Sore throats are common occurrences during season changes. In addition to allergies, pollution, dry air, cold and flu and other medical conditions can cause a sore throat. The itching and burning sensation can be mild to miserable.
Most sore throats are caused by viral infections, therefore conventional medicines to treat bacterial infections are ineffective and unnecessary. Since viral infections take their own course of time to disappear, what you need to do is work on the symptoms of sore throat and get pain relief. There are a number of home remedies that can soothe your sore throat and make you feel comfortable.
The immediate and easiest way to reduce the impact of sore throat is to do saltwater gargling, inhale steam and drink lots of fluid. You must do these things, and in particular, make sure you drink a lot of water. All these measures will increase moisture in the throat that helps to reduce pain by clearing the throat.
Another commonsense approach for getting out faster from any ailment is to take rest. yet, how many of us follow this age old fact. We are all busy people in search of happiness and peace through material ways. We just can't afford the time spent on taking rest. We believe it is a waste of time. But, rest is a must. If you had sufficient rest, you would perhaps have not got sore throat. Now since you have got it, take a rest. It will heal faster.
In addition to the above, you can do the following to increase your immunity and reduce pain. We will be focusing on the things you can do to calm your sore throat.
1. Peppermint Oil
You can kill tow birds with one stone. Peppermint oil will help you to not only reduce your pain but also will get rid of the bad breath caused by the sore throat. Peppermint possess both antibacterial and antiviral capabilities in addition to the anti-inflammatory properties. The menthol in peppermint helps to thin down the phlegm and clear the throat. So, whether your sore throat is because of any bacterial infection or a viral infection, peppermint will help reduce pain and discomfort.
Peppermint spray or lozenges can be used. Peppermint spray will produce better results.
2. Marshmallow Roots
Marshmallow roots are very effective in curing sore throat.
It contains antioxidant flavonoids 8-hydroxyluteolin and 8-b-gentiobioside, phenolic acids, Mucilage (arabinogalactans and galacturonorhamnan), the amino acid asparagines, , coumarins, fats, kaempferol , quercetin, sugars, tannins, and volatile oil.
Its usefulness has been scientifically proven, and it has been approved by the German Commission E in the treatment of inflammation of the gastric mucosa, and for irritation of the oral and pharyngeal mucosa.
Buy marshmallow roots from a reputed supplier. Add a few roots in a cup of boiling water to prepare tea. Strain, cool and sip the marshmallow root tea slowly to get best results.
3. Licorice Roots
Licorice roots containing many different flavonoids and various plant estrogens (phytoestrogens) is a very powerful herb. It also glycyrrhizin (which is 50 times sweeter than sugar) is very beneficial for many conditions including sore throat relief. It eases congestion and coughing by helping to loosen and thin mucus in airways. Licorice also helps to relax bronchial spasms and soothes soreness in the throat and fights viruses that cause respiratory problems by overproduction of mucus.
Glycyrrhizin in licorice roots is a double edged sword, so use the herb in small quantities for a shorter period of time. On one side the occasional use of licorice roots for a couple of weeks to take care of sore throat works well, but on the other side a long term use can cause salt and water retention and reduce potassium levels in the blood. This can lead to high blood pressure and other heart problems.