Learn How to Get Rid of a Sore Throat Naturally

Learn How to Get Rid of a Sore Throat Naturally
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Sore Throat

How to get rid of a Sore Throat - Image courtesy of the National Library of Medicine (NLM)

The majority of sore throats are caused by viruses and do not respond to antibiotics (even though some doctors will prescribe them unnecessarily).

If a sore throat is part of a typical cold, strep throat is unlikely. However, one should seek medical attention and be tested for strep throat if the sore throat is out of the ordinary (such as severe pain or high fever).

In earlier times, it took a couple of days to receive test results so people were automatically started on antibiotics for suspected strep throat. Now, tests show immediate results, helping in the prevention of unnecessary antibiotic treatment (abuse of antibiotics are causing many organisms to become resistant to antibiotics).

Recent research[1-2] shows antibiotics may not be necessary when treating strep throat. It has been shown that recovery is similar in cases where individuals were given antibiotics and in cases where individuals were not given antibiotics.

A major concern of not using antibiotics is the development of rheumatic fever, which can develop two to three weeks after strep throat, but one study[1] shows antibiotics do not significantly reduce the frequency of this complication.

How to Get Rid of a Sore Throat

How to Get Rid of a Sore Throat using Natural Remedies

A good remedy for a sore throat is one that can enhance the immune system so the body can fight off the infection. Vitamin C plays an important role in improving immune function and preventing rheumatic fever. According to population surveys, rheumatic fever was virtually nonexistent when vitamin C intake was high. In one study[3-4], giving vitamin C to guinea pigs (who were vitamin C-deficient, streptococcal-infected, and rheumatic fever-susceptible) totally prevented their development of rheumatic fever.

Echinacea is a herb that has been historically used for sore throats and in treating strep throat. It improves immune function and inhibits an enzyme secreted from streptococci that promotes the spread of bacteria.

Goldenseal is another herbal remedy used for sore throats and in treating strep throat. The berberine alkaloid of goldenseal exerts antibiotic activity against streptococci and has been shown to stop the attachment of group-A streptococci to the lining of the throat.[5]

Other ways on how to get rid of a sore throat naturally:

• Add 1 tablespoon of salt to 8 ounces of warm water and gargle. Do this twice a day.

• Make a cup of sage tea, ginger tea or peppermint tea, let it cool, and gargle with it.

• Soak a wash cloth in warm chamomile tea, wring it out and apply it to the throat. Repeat when the cloth cools.

• Add 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar to a cup of warm water. Gargle, spit out, then swallow a mouthful. Keep doing this until you finish the entire cup. Repeat this process every hour. This can usually get rid of a sore throat within 3-4 hours.

References

  • [1] Can Fam Physician 43 (1997): 485-93
  • [2] Can Fam Physician 43 (1997): 495-500
  • [3] Ann Int Med 9 (1935): 586-99
  • [4] Ann Int Med 9 (1935): 671-89
  • [5] Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy 32 (1988): 1370-4

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