For thousands of years, the gum resin of the mukul myrrh tree has been part of the traditional Indian medicine, Ayurveda, to treat obesity and arthritis.  Today, a modern purified extract called gugulipid has been found to be even more effective than some prescription medicines for lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood.

Gugulipid comes from the gummy resin of the small and thorny mukul myrrh tree that is native to India.  The resin itself was used in ancient traditional medicine and was called gum guggul or “guggulu”.  Guggulu, but contains many toxic compounds, but fortunately, Indian pharmacologists devised a way to extract the active, beneficial compounds in the resin.  The result is the herbal extract called gugulipid.

The active ingredients in this herbal medicine are called guggulsterones and appear to affect the way your body metabolizes cholesterol and stout.  These ingredients also have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

High cholesterol has no obvious symptoms but it is a risk factor for disorders that do have symptoms such as angina and when you have high blood cholesterol levels, you have an increased chance of developing coronary heart disease. When blood cholesterol levels are very high, it may appear as yellow nodules under the skin of the elbows and knees or under the eyes.  Cholesterol is a fatlike substance that circulates through your blood and on its own it isn’t harmful.  When doctors test for high blood cholesterol levels, they usually focus on two types of cholesterol:  LDL, which is the terrible cholesterol and can block arteries and cause heart attacks and HDL, which is the excellent cholesterol that helps to clear away cholesterol before it can build up in arteries.  A high level of LDL and a low level of HDL suggests that you are at a risk of a heart attack and your medical practitioner will place you on a strict diet along with cholesterol medication.

Genetic factors do play a role in affecting cholesterol levels, but in many people high levels are linked to a diet that is rich in saturated stout and cholesterol.  Both saturated stout and cholesterol are found in beef, butter and whole-milk dairy products.  The risks are increased when you are overweight, smoking and do not get enough exercise.

In a study of 61 patients with high cholesterol levels, 31 were given gugulipid and 30 were given a placebo.  After 24 weeks, the patients who were taking the placebo showed no decrease in their LDL cholesterol levels and the 31 patients who were taking gugulipid, showed a 13 percent drop in the LDL levels and a 12 percent drop in triglycerides.

In particular, it is the guggulsterones in guglipid that stimulates the liver to break down harmful LDL cholesterol and increases the levels of the protective cholesterol HDL.  A 24 percent drop in total cholesterol levels was found in a study done in India in which 205 people participated. They all took gugulipid herbal supplements and followed a low-stout diet. Another study was done comparing the efficacy of gugulipid with that of a prescription cholesterol-lowering medication.  Total cholesterol levels dropped by 11 percent in patients who were using gugulipd and a drop of 10 percent was seen in the group taking the prescription medicine.  In addition, the levels of HDL were increased in the group who took the gugulipid supplements.

Gugulipid has been shown to prevent the formation of artery-clogging plaque and can even help to reverse existing plaque build-up.  This herbal medicine also inhibits blood platelets from banding together and thereby protects against blood clots, which can often trigger heart attacks as well.

Guggulsterones (the active compounds in gugulipid) have the same anti-inflammatory action as that of ibuprofen and is useful in treating arthritis and its painful symptoms.  

More research is needed, but recently guglipid has shown promise as a weight-loss supplement by increasing the way your body burns kilojoules.  Gugulipid stimulates the production of thyroid hormones and assists with the reduction of stout around the abdomen, which is generally associated with a risk of heart disease and diabetes.

Please consult your medical practitioner prior to using any herbal medications should you be under their care.

Never take the crude gum gugul or guggulu, which can cause skin rashes, diarrea, stomach pain and a loss of appetite.

Side effects are very rare with this herbal medicine, but mild nausea, flatulence and hiccups have been reported.  As gugulipid inhibits blood platelets from binding together, care should be taken by people who are using blood-thinning medication such as Warfarin.

Pregnant women should not use gugulipd.  Consult your medical practitioner before taking gugulipid herbal supplements if you suffer from liver disease, diarrea or inflammatory bowel disease.

To lower your cholesterol, take a supplement which supplies 25 mg of guggulsterones per dose, three times a day.

You can take guglipid herbal supplements with or without meals.

Tags: Traditional medicine, strict diet, inflammatory bowel disease, dairy products, blood cholesterol levels

Terrible breath or halitosis is a condition that affects millions of people but the excellent news is that there are herbal remedies that can effectively treat this problem.  Sometimes the cause of terrible breath is very simple, such as smoking, drinking alcohol or eating foods that have strong odors such as onions, garlic or fish.

Other times, halitosis can have a more serious, underlying cause such as bacteria and plaque build-up in the mouth.  Halitosis is usually a result of odor-causing bacteria that multiplies in your mouth.

When there is a decrease of saliva production in the mouth due to dehydration or a strict diet, terrible breath can be a side-effect.

There might also be a problem in your mouth that causes terrible breath such as an oral infection or gum disease (gingivitis).  Conditions that affect other areas of your body can also lead to halitosis, the most common of these being nasal or sinus problems, liver disease, digestive problems and diabetes.

Symptoms of terrible breath or halitosis:

A permanent terrible taste in your mouth. Bleeding gums – this can be gingivitis, a leading cause of terrible breath.People with terrible breath can be unaware of the problem, so check for signs from other people – they might step back when you are talking.
In many ancient Asian societies people were required to chew cloves to freshen their breath before they were allowed to have an audience with the king.

Today, there are several herbal medicines and supplements available to treat and prevent terrible breath.

Peppermint – place 1 or 2 drops of peppermint oil directly on your tongue. Peppermint oil not only has a highly pleasant aroma but is also an effective anti-bacterial agent. Drinking peppermint tea will also be beneficial.  Do not exceed the recommended dosages as large amounts can cause digestive upsets.

Chewing fennel seeds, anise seeds or cloves can also help to freshen your breath.    Chew a pinch of fennel seeds after every meal.Parsley has been used for centuries to freshen breath and this is due to it containing chlorophyll that is a powerful breath freshener.   Chew on a fresh parsley sprig after every meal.

Spirulina supplements are a excellent source of chlorophyll and can be taken daily as a nutritional supplement.  Use a spirulina supplement as recommended.Take a zinc supplement daily to help in healing mouth sores and ulcers.  The recommended dosage is 30 mg a day.Take a vitamin C supplement to prevent bleeding gums.  The recommended dosage is 60 mg a day.Further recommendations: Brush your teeth after every meal if possible, otherwise rinse your mouth with water.

Floss at least once a day.Use your toothbrush or a tongue scraper to gently clean your tongue as bacteria can build up on the back of your tongue.Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol use.If you suffer from chronic sinus infections or a postnasal drip, use a saltwater solution that you spray directly into the nostrils.  This helps to clean the sinus passages and remove any bacteria.Go for a dental check-up every 6 months.

Sterilize your toothbrush by placing it in a cup of boiling water with a teaspoon of salt for a few seconds.  Rinse the toothbrush well.  Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months.Please consult your medical practitioner prior to using any herbal medications should you be under their care.

Tags: herbal medicines, liver disease, drinking alcohol, digestive upsets, strict diet

Goldenseal (Orange-root, Orangeroot; Hydrastis canadensis) is a perennial herb in the buttercup family Ranunculaceae, native to southeastern Canada and the northeastern United States.

It is often used as a multi-purpose remedy, having many different medicinal properties. In addition to working as a topical antimicrobial, it can also be taken internally as a digestion aid, and can remove canker sores when gargled.

This herb may be bought in salve, tablet, tincture form, or as a bulk powder. It is often used to boost the medicinal effects of other herbs it is blended or formulated with.

Its thick yellow root is used medicinally as an astringent and a tonic and the name is derived from the golden color of the root. It has a cure-all reputation.

It is listed as being useful for functional disorders of the stomach, catarrhal gastritis, atonic dyspepsia, chronic constipation, hepatic congestion, cirrhosis, protracted fevers, cerebral engorgements of a chronic character, uterine subinvolution.

It is useful in menorrhagia or metrorrhagia from displaced uterus, post partum hemorrhage, catarrhal, ulcerating, aphthous, indolent and otherwise unhealthy conditions of mucous surfaces, leucorrhea, gallstones and breast swellings associated with the menses.

It is said that smoker’s sores which affect the mouth, will heal after putting goldenseal powder to the sores.

It is excellent for open sores, eczema, ringworm, erysipelas, skin disease.

It is a very brilliant eye washer. It may be combined with other herbs as well as used alone.

Herbalists today consider this herb an alternative, anti-catarrhal, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, astringent, bitter tonic, laxative, and muscular stimulant. They recommend it for colitis, duodenal ulcers, loss of appetite and liver disease.

This herb is very bitter, which stimulates the appetite, aids digestion, and often stimulates bile secretion.

It has been so prized that it has often been extremely expensive.

Do not take during pregnancy or nursing. Do not take for a long period of time without some rests.

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Tags: Alternative medicine, yellow root, United States, chronic character, digestion aid

Although it’s normal to feel nervous from time to time, if you feel nervous without reason and if these worries persist and affect your day-to-day life, you may have generalized anxiety disorder.

Symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder may include restlessness, feeling tense or on edge, irritability, impatience, or poor concentration.

People may also notice changes in their physical health such as headaches, jaw pain, muscle tension, difficulty falling or staying asleep (insomnia), dry mouth, fatigue, chest tightness, indigestion, bloating, excessive sweating, and headache.

It’s vital to be evaluated by your doctor for a proper diagnosis and to rule out other medical problems that may resemble anxiety.

These are some of the natural remedies that are being explored for anxiety.

The herb passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) was used as a folk remedy for anxiety and insomnia.

Two studies involving a total of 198 people examined the effectiveness of passionflower for anxiety. One study found passionflower to be comparable to benzodiazepine drugs. There was also improvement in job performance with passionflower and less drowsiness with passionflower compared with the drug mexazolam, but, neither was statistically significant.

Side effects of passionflower may include nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, and rapid heartbeat. The safety of passionflower in pregnant or nursing women, children, or people with kidney or liver disease has not been established. There have been five case reports in Norway of people becoming temporarily impaired mentally after using a combination product containing passionflower. It’s not known whether the other ingredients in the supplement played a role.

Passionflower should not be taken with sedatives unless under medical supervision. Passionflower may enhance the effect of pentobarbital, a medication used for sleep and seizure disorders.

Massage therapy, shiatsu, and other forms of bodywork are widely used to diminish muscle tension, relieve stress, and improve sleep.

What is Massage Therapy?
10 Massage Styles
10 Embarassing Massage Questions

Mind/body breathing exercises, physical exercise, yoga, tai chi, self-hypnosis, meditation, and biofeedback are just some of the stress reduction techniques used for anxiety. Try different techniques and determine which routine you can stick to with a hectic schedule.

Diaphragmatic Breathing, Step-by-Step
The Relaxation Response
Mindfulness Meditation

The herb valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is best known as a herbal remedy for insomnia. Valerian is also used in patients with mild anxiety, but the research supporting its use for anxiety is limited.

For example, researchers with the Cochrane Collaboration reviewed studies on valerian for anxiety. Only one study met their quality criteria. It was a four-week study comparing valerian, the medication diazepam (Valium), and a placebo in 36 people with generalized anxiety disorder. No statistically signficant differences were found between the groups, perhaps due to the small size of the study.

Valerian is usually taken an hour before bedtime. It takes about two to three weeks to work and shouldn’t be used for more than three months at a time. Side effects of valerian may include mild indigestion, headache, palpitations, and dizziness. Although valerian tea and liquid extracts are available, most people don’t like the smell of valerian and prefer taking the capsule form.

Valerian shouldn’t be taken with many medications, especially those that depress the central nervous system, such as sedatives and antihistamines. Valerian shouldn’t be taken with alcohol, before or after surgery, or by people with liver disease. It should not be used before driving or operating machinery. Consultation with a qualified health practitioner is recommended. For more information about valerian, read the Valerian Fact Sheet.

Native to Polynesia, the herb kava (Piper methysticum) has been found to have anti-anxiety effects in humans.

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), but, has issued an advisory to consumers about the potential risk of severe liver injury resulting from the use of dietary supplements containing kava. To date, there have been more than 25 reports of serious adverse effects from kava use in other countries, including four patients who required liver transplants. Learn more about kava; What is Kava?

GABA is an amino acid that is known to play a role in the physiology of anxiety. Some prescription drugs for anxiety work by affecting GABA receptors in the brain. The degree to which orally ingested GABA supplements can reach the brain, but, is unknown.

Plant essential oils can be added to baths, massage oil, or infusers. Essential oils that are used for anxiety and nervous tension are: bergamot, cypress, geranium, jasmine, lavender, melissa, neroli, rose, sandalwood, ylang-ylang. Lavender is the most common and forms the base of many relaxing blends.

What is Aromatherapy?
Tips on Buying Essential Oils
Using Essential Oils Safely

Pantothenic acid
Calcium
Magnesium
B vitamins
Chamomile

Sources

Andreatini R, Sartori VA, Seabra ML, Leite JR. Effect of valepotriates (valerian extract) in generalized anxiety disorder: a randomized placebo-controlled pilot study. Phytother Res. 16.7 (2002): 650-654.

Ernst E. Herbal remedies for anxiety – a systematic review of controlled clinical trials. Phytomedicine. 13.3 (2006): 205-208.

Miyasaka LS, Atallah AN, Soares BG. Valerian for anxiety disorders. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2006 Oct 18;(4):CD004515.

Miyasaka L, Atallah A, Soares B. Passiflora for anxiety disorder. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2007 Jan 24;(1):CD004518.

Tags: poor concentration, anxiety disorder, United States Food and Drug Administration, muscle tension, breathing exercises

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) refers to a group of physical and emotional symptoms that some women experience in the week or two before their menstrual period. Symptoms subside when the menstrual period starts and within a couple of days of menstrual flow.

PMS symptoms can range from mild to severe. Symptoms may include:

Breast Swelling and Tenderness
Dizziness
Headache
Cramps
Nausea and vomiting
Food cravings
Abdominal bloating
Weight gain from water retention
Stomach upset
Swelling of the face, hands, ankles
Depressed mood
Crying spells
Anxiety, irritability, rage
Distress falling asleep (insomnia)
Appetite changes or food cravings
Fatigue

These are some of the natural remedies that are used for PMS:

Calcium

Studies suggest that calcium levels are lower in women with PMS and that calcium supplementation may reduce the severity of symptoms. A large study looked at 1057 women with PMS and 1968 women without PMS. Women with the greatest intake of calcium from food sources had the least PMS symptoms.

Another study found that 300 mg of calcium carbonate four times a day significantly reduced bloating, depression, pain, mood swings, and food cravings.

Chaste Tree Berry

Chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus) berry is one of the most well loved herbs for premenstrual syndrome in Europe.

A study published in the British Medical Journal involving 178 women with PMS found that chaste tree berry significantly reduced PMS symptoms over three menstrual cycles. Women taking chaste tree had significant improvements in irritability, depression, headaches, and breast tenderness.

The most common side effects of chaste tree berry are nausea, headache, digestive disturbances, menstrual disorders, acne, itching, and skin rashes. Chaste tree berry should not be taken by pregnant or nursing women. The safety of chaste tree berry in children or people with kidney or liver disease has not been established.

Magnesium

The mineral magnesium, found naturally in food and available in supplements, has showing excellent preliminary results for PMS. One study examined the use of magnesium supplements or placebo in 32 women with PMS. The amount of magnesium used was 360 mg three times a day, starting from day 15 to the start of the menstrual period. Magnesium supplements were found to significantly improve PMS mood changes.

Another study used 200 mg of magnesium or placebo for two menstrual cycles. By the end of the second month, magnesium was found to significantly reduce weight gain, swelling of the hands and legs, breast tenderness, and abdominal bloating.

People with heart or kidney disease should not take magnesium supplements without consulting their doctor. Side effects of excess magnesium can include upset stomach and diarrhea. It can also cause nausea, vomiting, low blood pressure, slowed heart rate, deficiencies of other minerals, confusion, coma, and even death.

Magnesium may interact with antibiotics, blood pressure medications, diabetic medications, digoxin, levothyroxine, and tiludronate (an osteoporosis medication) and should only be taken together under medical supervision.

Evening Primrose Oil

Evening Primrose oil is a plant oil that contains gamma-linolenic acid, an omega-6 essential fatty acid. Gamma-linolenic acid is involved in the metabolism of hormone-like substances called prostaglandins that regulate pain and inflammation in the body.

A review of seven studies on evening primrose for PMS found that the two most well-designed studies failed to show any beneficial effects for evening primrose.

Acupuncture

In traditional Chinese medicine, the liver is the organ most affected by stress, rage, and frustration. Stagnation of liver energy, or “qi”, by emotions, alcohol, and spicy and fatty foods can lead to PMS symptoms such as breast tenderness and abdominal bloating and cramping.

Although there is no scientific evidence behind this assessment, acupuncture, exercise, expressing emotions, and breathing exercises are recommended by practitioners to relieve liver stagnation.

Dietary Suggestions

Reduce sugar and salt intake. This is especially useful for bloating and swelling of the hands and feet, breast tenderness, and dizziness. Increase foods rich in potassium, such as fish, beans, and broccoli. Eat small, frequent meals to help stabilize blood sugar. Eliminate caffeine, which can aggravate anxiety, depression, and breast tenderness. Increase intake of fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, seeds, and fish. Avoid alcohol. Decrease intake of fatty foods and red meat.

Exercise

Regular aerobic exercise such as brisk walking, jogging, swimming, or cycling may help relieve PMS symptoms. In one study, the frequency but not the intensity of exercise was associated with a decreased PMS symptoms.

Relaxation

Breathing exercises, meditation, aromatherapy, and yoga are some natural ways to reduce stress and promote relaxation. Many women feel more assertive and attuned to their needs in the weeks before menses. This can be used constructively by allowing for personal time to relax, expressing emotions, and giving priority to your needs and what nourishes you.

Other Remedies

There are other natural remedies commonly used for PMS, including:

Ginkgo
Vitamin E
Royal jelly
OPCs (oligomeric proanthocyanidins)
Uva ursi
St. Johns wort
Wild yam
Dandelion
Reflexology
Chiropractic
Progesterone cream

Tags: menstrual disorders, Vitex agnus-castus, calcium carbonate, calcium levels, Health Medical Pharma

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection that starts in the urinary system. The urinary system includes that bladder, kidneys, ureters (the tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder) and the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body).

An infection can be limited to the bladder, but, if the infection is not treated promptly, it can spread to the kidneys (called pyelonephritis), causing serious consequences.

Urinary tract infection is the second most common infection after respiratory infection. It is estimated that each year, 8 to 10 million people in the United States get a urinary tract infection, most of them women.

Frequent urge to urinate
Passing small quantities of urine
Burning, painful feeling when urinating
Urine may look cloudy, milky, or red

If any of the following symptoms are present, it may be a sign that the urinary tract infection has spread to the kidneys: Constant pain or pressure in the abdomen, side, or low back
Fever
Nausea
Vomiting
Chills

Immediate treatment with antibiotics is necessary to prevent kidney hurt and other serious consequences.

Although natural remedies are being studied for urinary tract infection, it is vital to seek medical attention and not self-medicate. If improperly treated, a urinary tract infection may spread to the kidneys. This can occur even though a person’s symptoms appear to improve.

Cranberry juice (Vaccinium macrocarpon or Vacinnium oxycoccus) has been used for more than a century as a home remedy to prevent and treat urinary tract infection.

Although it was previously thought that cranberry worked by making the urine more acid, more recent evidence suggests that constituents in cranberry called proanthocyanins prevent bacteria from adhering to the walls of the urinary tract. This is thought to allow urine to wash away the bacteria.

A study published in the Canadian Journal of Urology in 2002 compared pure cranberry juice, cranberry extract tablets, and a placebo in 150 women at high risk for infections. Both the juice and tablets both significantly reduced UTI. Of the two, the tablets were the most effective. The National Institutes of Health and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Health recently launched a $2.6 million dollar initiative for research into cranberries.

Cranberry juice should be unsweetened. Unsweetened juice can often be found in health food stores.

Uva ursi (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) is a herb that is used as a folk remedy for certain types of urinary tract infection. The active component, arbutin, appears to be broken down and then excreted in the kidneys, where it appears to have antiseptic properties.

Uva ursi contains significant amounts of compounds called tannins. Tannins are not believed to be absorbed from the intestines, but, liver hurt has occured with people who have taken large doses of tannins. There have been no reports of uva ursi toxicity due to the tannins.

People with kidney or liver disease or pregnant or nursing women or children should not take uva ursi.

Side effects of uva ursi can include brown or green colored urine, nausea, ringing in the ears, or indigestion. Rarely, uva ursi has been associated with retinal hurt, seizures, cyanosis, cancer, or even death when taken in large amounts for long periods of time.

Herbs
Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis)
Marshmallow root (Althea officinalis)
Buchu (Barosma betulina)
Corn silk (Zea mays)
Horsetail (Equisetum arvense)

Homeopathic Remedies
Cantharis — sharp burning pain, intense urge to urinate
Staphysagria — continual burning, result of sexual intercourse

Sources

Quintus J, Kovar KA, Link P, Hamacher H. Urinary excretion of arbutin metabolites after oral administration of bearberry leaf extracts. Planta Med. 71.2 (2005): 147-152.

Schindler G, Patzak U, Brinkhaus B, von Niecieck A, Wittig J, Krahmer N, Glockl I, Veit M. Urinary excretion and metabolism of arbutin after oral administration of Arctostaphylos uvae ursi extract as film-coated tablets and aqueous solution in healthy humans. J Clin Pharmacol. 42.8 (2002): 920-927.

Siegers C, Bodinet C, Ali SS, Siegers CP. Bacterial deconjugation of arbutin by Escherichia coli. Phytomedicine. 10 Suppl 4 (2003): 58-60.

Tags: health food, kidney hurt, Flora of the United States, liver disease, medical attention

Also known as: pharyngitis

Sore throats are one of the most common reasons why people see a doctor. In the United States, sore throats account for more than 18 million visits to the doctor each year.

These are herbs that are used as natural remedies for sore throat.

Slippery elm was once a well loved drugstore remedy for sore throats in North America. The herb was listed in the United States Pharmacopeia, a compendium of drug standards, until 1960. A member of the elm family, the slippery elm tree (Ulmus Rubra Muhl) grows primarily in the eastern region of North America.

For sore throats, herbalists use the inner bark of the tree. The inner bark contains mucilage, a gel-like substance that swells when it is mixed with water. The mucilage is thought to coat the throat, reduce irritation, and soothe sore throat.

Slippery elm is often the primary ingredient in herbal sore throat lozenges found in health food stores or in the natural food section of some grocery stores and drug stores. A well loved brand of slippery elm lozenges is Thayer’s.

The safety of slippery elm in pregnant or nursing women has not been established.

The herb licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is a common ingredient in herbal teas for sore throat, such as the herbal tea products Throat Coat (Traditional Medicinals) and Throat Comfort (Yogi Teas).

Although licorice has not been associated with adverse effects when used for ten days or less, excessive longer-term use may result in side effects such as high blood pressure, swelling, and headaches. There is some evidence that licorice may lower testosterone in men.

When used in high doses, licorice may even cause heart failure and a muscle disorder called rhabdomyolysis.

People with high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, breast cancer, liver disease, or kidney disease, or those who are taking certain drugs such as digoxin, thiazide or loop diuretics, or corticosteroids should not use licorice. Licorice should not be taken by pregnant or nursing women and children.

Marshmallow, a herb that grows in North America and Europe, has been used for centuries as a sore throat remedy. Like slippery elm, marshmallow contains mucilage, which is thought to coat and soothe sore throats.

Herbalists recommend marshmallow root tea for sore throats. It is usually made by adding one tablespoon of the dried root to a cup (8 ounces) of boiling water, steeping it covered for at least 10 minutes, and then straining. Herbalists usually suggest drinking up to three cups a day.

Consult a doctor before taking marshmallow if you have diabetes, as it may make your blood sugar too low especially when combined with diabetes medication. Marshmallow may also slow the absorption of other drugs taken at the same time. Marshmallow should not be taken by pregnant or nursing women.

An herb that taste as sweet as it smells (and sounds), honeysuckle flower is one of the most commonly used sore throat remedies in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).

Honeysuckle flowers aren’t as simple to find as slippery elm and marshmallow. Health food stores occasionally carry it, but it is primarily sold in Chinese herbal stores.

Practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine often recommend making honeysuckle tea by bringing one quart of water to a boil using this method: add one cup of honeysuckle flowers (not the leaves), steep for at least 10 minutes, covered, and then strain. Up to four cups a day are typically recommended.

An ancient home remedy for sore throats is a tea made with lemon, apple cider vinegar, cayenne, and honey.

It is made by adding one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar, a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper, the juice of 1/4 lemon, and one teaspoon of honey to a cup of hot water. Stir.

Typically, up to four cups a day is suggested.

There is some evidence that a throat spray made from the herb sage can help to reduce sore throat.

A randomized controlled trial compared the effectiveness of a 15% sage (Salvia officinalis) throat spray to a placebo in patients with sore throat.

The spray was significantly more effective than the placebo in reducing throat pain. Symptomatic relief occurred within the first two hours after the first administration.

Minor side effects such as throat dryness or burning of mild intensity were reported.

Only sage sprays designed specifically for sore throats should be used.

Although most sore throats are a symptom that a cold or flu is coming and resolve on their own within a week, it’s not always the case.

A doctor’s visit is necessary to rule out a more serious condition, especially if any of the following are present: Sore throat or hoarseness lasts for more than several days.
Sore throat causes severe pain or difficulty swallowing or breathing.
Blood in saliva, sputum, or phlegm.
Rash
Enlarged or tender lymph nodes in the neck.
White or yellow patches or pus at the back of the throat.
Fever of 103°F (39.4) in infants under 12 months or 101°F (36.3 C) or higher in babies under 6 months.
Excessive drooling in children.
Contact with someone who has been diagnosed with strep throat or mononucleosis or if there is a reported outbreak in your community.
Sore throat but no fever.

Sources:

Hubbert M, Sievers H, Lehnfeld R, Kehrl W. Efficacy and tolerability of a spray with Salvia officinalis in the treatment of acute pharyngitis – a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study with adaptive design and interim analysis. Eur J Med Res. 11.1 (2006): 20-26.

Tags: North America, Excessive drooling, natural food section, yogi teas, Common cold