Pharyngitis or sore throat is caused due to the inflammation of the throat. Pharyngitis is generally caused by a viral or bacterial infection. It also results from exposure to irritants in the air. Sore throat often results from having contracted influenza or cold. Natural cures can soothe the throat and heal the infection. Herbs which can cure pharyngitis include Panax Ginseng, Garlic, Echinacea, Myrrh, Slippery Elm, Marshmallow and Andrographis.
Natural cures for pharyngitis also comprise citrus fruits, lemon juice and honey. Some of the best natural cures for this condition are very simple such as rest and a salt water gargle. Natural cures can heal this condition remarkably fast. In this article, most of the best natural cures for pharyngitis will be discussed.
9 Excellent Natural Cures For Pharyngitis
Honey
Honey is a natural antiseptic and it cures the bacterial or viral infection causing the sore throat. Honey is also a natural hypertonic osmotic which soothes the inflammation of the throat. As inflammation is the cause of pharyngitis, honey is a very useful natural cure for this problem.
Honey can be taken first thing in the morning to clear the throat and cure the infection. A spoon full of honey can also be added to hot water and consumed for good outcomes. Honey can also be taken with a dash of Ginger and some lime juice to cure a sore throat resulting from a cold.
Citrus Fruits High In Vitamin C
Fruits which are high in vitamin C are a particularly effective natural cure for this condition. Citrus fruits such as oranges, grapefruits and grapes are very helpful in clearing a sore throat. Vitamin C is an antioxidant and it also increases the immunity of the body and its ability to ward off infections such as colds which are associated with sore throats.
Pharyngitis can be cured by consuming these citrus fruits or drinking their juice. You can heat the juice a little before ingesting it for good outcomes.
Lemon
Lemon is a vegetable but it is also a popular home remedy for colds and sore throats. Lemon is rich in vitamin C which enhances the ability of the human body to ward off infections. Lemon pieces can be roasted in the pan till they ripen and they can then be eaten along with some salt and pepper.
This home remedy works instantaneously and it not only cures the pharyngitis, it also makes the person more resilient to future infections of the throat. Lemon has been proved by researchers to be a great cure for cold related pharyngitis. You can also squeeze the juice of a lemon and consume it along with some honey for beneficial outcomes.
Salt Water Gargle
Gargling with saline water is a good way to kill the bacteria or virus causing pharyngitis. Gargling many times in the day with saline water can thin the mucous and ease the congestion and inflammation causing the sore throat. The heat of this salty solution also destroys the harmful bacteria which were causing the throat inflammation.
You should use about half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of water. Gargling also soothes the throat and flushes out the irritants or germs which are causing the sore throat.
Soups And Broths
Warm liquids such as broths and soups can also ease the congestion and inflammation in the throat and heal pharyngitis. You can make chicken soup as this is highly nutritious and strengthening as well. Sodium in the chicken soup gives it anti-inflammatory properties. This can bring down the swelling in the throat and cure the pharyngitis. For vegetarians, some raw ingredients you can use for your soup or broth include carrots, broccoli, spinach and celery.
These vegetables are very rich in nutrients such as folate, folic acid, vitamins and potassium which nourish the body and increase its ability to ward off infection induced pharyngitis. Soups and broths also ease the pain in the throat and are an ideal natural cure for conditions such as pharyngitis.
Garlic
Allium Sativum is the botanical name of this herb. Garlic is rich in ingredients such as allicin and alliin which give this herb antioxidant and antibacterial properties, both of which are effective in curing pharyngitis. Ajoene is a substance found in Garlic which also gives this herb antioxidant properties. It also makes Garlic antimicrobial and antiviral. So if a bacterial infection, cold or flu is the cause of the sore throat, Garlic can work wonders for you.
Garlic cloves can be crushed and eaten raw or added to salads and dishes as seasoning and consumed. You can also try Garlic juice for beneficial results. For those unable to stand the pungent smell of raw Garlic, Garlic tablets are also available and can be taken for benefits.
Echinacea
Echinacea Augustifolia or Purple Cone Flower is a herb which has the ability to boost the immunity and guard against diseases. This herb also displays antibacterial properties. Due to these reasons, Echinacea is a very good herbal cure for pharyngitis. Echinacea extract or supplements can be taken for curing a sore throat.
Echinacea increases the amount of white blood cells in the human body thereby generating a resistance to future infections as well as the ability to fight back against infectious conditions such as pharyngitis. Echinacea tea can also be taken for making a person healthy and helping him or her fend off pharyngitis.
Slippery Elm
Ulmus Fulva is the Latin name by which this herb is also known. Slippery Elm contains mucilage which makes this herb an ideal cure for pharyngitis. This is because this herb’s mucilage which is a gel like substance coats the throat and protects the lining of the throat from bacteria or virus.
It does this by preventing the infection causing pathogen from attaching itself to the lining of the throat. Slippery Elm tea can be brewed from the root of this herb for quick relief from the sore throat. Slippery Elm is also used to make throat lozenges. These can be purchased from health stores and consumed for curing pharyngitis.
Marshmallow
Marshmallow is known botanically as Althea Officinalis. Marshmallow is a mucilaginous herb which makes it a good natural cure for throat conditions such as pharyngitis. Marshmallow also contains mucilage and this forms a protective layer over the throat and prevents the infectious virus or bacteria from multiplying in the throat.Marshmallow can be taken in the form of a supplement. You can also dissolve the tincture or extract of this herb in hot water and use it for gargling. This will relieve the throat and ease the condition. You can also drink Marshmallow tea for beneficial outcomes.
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.