Sore throat is discomfort and pain in the throat that occurs due to the inflammation in the pharynx. The pharynx is in the back part of the throat and lies between the tonsils and the larynx. Larynx is the voice box.
Most of the problems of sore throat are caused due to any kind of viral infection. The bacteria that are responsible for the viral infection are Group A streptococcus, corynebacterium, gonorrhea, and chlamydia.
The problem of sore throat is more common in winter season and this problem can spread to other members of the family. The problem of sore throat is very bad. It makes a person’s life difficult as he/she finds it difficult to speak and to swallow the food.
There are different types of medicines that are organic and inorganic in nature available for the treatment of sore throats in the form of throat spray, lozenges, teas and tablets. But the one with no side effects and safe to use is the herbal medicine.
12 Herbal Remedies For Sore Throat
Slippery Elm
This herb contains mucilage which converts itself into a gel with the addition of water into it.
This gel acts as a coating for the throat and gives relief from the pain. The limitation with this herb is that it coats the digestive tract also which decreases the absorption rate of other medications.
Licorice Root
The root of licorice is very effective for sore throats. Gargles should be done by boiling licorice in water. If the patient is suffering from sore throats due to the surgery then licorice root solution should be given to the patient. This will give him/her instant relief from the sore throat.
The cough gets reduced by using licorice root solution than by using plain water. Licorice root is available in the form of tea, capsules and licorice extract. The hypertension patients are advised not to take this herb as it increases the blood pressure.
 Sage
Sage leaves add flavor to many dishes and this will help you to get flavor from the food as you will get rid of the problem of swallowing the food. The sage leave can be grown in your herb garden or it can be bought from the market. This herb is available in the form of dried leaves, liquid extracts and sage oil.
It can be taken in the form of capsule, tea or oil. If you are taking it in the form of oil then more than twelve drops of the sage oil should not be taken.Gargles can be done with sage water by adding cider vinegar and honey into it.
Echinacea
The herb Echinacea is also known as andrographis.This herb is available all over India and in Asian countries. In U.S this herb is available in the form of supplements. This herb gives relief from cold and sore throat. It does not have any side effects on human beings but it impairs the fertility of mice.
Raspberry
The leaves of the raspberry plant are very good for the cure of sore throat. You just need to gargle with the leaves of the raspberry. Boil one cup of water and add some dried leaves of raspberry into it and strain the water after ten minutes.
Allow it cool and then gargle with this water to get an immediate relief from sore throat and pain. This herb is good for reducing fever also.
Turmeric
Turmeric herb is a useful herb for sore throat and throat infection. Boil one cup of water and add half spoon of turmeric and half spoon of salt into it. Allow it to cool and gargle with this water thrice a day. This will clear the throat passage. You can also take turmeric mixed hot milk.
Horseradish
This herb was first time used by the Russian’s. This herb is available in the form of dried root powder and capsules.
You can take this herb by mixing one tablespoon of horseradish powder, one tablespoon of honey and half spoon of cloves into a warm glass of water. Drink this preparation sip by sip. You can also gargle with the leftover water to cure sore throat.
Garlic
Garlic contains allicin which helps to kill all the bacteria that causes sore throat. A clove of raw garlic can be chewed or you can suck it like a cough drop. The garlic can be crushed by keeping it into your mouth. The purpose of crushing it here is to discharge its allicin into the mouth.
Thyme
The herb thyme contains thymol which has very good antiseptic properties. The thyme can be used in the form of extract, oil or dried powder.
The dried leaf of thyme when kept in the mouth gives relief from dry cough. This herb is used in many medicines for the treatment of bronchitis’s, dry cough and sore throats.
Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne Pepper acts as a circulatory stimulant and it is one of the ancient herbs for cold, pain in the throat and tonsils. This herb starts giving relief from the very first dose. This herb does not belong to the pepper family but named as pepper because of its strong aroma. It is available in the form of extract, tincture and powder.
Mullein
The herb mullein is a very effective when you are facing chest congestion with sore throat. Gargles can be done by boiling mullein leaves in water.
The leaves of this herb are used to drive out the mucous in the airways. When the air passage is clear then chest will be clear and problem of sore throat will decrease.
Myrrh
The herb myrrh has an antiseptic property which is used to reduce the inflammation of the pharynx. The myrrh can be used for gargles and this herb in available in the form of capsule and powder.
This herb is analgesic in nature which helps to get rid of the pain that occurs in sore throats. This herb is also used for the treatment of gingivitis, ulcers, minor cuts and bruises.
Caution: Please use Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.
