A rough or raw sensation at the back of the throat which often the first sign of a cold, influenza, tonsillitis, laryngitis or pharygntis. Sore throats are generally caused by viruses, but they sometimes result from the Streptococcus bacteria, which produces a sore throat along with a high fever and a more generalised feeling of illness, known as strep throat. Strep throat can sometimes lead to more serious problems such as rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease, so it is advisable to consult your doctor.

Treatment

DIETARY

Drink plenty of fluids, particularly fruit juices.

Avoid milky drinks.

Increase intake of Vitamin C, found in citrus fruits and vegetables.

Increase intake of zinc, found in lean meat and fish: freshly made chicken and vegetable soup is an excellent food for anyone with a sore throat.

AROMATHERAPY

Make up a gargle using 2 drops of each essential oil of lemon and sandalwood to a glass of warm water, stir well and gargle the mixture 3 times a day.

Add 2 drops each of eucalyptus and peppermint to 10 ml of carrier oil or lotion and apply to the chest and throat area.

HERBAL

Garlic is an effective in attacking viral and bacterial infections. Incorporate as much garlic in your diet as much as possible or take 3 garlic oil capsules 3 times daily.

Red sage, used as a gargle, helps to soothe an inflammned and sore throat: pour a cup of boiling water on 2 teaspoons of the leaves, infuse for ten minutes and use hot as gargle for ten minutes twice daily.

Gold seal is very particularly good for strep throat: add cups of boiling water to 1 teaspoon of the powdered herb, infuse for 10 minutes and drink three times daily.

*caution: not to be taken during pregnancy or by those with high blood pressure.

HOMOEOPATHY

Every 30 minutes for up to 4 doses a repeat if necessary:

Strawberry red appearance with flushed face and fever: Belladonna 6c.

Pain in the neck and ears, swallowing painful, feeling, exhausted and weak: Gelsemium 6c.

Sudden sore throat made worse by cold wind, tonsils swollen, throat burning every thing tasting bitter: Aconite 6c.

Worse on right side with purplish appearance and swollen uvula, better from cold drinks: Apis 6c.

Worse on left side, intolerant of any constriction, pain worse from swallowing salvia and better from swallowing food Lachesis 6c.