Sore Throat

Causes

A sore throat may be caused by anything that irritates the sensitive mucous membranes at the back of the throat. Some irritants include viral and bacterial infections, allergic reactions, dust, smoke, fumes, hot foods or drinks, tooth or gum infections, abrasions. Hoarseness is considered a side effect.

Strep throat is caused by streptococcus and is characterized by inflammation and fever. In degrees of soreness, this one beats them all, with the exception of diphtheria possibly.
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Treatment

In the case of severe sore throat, a doctor should determine the cause and treatment. Most often, only a throat culture can rule out strep throat, and antibiotics should be prescribed by the doctor for this condition. Liquid vitamin C or fruit juices should be sipped, trickled down throat slowly. Sea salt in warm water should be gargled every few hours. Drink plenty of liquids, including fresh juices if possible. Raw honey and lemon juice is good. Eat yogurt if taking antibiotics. Get plenty of rest.
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Nutrients

Acidophilus, taken as directed on the label, helps maintain healthy balance of intestinal flora. Garlic capsules, 2 capsules with meals, an immunostimulant and natural antibiotic. Multivitamin and mineral complex, taken as directed on the label. Vitamin A emulsion, 50,000 IU for 1 week, then 25,000 IU, speeds healing, especially mucous membranes. Emulsion is easily assimilated. Vitamin C, 10,000 mg. once a day, helps in destroying the virus and boosts the immune system. Zinc gluconate lozenges, dissolved in mouth every 2 hrs. till pain is relieved, but no longer than 1 week, enhances immune function.
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Herbs

Agrimony
Alder, black
Alumroot
Angelica
Balm of Gilead
Bayberry
Bearberry
Bear lichen
Bellwort, perfoliate
Bilberry
Bistort
Burdock
Burnet saxifrage
Capsicum
Centaury
Cinquefoil
Clover, red
Cloves
Colt's foot
Comfrey
Coriander
Cranesbill
Dock, yellow
Dogwood, American
Echinacea
Elder
Elm, slippery
Eucalyptus
Fenugreek
Fern, maidenhair
Figwort
Garlic
Ginger, wild
Goldenrod
Golden seal
Hawthorn
Honeysuckle
Hyssop
Iron weed
Lady's mantle
Licorice
Linden
Liver leaf
Lobelia
Loosestrife
Mallow, common
Mint
Mullein
Nettle
Oak
Persimmon
Pine, white
Poke root
Pomegranate
Privet
Raspberry leaves
Rose flowers
Sage
Sanicle
Savory
Saw palmetto
Senega snakeroot
Shinleaf
Stillingia
Stoneroot
Strawberry, wild
Sumach
Sunflower
Sweetgum
Tacamahac
Vervain
Violet
White pond lily
Wintergreen
Yerba santa

Cautions

A constant tickle or chronic irritating cough persists this could be an indication of an allergy.

If sore throat is long lasting or is recurrent, suspect mononucleosis.
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Bibliography

Eastern/Central Medicinal Plants, by Steven Foster and James A. Duke., Houghton Mifflin Company, 215 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10000

Prescription for Nutritional Healing, by James F. Balch, M.D. and Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C., Avery Publishing Group, Inc., Garden City Park, NY

The Magic of Herbs, by David Conway, published by Jonathan Cape, Thirty Bedford Square, London, England. (Out of print)

Indian Herbalogy of North America, by Alma R. Hutchens, Shambala Publications, Inc., Horticultural Hall, 300 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, 1973

Secrets of the Chinese Herbalists, by Richard Lucas, Parker Publishing Company, Inc., West Nyack, NY, 1987.

The Yoga of Herbs, by Dr. David Frawley & Dr. Vasant Lad, Lotus Press, Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, Second edition, 1988.

The Nature Doctor, by Dr. H.C.A. Vogel; Keats Publishing, Inc., 27 Pine Street (Box 876) New Canaan, CT. 06840-0876. Copyright Verlag A. Vogel, Teufen (AR) Switzerland 1952, 1991