Sore Throat
Inflammation
of the throat, sometimes accompanied by dryness or rawness,
painful swallowing, constant urges to clear the throat,
postnasal drip, enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, fever,
hoarseness, and/or laryngitis.
What
To Consider
Sore
throats are usually caused by viral infections, but
can also be due to bacterial infections, tonsillitis,
overuse of the voice, exposure to irritating substances
such as cigarette smoke, allergic reactions, infections
of the mouth, and/or colds and flu.
Caution
Sore throats are rarely serious. However,
if your sore throat does not heal within two weeks,
and/or occurs with a rash, seek immediate medical attention.
If any sore throat occurs with a rash, see a Health Coach.
A sore throat caused by a Streptococcal infection
(strep throat) must be identified and treated, or else
it could create rheumatic fever or acute glomerulonephritis
(disease of the glomerulus, a network of blood capillaries
of the kidney).
Self-Care
Tips
Diet
Increase your intake pure filtered water,
hot herbal teas, diluted fruit juices, and broths. Eat
an organic whole foods diet that emphasizes fresh vegetables
and vegetable soups. Avoid all sugars, alcohol, milk
and dairy products and any and all foods to which you
are allergic or sensitive. Raw organic honey placed
at the back of the throat can also help soothe symptoms
and speed healing.
Nutritional
Supplementation
The following nutrients can be helpful vitamin A, beta
carotene, vitamin C with bioflavonoids, and zinc (in
the form of lozenges taken every 1-2 hours unless nausea
occurs, in which case decrease dosage).
Aromatherapy
Inhalations with benzoin, lavender, thyme,
eucalyptus, geranium, lavender, clary sage, or sandalwood
can help relieve symptoms.
Flower
Essences
Crab Apple.
Herbs
If your sore throat is due to an infection,
chew a small piece of osha root (Ligusticum porteri)
and/or gargle with an infusion of sage or licorice.
For a sore throat due to smoke or pollution irritation,
gargle with an infusion of lavender or hyssop. Other
useful herbs include echinacea, garlic, ginger, goldenseal,
and slippery elm.
Homeopathy
Useful homeopathic remedies include Ferrum
phos., Lachesis, Ignatia, Arnica, Aconite, Hydrastis,
Gelsemium, Merc sol., and
Phytolacca.
Hydrotherapy
Apply hot water compresses to your neck and
throat as needed to relieve painful symptoms.
Juice
Therapy
Drinking the juice of one or two red potatoes
can soothe symptoms.
Caution
If your symptoms persist despite the above measures,
seek the help of a qualified health professional.
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