A sore throat is an unpleasant symptom to deal with, but artificial medications only serve to mask the pain and in some cases may do more harm than good. Thankfully there are quite a few natural remedies available to help you deal with that scratchy, sore feeling in your throat. Here are some of the best options available.
One option that has been relied upon for centuries is green tea. Green tea is an antioxidant than helps the body fight of disease by preventing some of the cellular reactions that can contribute to infection. The bacteria that lead to a sore throat will be killed off by this natural remedy. If the tea is heated, this also makes the tea feel soothing as it runs down your throat. It is recommended that you drink between 1 and 4 cups daily in order to help you with your sore throat. If you do not react pleasantly to caffeine, there are caffeine free varieties that will not lead to these unpleasant effects.
Garlic breath is certainly not going to make you the most popular person in town, but garlic can do quite a bit to help you out with your sore throat. Viruses, bacteria, and fungi do not react well to the presence of garlic. Not only will it help you with your current infection, it will help prevent future infections by giving your immune system a boost. Between 2 and 5 cloves in a day is recommended. Minced raw garlic in your soup, dressings, or pastas will add flavor to your meal while helping you with your sore throat. Raw garlic is more effective than cooked or powdered garlic.
Berry leaves are another excellent option. Teas made from the leaves of strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries can be very effective in fighting off a sore throat. This is because berry leaves contain tannins which help to fight off infection. As with green tea, the heat from the tea also helps soothe the symptoms. Between 2 and 4 cups a day is a useful dosage. If possible, look for organic tea so that there are no pesticides present. Women who are pregnant and people who are allergic to berries should not use this method.
A root known as Astragalus has been used in China for centuries because of its ability to fight off infections. It may also be helpful for use on sore throats. The herb works by giving strength to the immune system in order to help it fight off the disease that is causing the sore throat. Many studies have been conducted to test its ability to provide a boost to the immune system, and they have returned positive results. One 500 milligram capsule 2 to 3 times a day is the suggested dosage for this root. It is a great option for most people, but if you suffer from an autoimmune disease it should be avoided.
The Australian tree plan is used in the production of tea tree oil. Tea tree oil kills off bacteria, fungi, and viruses by helping the body increase the production of white blood cells. This helps your body to fight off the infection that leads to the unpleasant feeling of a sore throat. Tea tree oil also helps to alleviate the pain associated with a sore throat as well. Scientific studies found that tea tree oil killed off strains of Staphylococcus bacteria that have become resistant to antibiotics.
Calendula is an herb which can be found in a spray form. It is made from the orange petals of a flower. This herb offers rapid relief of symptoms caused by a sore throat. It is known to bring down the swelling of a sore throat and it may be useful in combating the infection as well. The alcohol derivatives that are present in Calendula are responsible for its soothing effect. The dosage varies so follow the instructions.