Symptoms

The classic symptoms of a sore throat include a burning sensation or “scratchiness” in the back of the throat; pain, especially when swallowing; and, perhaps, tenderness along the neck. These symptoms may be accompanied by:

  • Sneezing and coughing.
  • Hoarseness.
  • Runny nose.
  • Mild fever.
  • General fatigue.

Call Your Doctor If

  • you also have a fever higher than 101°F without other cold symptoms; this may indicate a case of strep throat, which needs treatment.
  • you also have flulike symptoms that don’t get better after a few days; this may indicate infectious mononucleosis.
  • any hoarseness lasts longer than two weeks; this could be a sign of throat cancer or oral cancer.
  • your sore throat is accompanied by drooling, or you experience difficulty swallowing or breathing; this may indicate an inflamed epiglottis, the structure that overhangs the opening to the larynx, or an abscess in the back of the throat; these two uncommon conditions require medical attention.

Treatment Options

Most alternative therapies for sore throat are geared toward symptom relief, although some address the cause. A sore throat usually goes away on its own. However, if the pain persists or worsens after a few days, you should see your doctor.

Herbal Beauty

Aromatherapy

To increase blood circulation and improve fluid drainage in sore areas, massage your throat and chest with a lotion made with 2 drops each of eucalyptus globulus (E. globulus) and cypress in 2 tsp of a carrier oil such as vegetable or almond oil.

Herbal Therapies

At the first sign of soreness, take three raw cloves of garlic (Allium sativum) a day. (Garlic is a natural antibiotic and antiseptic.) If garlic smell becomes a problem, try four garlic oil capsules instead. Teas made from either goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) or echinacea (Echinacea spp.) may also be effective. One of the best herbal treatments uses ginger (Zingiber officinale), which is noted for its anti-inflammatory properties. Simmer 2 tsp chopped fresh ginger in water for 20 minutes; breathe in the steam from this tea for five minutes and repeat two or three times a day.

A traditional Native American treatment is drinking a tea made from the inner bark of the slippery elm (Ulmus fulva). Put 2 tsp powdered bark in 1 cup water. Bring to a boil and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes.

Homeopathy

Homeopaths prescribe several remedies for sore throats. Consult a homeopathic practitioner or try those listed here:

If the pain comes on suddenly and is accompanied by great thirst and hoarseness, try Aconite (6c) three times a day.

If the pain comes on suddenly and is accompanied by fever, headache, and restlessness, use Belladonna (6c) three times a day.

If your sore throat has come on gradually and is accompanied by fatigue, try Ferrum phosphoricum (6c) three times a day.

If the back of your throat is red and swollen and the pain is relieved by cold water or ice, try Apis (6c) three times a day.

If your sore throat is accompanied by flulike symptoms, extreme sluggishness, and weakness, use Gelsemium (6c) three times a day.

Nutrition and Diet

At the first sign of soreness, take 500 to 6,000 mg of vitamin C daily to help fight the cold or other viral infection causing it. CAUTION: Unless your body is accustomed to megadoses of vitamin C, it cannot absorb more than about 1,000 mg every two hours; the excess will be passed off in your urine or, in some cases, result in diarrhea.

Home Remedies

  • Get plenty of rest and drink a lot of fluids.
  • Suck on a zinc lozenge (consult a nutritionist for dosages). Zinc can relieve sore throats and other cold symptoms but may cause nausea if taken on an empty stomach.
  • To help relieve the pain, apply a warm heating pad or compress to your throat. You can also try a warm chamomile poultice: Mix 1 tbsp dried chamomile (Matricaria recutita) into 1 or 2 cups boiling water; steep for five minutes, then strain. Soak a clean cloth or towel in the tea, wring it out, then apply to your throat. Remove the cloth when it becomes cold. Repeat as often as necessary.

Try steam inhalations to ease the pain. Run very hot water in a sink. With a towel draped over your head to trap the steam, lean over the sink while the water is running. Breathe deeply through your mouth and nose for five to 10 minutes. Repeat several times a day.

Homemade Gargles

To wash away mucus and irritants and bring relief from the pain of a sore throat, try any of the following gargles:

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