Sore throat remedies

Everyone wants to get rid of the sore throat as soon as possible. The pain, inflammation and the discomfort makes it difficult to eat and swallow. The voice becomes deeper and it takes extra effort to try to speak well. Sore throat is the most common medical condition that can be caused by a number of factors. It could occur because of different viral or bacterial attacks. Influenza and cold viruses and streptococcus bacteria are the most common culprits behind this painful condition. The viral throat infections are less severe than the bacterial or streptococcal infections.  Soreness of throat due to bacterial infection is more severe and painful.

For the treatment of bacterial throat infections doctors prescribe antibiotics, but for viral infections antibiotics cannot help. During viral throat infections anti-inflammatory and analgesic medicines are prescribed.

Herbalists have been using different kinds of herbs, teas and decoctions as sore throat remedies everywhere in the world for centuries. In the subcontinent (today’s India, Bangladesh and Pakistan) Glycyrrhiza glabra has been used as a remedy to cure sore throat, cough and flu since time immemorial. The juices of date flowers, coconut flower, wild date flower, palm fruit flower; or water with some flowers simmered is used for gargling to treat sore throat. A decoction made with the roots of pomegranate is also used. Gargling with this decoction gives relief from throat pain and inflammation. Wood apple or elephant apple are also used to cure the sore throat. Fenugreek seeds tea and black tea are also used in this part of the world.  Grown primarily in eastern region of North America, slippery elm has been used here for centuries to cure sore throat. The mucilage of the bark of the tree reduces the inflammation and soothes the throat. Licorice roots are also one of the well-known sore throat remedies. Sweet in taste, this herb is used as an important ingredient in teas that soothe the throat and make the recovery speedier.

Marshmallow root tea has been recommended by herbalists in Europe and North America.

In China one of the very popular sore throat remedies is honeysuckle flower. Its tea is used to cure sore throat.

Some sore throat remedies are common in all parts of the world. One of the most popular and most effective remedy is salty warm water gargle. Honey has marvelous healing properties. That is why many of the sore throat remedies include honey. It is also used as a home remedy in the whole world. A drink made from hot water with honey and lemon juice is taken several times a day to boost immune system, give strength and provide warmth to the body and alleviate the symptoms.  One of the best natural anti-bacterial agents, garlic, helps a lot if the sore throat is caused by streptococcus or any other bacteria. It kills the infectious bacteria and makes the recovery faster.

Different types of herbal remedies are used in the whole world to get rid of sore throat. The best part is that these sore throat remedies are free of any side-effects.

 >>> Tonsillitis treatment

Home Remedies for Tonsillitis

Can any home remedies for tonsillitis be helpful?

If you have been suffering from tonsillitis, you must have already tried over the counter drugs as well as antibiotics. But by now you must be well aware those both provide little relief and have side effects, and not to forget the huge doctor’s bill, which just adds to the misery. The good news is that there are home remedies for tonsillitis which are not only much cheaper, but are as effective and come with no side effects. You will be surprised to learn that relief from this painful condition is possible by using some very simple ingredients present in your kitchen.

One of the most effective home remedies for tonsillitis is squeezing the juice of a fresh lime in warm water, and mixing it with some honey and salt provides great relief. This should be sipped slowly while warm.  Mixing a pinch of turmeric powder and pepper powder in boiled milk and drinking in the night also works wonders, due to the lactic acid in milk and the healing properties of turmeric. Mixing up juices of carrot, cucumber and beet root or even taken individually also help. Gargle made by simmering fenugreek seeds in water for about 30 minutes and then letting it cool also helps. The entire gargle should be consumed within twenty four hours.

Among other home remedies for tonsillitis which not only provides relief, but also prevents tonsil stones formation is gargling regularly with salt water. This gargle cleanses your tonsil crypts, so that any pus or food particles that get accumulated in our crypts are loosened and flushed out. Chamomile tea in which honey and lemon are added is another remedy. Another gargle can be made from using purified alum and water. If alum is applied over the tonsils it reduces the inflammation. A mixture made by making a paste of boiled figs and water also helps in relieving the pain.

Along with using these simple home remedies for tonsillitis, great results can be achieved by altering your diet slightly. When the patient is in acute pain he should switch to an all liquid diet; making sure that he keeps in check his water intake. Increasing your intake of water and orange juice both help. Once the patient is a little better he should switch to an all fruit diet. After that he should eat a well balanced diet with emphasis on nuts, vegetables and various grains. Sour things such as yoghurt and butter milk should be avoided. Although they have good bacteria in them but it can sometime trigger your tonsillitis. Similarly condiment, fried foods and foods which are overly spicy should also be avoided.

One should keep in mind that tonsillitis should not be taken lightly. The home remedies for tonsillitis provide great relief and are very helpful in providing treatment; however you should consult your doctor as he may be better able to do a correct diagnosis; as right diagnosis is the first step towards any treatment.

>>> More home remedies for tonsillitis

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