Acute throat soreness usually last anywhere from three to seven days for most people. Acute throat soreness is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection.
Chronic throat soreness is usually caused by other health problems (see table below).
If it last longer than three weeks, then it may indicate something else such as an allergy problem. Seek medical advice if this is the case.
Often soreness in the throat may indicate possible bacterial or viral infections (see table below) so watch out for signs and symptoms such as sinus problems, ear ache, swollen glands (tonsils), post nasal drip, cough and fever.
It may be acute (short-term) or chronic (persistent and long-term).
Acute throat soreness usually last anywhere from three to seven days for most people. Acute throat soreness is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection.
Chronic throat soreness is usually caused by other health problems (see table below).
If it last longer than three weeks, then it may indicate something else such as an allergy problem. Seek medical advice if this is the case.
What are some common causes of a sore throat?
The two main causes of throat soreness are from viruses and bacteria. By far, viruses cause over 90% of all cases of sore throat.| Viral | Common types and their description |
| Common
Cold & The Flu |
Most
cases (over 90%) of soreness in the throat can be traced to a viral
infection. It is often a result of the common
cold or the flu
(both of which are caused by a virus). Once these viral infections are cured, the throat soreness will resolve completely within 7 days for most people. |
| Mononucleosis (Kissing Disease) | This is a common viral infection causing
soreness in the throat in adults. This condition commonly causes severe
throat pain. |
| Adenoviruses | This
virus can cause sore throat as well as ears and lungs infection.
This infection typically last up to seven days and may also include
symptoms such as runny nose, coughing, diarrhea, vomiting and rashes. |
| Bacterial | Common types and their description |
| Strep Throat | This
is the most common bacteria (Streptococcus) that causes soreness in the
throat. It accounts for up to 10% of all cases. This infection seems to attack children of school age. This condition most likely requires a visit to your family doctor since, in a small percentage of people, they may develop an infection that damages the heart valves (rheumatic fever) or cause other health problems. Antibiotic (usually penicillin) is prescribed to cure this infection. |
| Gonorrhea | This
sexually transmitted disease (STD) can result from the
gonorrhea bacterial that is
transmitted by an infected person performing fellatio (oral stimulation
of the penis). Antibiotics will
be required to cure this infection. |
| Other non-contagious types | |
| Others Causes | There are numerous possible causes for a
sore throat. If bacterial or
viral infections are ruled out, below is a list of other causes of
throat soreness.
Many of these causes tend to cause chronic, reoccurring and persistent (usually low-grade) sore throat. |
What are some of the best home remedies for treating a sore throat?
In addition to
using natural remedies, here are some helpful home remedy tips
and
suggestions you can also try to get pain relief from throat soreness.
-
Gargle with lukewarm salt water. Mix about 1 teaspoon of table salt in a cup (250 mL) of water and gargle several times a day.
-
Drink water to prevent dehydration. Avoid acidic juices and soda beverages.
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Quit smoking.
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If it's due to the cold or flu, get sufficient rest to allow your body (and throat) to heal.
-
Humidify the room you sleep in with a cool mist or warm mist humidifier. (A warm mist humidifier tends to heat the room up.) 30% to 50% humidity is the most comfortable range and closer to the 50% humidity provides the best comfort.
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Eat light meals and drink soup that is not too spicy (although a bit of spice might help to give some relief from pain). Definitely avoid chilly and very spicy foods.
-
Avoid deep-fried foods such as fried chicken and french fries. They can further irritate the throat.
What can I do to prevent a sore throat?
Keeping your immune system in top condition is one of many ways to prevent this from happening. As well the following suggestions can be helpful in preventing you from developing a sore throat from a variety of causes.-
Maintain hygiene by washing hands.
-
Don't share spoons, forks and knives.
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Try to keep your distance with someone who has infections or a sore throat.
-
Get enough rest (to ensure your body and immune system is in a healthy state).
-
Eat nutritious foods and increase intake of fruits and vegetables.
-
Quit smoking.
-
Keep the air you breathe as high quality as possible. Avoid the smoke from smokers and exhaust from vehicles.
-
Keep the humidity (in your bedroom especially) at a comfortable level by using a humidifier. The best range is between 30% and 50% of moisture. During the winter, the humidity in the air you breathe can drop to an uncomfortable level (below 30%). Buy a humidity monitor if necessary to find out.
- If you have allergies (hay fever), consider investing in an air filter for your bedroom (at least) that uses a HEPA filter. This will keep the air in the room as clean as possible.
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References
Revised: December 26, 2009
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