Sore Throat
holistic Remedy guide
SORE THROAT
When the throat becomes inflamed and irritated due to allergies, dry air, viruses or bacteria.
It can be difficult to distinguish between the various causes of a sore throat. Typically, the most common cause will be a virus that causes the "common cold", which is responsible for roughly 80% of all sore throats. This type of irritated, sore throat is usually gone in a day or two followed by runny nose, sneezing and coughing. A sore throat that is allergy related and presents itself upon waking in the morning and improves throughout the day.
Another cause for a sore throat is a bacterial infection such as the streptococcus bacteria. Symptoms that are usually present with this infection are a sore throat with a fever of 102 or higher, headache, nausea/stomach ache, fatigue. A red tongue and throat with white patches can be observed with possibly tiny red dots on the roof and back of the mouth. If strep throat is suspected a throat culture should be performed to confirm whether it is bacterial. If antibiotics are used, nutritional and supplemental support should be administered at the same time. Studies have shown that those who have taken antibiotics for strep throat within the first 48 hours of onset have an increased risk of antibiotic resistance and recurrent infection.Respiratory issues- shortness of breath
DIETARY HOLISTIC REMEDIES
NOURISHMENT
Licorice Root tea or licorice tincture in water will be soothing and has an anesthetizing effect. It can also act as a natural cough suppressant.
Hot liquids, such as bone broth will always provide a benefit to any respiratory illness, especially sore throats.
Eat foods rich in vitamin C, focus on eating blackberries as their astringent tannins can also help.
Lemon juice shot with grated ginger and garlic has natural antibiotic, antimicrobial properties.
Gargle with warm salt water which will help reduce swelling and increase the pH of your mouth making an alkaline environment to minimize bacteria.
Apple cider vinegar has healing compounds that can kill harmful bacteria.
If sore throat is due to allergies or dry indoor air, consider using a good quality air purifier.
Look into a possible milk allergy if tonsillitis is an issue.
NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS
IMMUNE Support
Zinc lozenges containing at least 12-25 mg of zinc will help to relieve cold symptoms and shorten the illness.
Fenugreek tea can relieve sore throats due to their high mucilage and tannins content.
Slippery Elm supplement is very helpful in soothing a sore throat.
Echinacea should be taken at the first sign of the sore throat to stimulate a stronger immune response.
Essential oils of peppermint and eucalyptus should be rubbed on the throat for relief. Also used on reflexology points around the base of the big toe and the space in between the big toe and the adjacent toe.
Alternative Practitioners & Therapies
Acupuncture- In conjunction with herbal supplements, acupuncture can reduce inflammation and provide some pain relief of a sore throat. It helps in clearing heat from the body and to clear the respiratory tract and strengthen Qi.
Acupressure- There are points that can help speed up the healing and improve circulation to aid in recovery with pain relief For sore throat relief focus on the lung meridian that runs from the tip of the thumb down past the crease of the wrist on the inside edge of the palm.
Chiropractic Adjustments- Spinal adjustments can help in assisting lymphatic flow through proper alignment.
Homeopathy- Homeopathic remedies that are tailored and suited to one's constitution or symptoms can find relief and support the body's healing process.
Belladonna (for sudden sore throat that is red and swollen/ pain may be throbbing and worse with swallowing.)
Apis Mellifica (sore throat accompanied by stinging/burning sensation. Throat may be swollen, red, shiny)
Mercurius Solubilis ( sore throat with excessive saliva/ sensation of rawness/burning. Throat maybe red swollen and in pain extending beyond ears)
Hepar Sulphuris calcareum (sore throats that are extremely sensitive to touch/ sensation of splinter or fishbone lodged in the throat. Pain may extend to ears and worsen in cold air.
Arsenicum Album ( sore throats that are accompanied by a burning sensation/ feeling of thirst and dryness/ pain may be worse at night and improved by warm drinks.
Functional Medicine- Provides a plan to change lifestyle and diet to focus on supporting the immune system to prevent further recurrences.
Reflexology- All 50+ Chinese reflexology points ensure that one covers all of the body's energy meridians and important organs. Reflexology enables you to target areas of the body while also addressing the root imbalances in the body's energy meridians because you are massaging points for the whole body. The holistic approach helps to strengthen and harmonize the body so it can heal itself. Your body knows what to do, sometimes all it needs is a little assistance in the right direction and that is the goal of Chinese reflexology.
When you massage all the reflexology points you get a holistic whole body healing approach to restore balance and harmony.
Energy Medicine
Using methods such as the Body Response Reset Technique™ can aid the body in fighting the pathogen that might be involved in the sore throat or allergy. To learn more about this technique you can find out here.