What can I take for a very sore throat?
I can barely swallow, this seems to be the only symptom, I am not achey or have fever.
A sore throat (pharyngitis) is an ailment characterised by inflammation of the throat (pharanyx - the passageway that connects the oral and nasal cavities) and many cases are caused by viruses such as Adenoviruses & Rhinoviruses, from Streptococcus Bacteria or as a result of Candida over proliferation (thrush, bloating, wind). Many people experience this symptom as a result of the common cold, flu viruses, glandular fever, chronic fatigue, swollen glands, tonsillitis, chronic smoking habits, exposure to allergens. Most cases occur during the colder months and often spread among family members. Usually symptoms are short lived and will disappear without any complications. However, long term pharyngitis may lead to further complications and therefore requires attention if it lasts for longer than one week. A doctor will prescribe antibiotics for this complaint, however antibiotics are effective on bacterial infections only, and do not have an effect on viruses (e.g. tonsilitis).
Herbs used for a sore throat:
- Pretorius makes a fantastic supplement called "Throat Clear". Most health food stores stock them. They are a great way to get anti-infective agents directly to the area numerous times per day and the lozenges contain herbs and vitamins such as Zinc, Echinacea, vitamin C, Eucalyptus oil and Thyme. For further information about this product follow this link - http://www.pretoriusvitamins.com.au/vitamin.asp?productID=170
- Manuka honey in a warm glass of water and add some lemon and ginger too. This helps to soothe the throat, reduces inflammation and promote circulation. Manuka honey is a powerful anti-microbial, anti-viral and anti-bacterial.
- Olive leaf extract and Echinacea. These herbs have anti-infective effects, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory and are broad spectrum immune stimulants. Add these herbs into a small glass of water with some Vitamin C and Zinc and gargle the solution. By gargling them they provide topical relief to the area to reduce the angry inflammation.
- Other herbs which are of benefit for the immune system are Golden Seal, Marshmallow, Myrrh, Thyme, Sage, Andrographis, and Licorice.
Nutrients for a sore throat:
- Zinc is a mineral which is commonly deficient when immunity is low as it is required for healing, immune support and is also a powerful anti-inflammatory. Take a powdered Zinc supplement (Ethical Nutrients) which contains vitamin C also twice per day.
- Bromelain helps to break down any congestion and phlegm and to reduce inflammation and swelling.
- Colloidal silver may be beneficial to kill off the detrimental bacteria that cause a sore throat.
- If you have recently had a course of antibiotics then I suggest that you also take an acidophilus supplement to help colonize healthy bacteria through the immune and digestive systems. When we take a course of antibiotics they wipe out all strains of good and bad bacteria and if we don't rebuild the good bacteria then we may relapse into illness again due to low resistance.
Good Foods for a sore throat:
- Eat plenty of garlic, ginger and onions, as the sulphur contained in these vegetables helps to reduce the severity of upper respiratory tract infections, improve the immune systems ability to fight off an infection.
- Reduce the amount of dairy foods in the diet as it is mucus forming foods which contribute to congestion. Even if you have an unproductive cough or no mucus with a sore throat, by reducing the amount of dairy foods we consume we are able to support the immune and lymphatic system to recover and reduce congestion.
- Ensure adequate hydration.
- Concentrate on an alkaline diet and decrease acid forming foods. Try to lighten the load on your digestion and concentrate on easy to digest foods such as soups, vegetable juices, warm lemon juice drinks, vegetable broths and plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Some trivia for you - During a normal day, the average person breathes nearly 25,000 times.