The normal working of the sinuses is so subtle that you do not even know about it. The sinuses are four pairs of openings in the bones at the front of the skull which are located above the eyes, on either side of the nose, behind the bridge of the nose and behind the cheekbones.

These openings are lined with a thin membrane that excretes mucus which passes through small openings into the nose. When this membrane becomes irritated or infected it produces thicker mucus and the tiny sinus openings get blocked. The sinuses cannot drain properly and causes headaches, a feeling of fullness in the face and excessive postnasal drip. Other symptoms include:

• Fever- usually low grade
• Headache
• Earache
• Coughing
• Toothache
• Facial pain
• Cranial pressure
• Difficulty breathing through the nose
• Loss of sense of smell
• Tenderness over the forehead and cheekbones

The postnasal drip caused by a sinusitis infection can cause nausea, a sore throat and terrible breath. Sinusitis can also interrupt sleep which will result in fatigue.

Snoring is also a common sign that a person is suffering from sinusitis.

A doctor will often tap the forehead just over the eyes, the cheekbones and the area around the bridge of the nose to determine if the sinuses are infected. If the patient experiences any pain during this examination, there is an infection and immediate treatment is needed.

Chronic sinusitis – caused by small growths in the nose, injury of the nasal bones, air pollution, dental complications, emotional stress, smoking and exposure to irritant fumes and smellsAcute sinusitis – caused by bacterial or viral infections of the nose, throat and upper respiratory tract

Allergic sinusitis – caused by hay fever or food allergies, especially milk and dairy product allergiesFungal sinusitis – people with compromised immune systems often suffer from this type of sinusitis and it is a potentially perilous condition that needs aggressive treatment by a specialist

In some cases antibiotic treatment is required, especially if it is a fungal sinusitis or a severe bacterial infection.

People who suffer from chronic sinusitis benefit from taking herbal supplements as it can help clear up the infection and prevent future infections.

Herbal supplements and herbal remedies do not have the same undesirable side-effects that conventional treatments and decongestants have.

Start by choosing an herbal remedy that boosts your immune system. Echinacea, astralagus, cat’s claw and reishi or maitake mushrooms are your best options.

For acute sinusitis attacks try just one of these herbal remedies until the infection has cleared up. For chronic sinusitis, alternate each one of the herbal remedies in a two-week rotation to build and maintain your immunity.

Vitamin C and flavonoids are also immune boosters and offer additional benefit to people whose allergy attacks develop into full-blown sinusitis.

Nettle relieves allergy symptoms

200 mg twice a day between meals500 mg reishi and / or 200 mg maitake 3 times a day1000 mg vitamin c and 500 mg flavonoids daily

Eat a diet consisting of 75 percent raw foods.

Drink plenty of water and fresh vegetable and fruit juices. Also consume plenty of hot liquids such as herbal teas. These will help mucus to flow, relieving congestion and sinus pressure.

Try to eliminate dairy products that can increase mucus formation.

Boil a pot of water and add a few drops of eucalyptus oil. Remove the pot from the heat and lean your face over it to inhale the steam. This clears the sinus passages and eases breathing. NB – be careful of scalding your face with the steam.

Please consult your medical practitioner prior to using any herbal medications should you be under their care. Suggestions offered are not intended to replace appropriate medical investigation and treatment.

Tags: sore throat, immune systems, nose throat, food allergies, General practice

Licorice was one of the first foods studied by the US National Cancer Institute”s experimental food programme.

Licorice is cultivated in Greece and Turkey and is a member of the pea family. The medicinal properties are in the roots which contain glycyrrhizin.

This herbal medicine is also used as a curing and flavouring agent in the tobacco industry.

The medicinal component of Licorice, glycyrrhizin, has been shown in several studies to have antiviral activity against the human immunodeficiency virus. (HIV)

Licorice is also beneficial for people suffering from respiratory problems because it fights the viruses that attack the respiratory tract. This herbal medicine relieves symptoms such as coughing, a sore throat and it also helps to thin mucus.

Licorice is often used by dieticians to treat fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome and other disorders affected by the body’s levels of cortisol, an adrenal hormone.

Studies have shown that Licorice is beneficial for hepatitis, combating liver infection and fighting the virus that triggers the disease.

Another form of Licorice, DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) is helpful in cases of heartburn, stomach ulcers and inflammatory bowel disease.

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

People who suffer from high blood pressure should not take Licorice as this herbal medicine acts on the adrenal glands, increasing blood pressure.

Individuals consuming large amounts of Licorice can suffer from sodium and water retention.

A dose of 200mg Licorice three times a day is recommended for most disorders, but for digestive complaints, 380mg of DGL three times a day is recommended.

Tags: Dietary supplements, adrenal glands, herbal medications, Potassium in biology, experimental food

Fever blisters or cold sores are caused by the Herpes simplex virus (HSV-1).  Cold sores are just another name for fever blisters and this name originated because often fever blisters appear during the same time that a patient is suffering from a cold or flu.

Fever blisters first appear three to ten days after exposure to the virus and an outbreak of fever blisters can last up to three weeks. 

Unfortunately, this virus remains in the body and moves into the nervous system.  Outbreaks can be triggered by stress, emotional trauma, a cold or a viral infection, exposure to sun and wind or a weakened immune system.

Fever blisters are highly contagious and studies have shown that children as young as ten carry the virus.

There are several warning signs that a fever blister is about to make its appearance, the most common being the tingling, itching feeling on the lips or around the lips.  As an outbreak of fever blisters usually go hand-in-hand with a weakened immune system, you might find that a day or two before your cold or flu starts, you will have an outbreak of fever blisters.

Having a fever and fatigue are also common symptoms of a fever blister outbreak.  Often the patient will complain of a sore throat and difficulty eating as well.  Fever blisters are simple to identify:  a group of blisters on a painful base that is often hot to the touch and very painful.  The blisters that form will dry up rapidly and leave scabs.  Depending on the severity of the infection, these scabs may last for a few days up to a few weeks.

Fever blister sores are not limited to the lips, it can sometimes be inside the mouth, on the face, and even inside or on the nose.    There are several stages of the development of a fever blister:

     Stage 1:  no sores are visible yet, but there is a tingling, prickling feeling around the affected area.     Stage 2:  swelling starts and the affected area is red and often hot to the touch.     Stage 3:  the first signs of tiny blisters appear and itching and pain increases.     Stage 4:  a soft, very painful ulcer forms. Fever blisters or cold sores are caused by the Herpes simplex virus (HSV-1).

Herpes is a group of viruses that cause painful blisters and sores and the Herpes simplex virus can cause both cold sores around the mouth and genital area.  HSV-1 (herpes simplex virus 1) is responsible for fever blisters and HSV-2 (herpes simplex virus 2) is responsible for sores around the genital area.

HSV-1 is considered to be the most common herpes simplex virus and most people develop it in early childhood.

The Herpes viruses are known as neuroinvasive viruses which mean that they enter and hide in your body”s nervous system.  This unfortunately means that once you have contracted the Herpes simplex virus, you will be prone to outbreaks for the rest of your life.

Once you have contracted the Herpes simplex virus 1, a recurrence can be triggered by stress, fatigue, colds and flu, over-exposure to the sun and wind, a weakened immune system and even changes in hormones such as menstruation.

Fever blisters are extremely contagious and can spread easily to other areas on the face. The HSV-1 virus spreads through direct contact, either skin contact or through contact with the oral secretions from fever blisters.  You can still pass on the virus even when fever blisters are not present.  You can transmit the virus by sharing eating utensils and glasses or cups.

If a person has fever blisters on the mouth, the Herpes simplex virus-1 can be transmitted during oral sex and cause herpes in the genital area.

Touching the fever blister and then touching a mucous membrane will also cause the virus to spread. Mucous membranes are the moist, protective linings found in areas of your body like the nose, eyes, and the inside of the mouth.

Wash your hands regularly to prevent the spread of the virus.

Do not share face towels and face cloths and discard your toothbrush after an outbreak of fever blisters as you might cause re-infection.
The list of herbal supplements and herbal remedies listed here can all help to minimize future outbreaks and speed up the healing process.

The herbal supplements must all be used in combination and often results are seen within a few days.

The most useful and powerful of the herbal remedies recommended for fever blisters is the amino acid lysine.   Lysine is an essential amino acid that the human body cannot synthesize on its own, therefore it needs to be obtained from your diet or from an herbal supplement.  Using a lysine supplement long-term can help to prevent fever blister outbreaks.  Increasing the availability of Lysine in the human body slows the virus replication and inhibits the use of Arginine, which is an amino acid that the Herpes simplex virus 1 utilizes.

Lysine is available in pill form and cream form.  At the onset of an outbreak of fever blisters, start with a dosage of 1000 mg Lysine daily and as the condition improves, take a therapeutic dosage of 500 mg daily.  Lysine cream can be applied topically to the affected areas to reduce the symptoms of painful outbreaks.

1000 mg 3 times a day for flare-ups, then 500 mg a day as a therapeutic doseApply cream to the affected area 2-4 times a day1000 mg vitamin C and 500 mg flavonoids 3 times a day10 000 IU twice a day for 5 days200 mg echinacea and 125 mg goldenseal 4 times a day100-150 mg of each B-vitamin dailyTaking a Flaxseed oil supplement can help in speeding up the healing process by promoting cell renewal.  Recent studies have shown that Vitamin C may be effective in treating fever blisters when applied topically.

Patients with recurring fever blister outbreaks can apply melissa cream regularly to prevent outbreaks.

The herbal supplement and herbal remedies listed here can all be used safely with prescription antiviral creams such as acyclovir, which also promotes the healing of fever blisters.

Using a protective lip balm with an SPF of 15 or higher can prevent fever blister outbreaks.

As mentioned before, do not touch the blisters as you will spread the infection.

Holding an ice cube on the affected areas can help to reduce the pain and swelling associated with fever blisters.

Try to avoid foods that contain the amino acid arginine.  As mentioned, arginine is used by the Herpes simplex virus.  These foods include nuts, chocolate, whole-grain cereals and gelatine.

Please consult your medical practitioner prior to using any herbal medications should you be under their care.  Suggestions offered are not intended to replace appropriate medical investigation and treatment.

Tags: common herpes simplex virus, Herpes labialis, both cold sores, Viral diseases, hsv 1

This herbal medicine is commonly grown in gardens because of its pretty orange flowers and its ability to resow itself.  Calendula is sometimes call “garden marigold” or “pot marigold.”  Calendula is well-known as an effective insect repellant and also keeps harmful insects away from other plants.

Calendula is one of the herbal remedies that has a long history of use as a wound-healing botanical.  In Greece and Persia, calendula was used to flavour food and the ancient Egyptians viewed it as a rejuvenating herb.  Medieval monks used this herbal medicine to treat snake bites and liver problems.

Battlefield doctors used calendula flowers to treat open wounds during the American Civil War and this practice was continued by doctors during WWI.

Today, calendula is available in many different herbal remedy forms – topical creams and ointments, teas, tinctures and pills.

Keeping calendula in your first-aid kit is excellent practice as it is prescribed to treat minor cuts and abrasions, as well as minor burn wounds.  Calendula is also considered to be a excellent antiseptic cream that can prevent wounds from getting infected.

There are numerous topical creams and lotions available containing calendula. Calendula lotion is especially excellent to treat diaper rash and keeping a tube in your handbag or pocket is the ideal treatment for chapped lips.

Mild cases of sunburn can be soothed by applying calendula lotion to the affected areas several times daily.  Eczema is treated and symptoms kept under control when using herbal lotions and creams containing calendula.

This herbal remedy is of benefit to people with diabetes who often suffer from slow-healing sores and wounds as calendula speeds up the healing process and minimizes scarring.  Bed-ridden patients experience relief when calendula is massaged into bed sores several times a day.

Calendula is often prescribed by health care practitioners to treat a variety of intestinal complaints such as indigestion, colitis, gastric ulcers and duodenal ulcers.  In two separate medical studies, calendula was proven to heal duodenal ulcers.  Further studies showed that when combining calendula with comfrey, the healing effects on the intestinal system was greatly enhanced.  People suffering from gastroduodenitis find relief when drinking calendula tea.

Tea made from calendula can be used as a mouthwash to treat gum and tooth infections, and as a gargle to treat sore throats and tonsillitis.

To relieve the pain and itching associated with bee stings and insect bites, rub the fresh flowers of the calendula plant directly onto the affected area for immediate relief.  

Calendula is often prescribed to treat varicose veins as well as spider veins.  Varicose veins are veins on the legs which become twisted and inflamed and can cause swelling, itching and pain.  Massaging the legs with calendula oil or calendula lotion twice daily can not only relieve the symptoms but also heal varicose veins.  This is due to calendula’s ability to restore circulation and increase the skin’s healing properties.

This herbal remedy is also believed to stimulate the immune system to help the body to fight off colds and flu, and the antibacterial properties make it an brilliant herbal medicine for a sore throat. Calendula is one the most well loved treatments for fungal infections such as athlete’s foot and thrush.  

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

Side-effects when using calendula are very rare, although some people have reported a skin rash and itching after using a cream or lotion containing calendula.  Simply discontinue use of the specific herbal remedy containing calendula.

There are no known interactions with prescription medicine.

To make an herbal calendula tea to soothe intestinal complaints, use 1 teaspoon of dried flower per 250 ml of boiled water.  Let it steep for 10-15 minutes and drink 2-3 cups a day of this herbal remedy.

When purchasing an ointment, lotion or cream containing calendula, ensure that the herbal treatment contains at least 5% calendula.  Apply to wounds, sores, scrapes and cuts and minor burn wounds 3-4 times daily.

To treat vaginal thrush, insert a calendula suppository into the vagina every 12 hours for 5 days.  These herbal suppositories are available at health stores and through health practitioners.

Tags: herbal remedy, duodenal ulcers, herbal remedies, pot marigold, tooth infections

Cayenne has been used for centuries to add a spicy and fiery taste to food and Native Americans used it as a spice and a painkiller for over 9000 years.  This pepper is a cousin of the sweet peppers generally used in salads as well as the hot peppers used in chilli powder and hot sauces.  It has no relation to common black pepper.

What gives the pepper its hot taste and value as an herbal medicine, is capsaicin, which is an oily chemical that is used in pepper sprays that are sold for self-defence.  The capsaicin is also responsible for the pepper’s pain relieving properties and aids digestion.

Cayenne also contains vitamins A and C, and flavonoids and carotenoids, which are powerful antioxidants.

When applied topically, cayenne has powerful pain relieving properties.  It works by reducing a component in nerve cells called substance P, which transmits pain impulses to the brain.  When substance P is depleted, messages of pain no longer reach the brain and the user gets temporary relief from the pain of arthritis and even shingles.

Capsaicin creams will bring relief to people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis as well as joint or muscle pain.  Nerve pain caused by shingles will also be relieved when applying a cayenne herbal cream. Using a cayenne topical ointment will relieve nerve hurt experienced in the feet or legs (peripheral neuropathy) due to diabetes and people who have had an amputation often find relief from lingering pain after surgery.  

The itching sensation that accompanies psoriasis follows the same nerve pathways as that of pain.  When applied topically, cayenne herbal creams may reduce the itching associated with psoriasis.  Raynaud’s disease is characterized by numbness, tingling and a drop in temperature in the affected areas.  Cayenne creams have a “heating” effect on the affected areas and so relieves the aches and pain associated with this disease.

Cayenne herbal supplements can be used to treat mild high blood pressure and high blood cholesterol levels. Herbal medicines containing cayenne prevent platelets from clumping together and accumulating in the blood, which allows blood to flow more easily.

Based on recent studies, cayenne is being researched as a weight-loss supplement.  In animal studies and some human studies it has shown to affect the way the body breaks down carbohydrates, which helps to regulate blood sugar levels after a meal.

Tablets and capsules containing cayenne stimulate digestion and can help to relieve wind and ulcers.  Herbal supplements containing this herbal remedy increases blood flow in the stomach and bowel and promotes the secretion of digestive juices.  

Cayenne herbal remedies are also available in liquid form and can be used as a gargle to soothe the pain and inflammation of a sore throat.  Nose sprays containing cayenne have been shown to relieve congestion and fight colds, and some people find relief from the severe pain of cluster headaches.  These herbal medicines should only be used under a health care practitioner’s supervision.

Herbal medicines containing capsaicin can be safely used with prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories and other medications to relieve pain associated with arthritic conditions.  Combining cayenne herbal preparations may help to cut down on the use of prescription medicines, which can lessen unwanted side-effects of conventional medicines.  This should only be done under the supervision of your health care practitioner.

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

Never use cayenne products on raw skin or open wounds as this will cause a severe burning sensation.

Cayenne herbal creams can cause intense pain and burning when it comes into contact with your eyes.  Wash the affected areas with water or milk to counteract the burning.  

A mildly unpleasant burning sensation can occur during the first few days of treatment.  This side effect does disappear after several days or regular use.

People who use anti-coagulant medicine such as Warfarin, should not take cayenne herbal supplements as it will enhance the effects of blood thinning medication.

If taken internally, cayenne herbal medications can cause stomach pain and diarrhoea.  Capsaicin can also cause a burning sensation when passing stool.

People suffering from asthma should avoid cayenne herbal supplements as regular use increases the absorption of theophylline which is a medication used to treat asthma.

Pregnant and lactating women should not take cayenne herbal remedies.

Cayenne products can cause skin sensitivity, so it is recommended that you apply the cream or ointment to a small area for at least 1 week, should you experience no undesired side effects, you can continue regular use of the herbal medicine.

Make sure that you wash your hands very well with warm, soapy water to avoid getting the product into your eyes.  If you are applying the herbal cream to relieve pain in your hands, leave it on for 30 minutes and then only wash it off.

For external use, the recommended dosage of cayenne herbal creams or ointments is 0,025 per cent to 0,075 per cent capsaicin for daily use.  For pain relief, apply the herbal remedy thinly over the affected areas at least three to four times a day, rubbing it in well.  It may take 2-3 weeks for the pain to completely subside.

It is best to take cayenne pills or tinctures with food to avoid any stomach upsets.  

Tags: muscle pain, cluster headaches, substance p, herbal medicine, mild high blood pressure

Herbs for diseases are found worldwide and from extensive research if one herb cannot be gotten, then there is another with the same qualities to treat various conditions.

A remedy to improve and cure diseases is constantly researched by scientists. Some of these answers can be found in the medicinal herbs found right around us. Herbs are from God and are given to us for the prevention of disease and sickness.

The Romans and Greeks used as many as 150 herbs for respiration or inhalation therapy. Some of their favorite herbs for diseases were colts-foot, rosemary, chamomile and thyme.

Many drugs today are originally derived from herbal sources. The fresh leaves of hyssop were once the host of penicillin, which a lot of country folks used to prevent infections in wounds and also skin sores.

Herbs for diseases include yarrow which is used as a blood cleanser, ephedra is used for bronchitis and coughs, sassafras is used as a blood cleanser and tonic. Sassafras herb is also considered as a wonder medicine for venereal disease and was imported by Sir Walter Raleigh. Mandrake or mandragora officinaram is a member of the tomato family. It was analyzed in 1889 and found to contain painkilling alkaloids used to ease the pain of childbirth as well as induce abortion. American mandrake or May apple was found to be effective in the treatment of blood and lung cancer.

The following herbs for diseases are just a few among the many found to be safe and natural to use. Most of them can be found in my garden and I have been personally using them for my health benefits. I guess this is a hand me down inherited from my grandmother.

For more extensive information, click on the links.

Aloe Vera: This is one of the best healing herbs to clean the colon and to ease constipation.

Basil: This medicinal herb is excellent for stomach aches and to stop vomiting. I have basil plants right in my backyard.

Burdock: Use the root to purify the blood. The tea is brilliant for skin diseases. This herb is very powerful.

Camomile: A tonic of this herb is excellent for a weak stomach and is also useful to women who experience irregular monthly period.

Cayenne: This is One of my favorites. I used it often in my cooking. This is a very stimulating herb and is used for many conditions including new and ancient ulcers and colds.

Cinnamon: Do you want to serve a fantastic tasting porridge? Place 2 cinnamon leaves in any porridge, especially cornmeal and I guarantee that you will delight in your porridge better than before. The result will be a fantastic tasting flavor. This herb is used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Comfrey: If you are suffering from asthma and any lungs condition then this is the herb to use. A poultice of the fresh leaves is beneficial for wounds.

Dandelion: Both the leaves and the roots are used for various ailments. This herb is a blood purifier and brilliant for skin diseases. It has a fantastic effect on female organs.

Echinacea: This herb is brilliant for infections and is also a blood cleanser.

Fennel: This herb is effective for digestive disorders and aid women with menstrual disorders.

Garlic: Brilliant for high blood pressure, heart disease and cancer. My cooking is never without garlic.

Ginseng: This is widely used in China for many years to treat all kinds of diseases.

Goldenseal: The benefits of golden seal is numerous. This herb is above all other herbs because of the many diseases that can be treated by it.

Henna: The bark is used as a dye. It is also useful for headache and sore throat.

Lemon grass: Contains anti-cancer properties.

Marjoram: This herb is brilliant for pain, bruises and arthritis.

Motherwort: Midwives use it for a variety of purposes, including uterine tonic and prevention of uterine infection in women.

Parsely: Chinese and German herbologists recommend parsley tea to help control high blood pressure.

peppermint: peppermint oil has the ability to reduce colicky abdominal pain due to irritable bowel syndrome.

Red Clover: Red clover restores and balances hormonal function and nourishes the uterus. It is know to increase fertility in women.

Sage: This is used as an astringent and expectorant and is useful for persons suffering with asthma.

thyme: A excellent herb to treat asthma.

Vervain: This herb has longstanding use in herbalism and folk medicine, usually as a herbal tea. It is very brilliant for all kinds of cold and fever.

Yellow dock: The leaves are an brilliant source of both vitamin A and protein, and are rich in iron and potassium.

These herbs for diseases have been proven effective and there are testimonies of those who have been recovered from various ailments. There also those who continued to use them as a preventative method to avoid serious consequences.

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Tags: folk medicine, irritable bowel syndrome, high blood pressure, basil plants, inhalation therapy

 

Natural henna or Hina is a flowering plant, Lawsonia inermis, used since antiquity to dye skin (tattoo), hair, fingernails, leather, and wool.

The common names for henna are Jamaica mignonette, Egyptian privet, alcanna, henna plant.

It is used for inflammation of the skin. Ancient Egyptians used it as a dye for fingernails. Mummies have been found with the dye on fingernails. It was a dye for the naval and breast of ancient Egyptians. Today people use it as hair dye.

Parts used are the leaves and root. Leaves can be used internally or externally for jaundice, leprosy, and other skin ailments. it is also used for headaches and a tea made from the leaves is useful as a gargle for sore throat.

The bark is used as a dye.

It also acts as an anti-fungal and as a preservative for leather and cloth.

Return from natural henna to herbs for diseases Return from henna to home page

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Tags: natural henna, hair dye, Hair color, sore throat, inflammation of the skin

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: Ulmus rubra, home remedy, natural remedies, muscle disorder, sore throats