The Cherokee and other Native American tribes used Goldenseal for everything from insect bites to eye infections. Today, Goldenseal is officially recognized in 11 countries as an herbal medicine.

Goldenseal is related to the buttercup and is native to North America. Only the roots are used as an herbal medicine.

The name Goldenseal comes from the scars on the previous year”s root growth, which resembles the wax seals used to seal envelopes.

How can Goldenseal help me?

Goldenseal”s primary benefit is its effect on the immune system. Goldenseal does not only increase the immune system’s production of germ-fighting compounds, it also combats viruses and bacteria.

This herbal remedy has a excellent reputation as a natural antibiotic, therefore taking Goldenseal at the onset of a sinus infection will not only relieve the symptoms, but will fight the infection itself.

The berberine content in Goldenseal has very strong antibiotic and antiseptic qualities, which makes this herbal medicine a very effective natural alternative to antibiotics commonly prescribed.

Goldenseal fights the human papilloma virus that causes warts and applying Goldenseal tincture directly to warts can help to heal these unsightly skin lesions.

Goldenseal is also used to treat urinary tract infections as well as intestinal infections.

Goldenseal can be used topically to treat mouth ulcers and sores. Used as a tincture, Goldenseal promotes the healing of the sores. Using Goldenseal as an antiseptic mouthwash is also very effective to treat the inflammation of sore throats.

In treating periodontal disease, Goldenseal destroys the bacteria that cause the disease and relieves inflamed gums.

Cooled Goldenseal tea can be used as an eyewash to relieve and treat eye infections such as conjunctivitis.

Goldenseal was used by the early Native Americans to treat a variety of stomach disorders. Several scientific studies have proven that Goldenseal increases the flow of digestive enzymes, thereby treating heartburn, constipation, indigestion as well as inflamed peptic ulcers.

Goldenseal is also an effective herbal remedy used to cool a nauseated stomach.

Goldenseal soothes inflamed mucous membranes and has long been used to treat infections of the respiratory system because it eases congestion.

As Goldenseal is one of the main herbal remedies used to strengthen your immune system, it is very effective in treating disorders associated with a weakened immune system, such as shingles and cold sores.

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

Pregnant or lactating women should not use Goldenseal or any herbs containing berberine.

Goldenseal limits the efficacy of anticoagulants such as Warfarin.

If you are taking antibiotics such as tetracycline, do not use Goldenseal in conjunction with the antibiotics.

People with glaucoma should not use Goldenseal to treat eye infections.

As Goldenseal is a natural antiseptic, it can reduce the presence of “excellent” bacteria in the digestive system, thereby causing diarrhea and nausea.

Prolonged use of Goldenseal can affect the absorption of the B-group of vitamins.

Do not take Goldenseal for prolonged periods of time, rather use it in rotation with other immune-support herbal remedies such as Echinacea.

To treat colds, flu and other respiratory illnesses, start taking 125 mg of Goldenseal five times a day for five days as soon as you start feeling ill.

For urinary tract infections, drink several cups of Goldenseal tea a day for a period of 3 days.

To help in healing cold sores and shingles, take 125 mg of Goldenseal four times a day.

Apply Goldenseal tincture directly to mouth ulcers and warts three times a day.

To make an eyewash from Goldenseal, use one teaspoon of dried herb per 500 ml of hot water. Let the tea steep and then make sure that you strain it thoroughly to avoid any gritty bits staying behind. Use the cooled Goldenseal tea as an eyewash three times a day.

Tags: Medicinal plants, Urinary tract infection, herbal remedy, digestive enzymes, Cold sores

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: medieval monks, sore throats, antiseptic cream, health care practitioners, harmful insects

HERBAL MEDS ONLINE NEWSLETTER

EDITION 2 – MARCH 2009

Welcome to the second edition of the Herbal Meds Online newsletter!

At Herbal Meds Online, we continually strive to keep you informed about herbal medicines and its uses.

Herbal medicines have been around for centuries and as more research and studies are being done, people are realizing the value of herbal medicines in the prevention and treatment of illness.

The use of herbal medicines and herbal supplements have increased dramatically in the past 30 years and is useful in treating a variety of conditions such as PMS, migraine, chronic fatigue and rheumatoid arthritis, to name just a few.

In this edition, we will be focusing on fever blisters and the herbal medicines used to prevent and treat this painful condition.

TOPICS

Naturopathy – a system of medicine that uses natural substances to treat the patient

Purchasing safe and pure herbal medicines

Fever blisters – a preventable condition

Lysine – an herbal remedy used to treat and prevent fever blisters

Hints and Fascinating Facts

Herbal Medicine quote of the month

Reminder

Naturopathy – a system of medicine that uses natural substances to treat the patient

Naturopathic Medicine, or Naturopathy, is a system of medicine that uses natural substances to treat the patient and recognizes that the patient’s mental, emotional, and physical states must all be treated for a lasting effect.

The foundation of Naturopathic medicine is the vitalistic philosophy of the “healing power of nature.” This means that within every human organism there is a healing energy, which includes our immune system in the fuller sense of both the physical and the psyche, which is responsible for our wellness and our ability to heal and maintain health

Following this first premise is the second, that the therapies used to support and stimulate this healing power of nature must be in “the gentlest, least invasive, most efficient manner possible”.

The third Naturopathic premise is “to diagnose and treat the cause”. Naturopaths do not simply treat the manifestation of the disease but rather search for the cause and treat it.

To accomplish these goals, Naturopathic medicine incorporates many therapeutic modalities: herbal medicine, homeopathy, nutrition, hydrotherapy, food, exercise therapy, physical therapy, and manipulation of the bony and soft tissues, lifestyle and counseling.

Naturopathic medicine treats the patient from the preventive stage through to serious, chronic and debilitating disease. Therefore, people can go to Naturopaths for colds, bronchitis, allergies, as well as for heart disease, diabetes, and malignant diseases.

(Information taken from www.naturopathyonline.com)

Purchasing safe and pure herbal medicines

Make sure that you consult a health care provider that has the proper credentials and who is trained to prescribe herbs and supplements.

Inform your health care practitioner if you are taking prescription medicines to avoid unwanted and even perilous drug interactions.

The herbs available in most stores come in several different forms: teas, syrups, oils, liquid extracts, tinctures, and dry extracts (pills or capsules). Teas are simply dried herbs left to soak for a few minutes in hot water, while other teas are the herbs boiled in water and then strained for consumption. Syrups, made from concentrated extracts and added to sweet-tasting preparations, are frequently used for sore throats and coughs. Oils are extracted from plants and often used as rubs for massage, either alone or as part of an ointment or cream. Tinctures and liquid extracts are solvents (usually water, alcohol, or glycerol) that contain the active ingredients of the herbs. Tinctures are typically a 1:5 or 1:10 concentration, meaning that one part of the herbal material is prepared with five to ten parts (by weight) of the liquid. Liquid extracts are more concentrated than tinctures and are typically a 1:1 concentration. A dry extract form is the most concentrated form of an herbal product (typically 2:1 – 8:1) and is sold as a tablet, capsule, or lozenge.

Currently, no organization or government body regulates the manufacture or certifies the labeling of herbal preparations. This means you can’t be sure that the amount of the herb contained in the bottle, or even from dose to dose, is the same as what is stated on the mark. Some herbal preparations are standardized, meaning that the preparation is guaranteed to contain a specific amount of the active ingredients of the herb. But, it is still vital to question companies that are making standardized herbal products the basis for their product’s guarantee. If consumers insist on an answer to this question, manufacturers of these herbal products may start to implement more quality control processes, like microscopic, chemical, and biological analyses. It is vital to talk to your doctor or an expert in herbal medicine for the recommended doses of any herbal products you are considering.

(Information taken from www.umm.edu)

Fever blisters – a preventable condition

Fever blisters or cold sores are caused by the Herpes simplex virus (HSV-1).

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 stages of the development of a fever blister:

Stage 1: no sore is 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. Itching and pain increases.

Stage 4: a soft, very painful ulcer forms.

Lysine – an herbal remedy used to treat and prevent fever blisters

Lysine is an essential amino acid in that the human body cannot synthesize on its own, therefore it needs to be obtained from your diet.

If you suffer from regular outbreaks of cold sores and fever blisters a Lysine supplement can help treat and also prevent these outbreaks.

Cold sores, fever blisters and shingles are all forms of the Herpes virus and several studies have shown that Lysine inhibits viral replication. These specific types of viruses utilize Arginine (another form of amino acid) and increasing the availability of Lysine in the human body slows the virus replication and inhibits the use of Arginine.

Studies have also indicated that Lysine could suppress genital herpes.

Use of Lysine as an alternative treatment to cold sores reduces the frequency of outbreaks and lesions heal quicker.

Lysine is available in pill form and cream form. At the onset of an outbreak of cold sores, start with a dosage of 1000mg Lysine daily and as the condition improves, take a therapeutic dosage of 500mg daily.

Lysine cream can be applied topically to the affected areas to reduce the symptoms of painful outbreaks.
(Information taken from article published on our website www.herbal-meds-online.com)

Hints and Fascinating Facts on Fever blisters

Holding an ice cube on the affected area for a few minutes can reduce the pain and swelling.

Recent studies have shown that Vitamin C may be effective in treating fever blisters when applied topically.

People who are prone to fever blister outbreaks should avoid over-exposure to the sun and should use a lip balm that contains an SPF of at least 15.

Avoid touching the blisters as this can spread the infection.

(Information taken from “The Healing Power of Vitamins, Minerals and Herbs” published by Reader’s Digest)

Herbal Medicine quote of the month

“Foolish the doctor who despises the knowledge bought by the ancients.”

Hippocrates, a Greek physician born in 460 BC

Reminder

Please consult your medical practitioner prior to using any herbal medications should you be under their care. Pregnant or lactating women and children under 16 years of age should not be using herbal remedies or supplements unless prescribed by a medical practitioner. Suggestions offered are not intended to replace appropriate medical investigation and treatment.

Tags: Fever blistersHolding, healing energy, immune system, herpes simplex virus, Alternative medicine

Sage herb came from the mint family and it is native in the Mediterranean region. It is a strongly flavored perennial herb and is used for nearly all ailments.

It is known as an antiseptic medicine in the U.S. Pharmacopoeia. It helps the stomach to digest fats and remove all impurities from the intestines.

This is one of the memory-enhancing plants that was always grown in my grandmother’s garden. No wonder her memory was so sharp because of its brilliant remedy for failing memory.

It is excellent for both medicinal and culinary purposes. It gives an brilliant flavor to poultry, meats, fish, pasta, peas, and soup.

In history, it has always been a healing herb and is now used in kitchens worldwide.

It is used for sore throats, sore mouth, stomach troubles, dyspepsia, biliousness, gas, liver troubles, kidney troubles, lung troubles, measles, and smallpox.

It will expel worms, excellent for female troubles, and asthma. It can be used as a hair rinse to soften the hair as well as to darken the hair.

Known as a “cure all” because of its many medicinal properties, you can make a poultice for any inflammation.

A small cayenne mixed with this antiseptic medicine will stop seasickness.

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Tags: sore mouth, U.S. Pharmacopoeia, hair rinse, culinary purposes, sore throats

Echinacea herb, or purple coneflower, is a perennial herb of the composite family, commonly known as the daisy family. This herb’s species are herbaceous, drought-tolerant perennial plants growing up to 140cm in height.

The Kiowa used it for coughs and sore throats, the Cheyenne for sore throats, the Pawnee for headaches, and many tribes used it as an analgesic. It is one of the most well loved herbs used in Europe.

It is very well loved for use in treatment of colds and flu, ear infections, cold sores, yeast infection, viral infections.

It is also an brilliant blood cleanser, brilliant for fever, carbuncles, acne, eczema, boils, peritonitis, syphilitic conditions, bites and stings of poisonous snakes and insects, infections, wounds, troubled skin, allergies, and inflammation.

It is among the top ten herbs by herbalists and is one of the most well loved one bought over the counter.

Its benefits are many and it has been found to boost the immune system and has been touted for many years as the wonder herb for an immune system.

It has anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties and is the best-selling herb in health food stores for several years.

Health supplements should be bought from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.

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Tags: Medicinal plants, bites and stings, blood cleanser, Common cold, health food stores

Heartburn affects an estimated 20 percent of people at least once a week. While an occasional heartburn episode may be common, some people have heartburn frequently.

Regular or constant heartburn is a common symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Symptoms of GERD include:

Heartburn
Chest pain, especially while lying down at night
Sour taste in the mouth
Coughing, wheezing, hoarseness, sore throat
Regurgitation of food or liquid

With GERD, the acidic contents of the stomach flows back into your esophagus, which can irritate the delicate lining of the esophagus and cause pain. If you are experiencing heartburn, it’s vital to see your doctor to be evaluated. If it’s not treated properly, GERD may result in serious problems, including esophagitis, strictures, esophageal bleeding and ulcers, Barrett’s esophagus, and an increased risk of esophageal cancer. Here are seven natural remedies for heartburn. Avoid heartburn triggers. Keeping a food diary may help you identify problem foods. Foods and drinks that commonly trigger heartburn include:

Citrus fruits
Chocolate
Peppermint
Spearmint
Tomatoes
Raw onions
Garlic
Black pepper
Vinegar
Fatty foods
Spicy foods
Coffee
Citrus juice
Carbonated beverages
Alcoholic beverages

Don’t go to bed after eating.

Eat your last meal at least two to three hours before lying down.

Eat smaller part sizes.

Take time to eat.

Try practicing mindfulness while eating. Eliminate all distractions and savor, rather than inhale, your food. Pay full attention to what the food looks like on your plate, how it smells, how it tastes. Chew slowly.

A survey by the National Heartburn Alliance revealed that 58 percent of frequent heartburn sufferers identify a hectic lifestyle as a factor that contributes to their heartburn and 52 percent say work-related stress makes their symptoms worse.

Although some people report that stress makes their heartburn symptoms worse, scientists haven’t yet established a direct link between heartburn and stress. We do know that stress can disrupt our normal routines and make us do things, like eat the incorrect foods, smoke, drink coffee or alcohol, that may trigger heartburn. Stress also slows down the emptying of the stomach, which may increase the likelihood of heartburn.

Here are some natural methods that may help to manage stress:

Natural Remedies for Anxiety Nicotine, an ingredient in cigarettes, can weaken the lower esophageal sphincter, a band of muscle at the end of the esophagus, that closes off the esophagus and prevents the acidic stomach contents from entering the esophagus. Learn about Natural Remedies to Quit Smoking. DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) is a folk remedy used for heartburn. It is a form of the herb licorice that has had the glycyrrhizin component removed to reduce the risk of glycyrrhizin-related side effects such as high blood pressure and water retention.

Although some research suggests licorice may decrease inflammation, inhibit the growth of potentially harmful stomach bacteria, and help with ulcers, there haven’t been any clinical trials on the use of licorice for heartburn or GERD.

The juice from the aloe vera plant is another natural home remedy that is used to soothe an irritated esophagus. Although there isn’t any scientific evidence that it might help, aloe vera juice has a long history of use in Europe as a natural home remedy to relive heartburn.

Typically, approximately 1/4 cup of aloe vera juice is taken (by adults) approximately 20 minutes before a meal.

The aloe vera should not contain any aloe latex, aloin, or aloe-emoin compounds, substances in the aloe plant that are very powerful laxatives. Aloe gel should not be taken directly from the plant as a home remedy, as the gel can be contaminated with the latex. Only gel or juice preparations specifically for internal use should be used. For more information about aloe vera, read the Aloe Vera Fact Sheet.

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.

Slippery elm is a folk remedy that hasn’t yet been studied for heartburn. The inner bark contains mucilage, a gel-like substance that swells when it is mixed with water. The mucilage is thought to coat the esophagus and reduce irritation.

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.

Like slippery elm, the herb marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) contains mucilage, which is thought to coat and soothe the lining of the esophagus. It is another folk remedy that is used for heartburn.

Herbalists often recommend marshmallow root tea. It is usually made by adding one tablespoon of the dried root to a cup (8 oz.) 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.

Tags: symptoms of gerd, gerd symptoms, esophageal cancer, liquidWith GERD, Health Medical Pharma

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: liver disease, Health Medical Pharma, natural remedies, high blood pressure, North America