Throat problems are often an indication of infection, so prompt action early on can help prevent it developing more seriously.

Sore Throat

A sore throat (pharyngitis) is inflammation of the pharynx, the area at the back of the mouth. The term is also used to cover inflammation of the adenoids, tonsils (tonsillitis), and the voice box or larynx (laryngitis). Laryngitis is characterized by hoarseness and loss of voice. If the soreness is not obviously caused by shouting too loudly, it may be a sign of infection.

Throat Homeopathy

For inflammation and pain: belladonna 30c, hepar sulf 6c, arsenicum album 6c, or apis 6c. For tightness: lachesis 6c, lycopodium 6c, or phytolacca 6c.

Throat Nutritional and herbal therapies

Herbal Beauty

Gargling provides immediate relief. Choose from sea salt in warm water; cider vinegar, honey, and lemon; red sage; thyme; propolis; echinacea; or spilanthas. Or chew licorice root or suck tablets of slippery elm. Garlic and echinacea extract boost immunity. Teas of marshmallow, elderflower, and catmint alleviate symptoms and promote recovery. Vitamins A, E, and C with bioflavonoids and zinc, and fish oil (EPA) boost immunity.

Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis is almost always caused by an infection, but also by viruses. Symptoms are a sore, red, swollen throat, fever, headache, swollen neck glands, and a dry cough.

Tonsillitis Homeopathy

For infected tonsils, difficulty in swallowing, and discharge: mercurius solubilis 30c. For fever with bad breath: mercurius solubilis 30c. For sudden attack with fever, swelling, and stiff neck: belladonna 30c. One tablet every hour for 12 hours, followed by one three times daily for two days, is recommended. Individual prescription is advised in cases of recurrent tonsillitis.

Tonsillitis Herbal and dietary therapies

Bed rest and taking plenty of fluids is recommended, especially diluted fruit juices, warm broths, and light soups. To ease the pain, gargle with tea made from a teaspoonful of powdered ginger (it will also promote sweating). Neat tincture of golden seal, sprayed onto the tonsils with a small hand-spray, will promote rapid healing, and powdered root of licorice dissolved in warm water and drunk will help relieve coughing. An alternative is gargling with and then drinking a tea of 1 oz (30 g) of fresh red sage (ordinary sage will also do), or a cup of hot water mixed with a few drops of grapefruit seed extract.

Shouting can cause a sore throat by inflaming the larynx, but the more usual cause is inflammation from an infection.

CAUTION Recurrent infection damages the tonsils by building up scar tissue and can lead to a dangerous condition, particularly in young children, known as quinsy, in which the throat threatens to close completely and prevent breathing. In this situation immediate medical help is essential.

Antibiotics are advisable in cases of severe bacterial—but not viral—infection. A course of antibiotics should always be followed by a course of probiotics (acidophilus or bifidophilus with plain, live yogurt) to replace the healthy bacteria destroyed.

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