Sore Throat

Sore throat means the inflammation of the pharynx (back of the throat). It occurs normally when a person has a cold or an attack of influenza. Strep throat is an infection of the pharynx, caused by group A streptococcus bacteria, while sore throat may be a viral or a bacterial infection. Strep throat is common amongst children and teenagers, between the ages of 5 to 15.

Sore Throat Symptoms:
Pain, irritation of throat and fever:
In acute sore throat,the patient complains of pain, irritation and inflammation in the throat - followed by chills, fever, and some hoarseness or laryngitis.

Lymph glands turn out to be swollen and tender:
The lymph glands along the sides of the neck may turn out to be swollen and tender. The back of the throat may develop into very red and even covered with a grayish-white membrane. The patient may experience obscurity in swallowing, especially during the acute stage. There may also be some postnatal discharge if the inflammation has stretch to the nasal passages.
In addition to the above talk about symptoms some of the symptoms of strep throat are difficulty in swallowing, headache, rash, stomach pain and so on. But having all these symptoms does not essentially mean that your child is suffering from strep throat.

Sore Throat Causes:
Common cold and influenza:
The major causes of a sore throat are common cold and influenza. Other causes include sinusitis, measles, diphtheria and even leukaemia in uncommon cases.


Sore Throat Remedies:
Sore Throat treatment with Mango Bark:
Mango bark is effective in the treatment of a sore throat and other throat disorders. Its fluid, which is extracted by grinding, can be applied nearby with beneficial results and can also be used as a throat gargle. This gargle is made by mixing 10 ml of the fluid extract with 125 ml of water.

Sore Throat remedy via Belleric Myroblan:
The herb "belleric myroblan" is an expensive sore throat remedy. A mixture of two grams of the pulp of the fruit, a quarter teaspoon of salt, half a teaspoon of powdered long pepper and two teaspoons of honey must be managed in the treatment of this condition. The fried fruit can also be roasted after wrapping it with wheat flour, and used as a cure for a sore throat.

Sore Throat treatment with Bishop's Weed:
Bishop's weed is precious for sore throat treatment. An infusion of the seeds mixed with common salt can be used helpfully as a gargle in an acute condition caused by a cold.

Sore Throat treatment with Cinnamon:
Cinnamon is considered as an effective remedy for a sore throat resulting from a cold. One teaspoon of roughly powdered cinnamon, boiled in a glass of water with a pinch of pepper powder, and two teaspoons of honey can be taken as a medicine in the treatment of this situation. Two or three drops of cinnamon oil, mixed with a teaspoon of honey, also give vast relief.

Sore Throat remedy with Fenugreek Seeds:
A gargle prepared from fenugreek seeds has been found to be a very useful remedy for treating a sore throat. To prepare this gargle, two tablespoons of fenugreek seeds should be put in a litre of cold water and permitted to simmer for half an hour over a low flame. This should then be allowed to cool to a bearable temperature, strained, and then used totally as a gargle.

Sore Throat cure with Henna:
The leaves of henna are helpful as a sore throat cure. A decoction of the leaves can be used as a gargle for this reason.

Sore Throat cure via Holy Basil:
The leaves of holy basil have also been found helpful in the in curing sore throat. Water boiled with basil leaves can be used as a drink, and also used as a gargle to relieve a sore throat.

Sore Throat remedy with Kantakari:
The herb kantakari is a precious in sore throat remedy. An extract of the plant should be used as a gargle for this reason. This extract is prepared by constantly boiling the plant in about two litres of water after washing it thoroughly.

Sore Throat treatment via Liquorice:
Liquorice is a well-known home remedy for sore throat in all parts of India. A small piece of raw liquorice should he chewed or sucked for treating this situation. The healing property of the herb soothes inflammation speedily.

Sore Throat remedy with Tea Decoction:
A decoction made from tea leaves is very helpful in the treatment of a sore throat. This decoction, mixed with a little bit of salt, should be used as a gargle. It can be used two or three times daily for acquiring relief. It is not essential to use fresh leaves for this purpose. Boiling water can be discharge over used tea leaves in the tea jug and this decoction can be used as a gargle.

Sore Throat treatment via Tamarind:
Tamarind is also helpful in the treatment of sore throat. Tamarind water must be used as a gargle. A powder of the dry leaves and an infusion of the bark can also be used for preparation of a gargle for curing sore throat.


Sore Throat Diet:
All-fruit diet:
A person suffering from a sore throat should fast on orange juice and water for three to five days, depending on the severity of the situation. When the severe symptoms collapse, the patient may adopt an all-fruit diet for three or four further days.

Well-balanced diet:
Thereafter, he may adopt a well-balanced diet, with importance on seeds, nuts, grains, raw vegetables, and fresh fruit.


Sore Throat treatment: Other Proposals
Warm-water enema and wet pack:
During the initial juice and water fast, the bowels should be cleansed every day with a warm-water enema. This should be done twice daily in more severe cases. A wet pack should be applied to the throat at two-hourly gaps during the day, and one at night. The process is to wring out some linen cloth in cold water, wrap it two or three times around the affected part, and cover it with flannel. Gargles may be done many times.

Hot Epsom salts bath and exercises:
A hot Epsom salts bath, taken every day during this period, will be highly helpful. Dry friction, deep breathing, and other exercises should form part of the every day health regimen.

(article by: Devika)