Sore throat is a common health complaint during the winter season. It starts with a raw, scratchy feeling which gradually results into a painful, burning sensation. Most of us know this as the onset of a flu or cold. But it could also be the symptoms of a more serious condition. Therefore, it is important to observe the causes and symptoms of a sore throat closely and the way they develop to decide on the course of treatment.
A sore throat can have many causes. Some of these causes could be:
- Common viruses, including the viruses that cause mononucleosis and the flu. Some viruses can also cause blisters in the mouth and throat these is also known as “aphthous stomatitis”.
- Extreme dryness or soreness as a result of breathing through the mouth or smoking
- The drainage from a sinus infection also known as post nasal drip
- Bacterial infections: two of the most common bacteria that cause a sore throat are Streptococcus, these also cause strep throat; and Arcanobacterium haemolyticum which causes sore throats in young adults and is coupled with a fine red rash.
- Sore throats can also appear after a treatment with antibiotics, chemotherapy, or other immune-affecting medications due to the yeast Candida. This condition is also commonly known as “thrush.”
Symptoms of sore throat are usually a painful burning or scratching sensation in the back of the throat, pain with swallowing, and sometimes even a feeling of tenderness in the neck. Other symptoms that could accompany a sore throat include:
- Runny nose
- Mild fever
- Hoarseness also known as laryngitis
- General fatigue
- Swollen lymph nodes or glands in the neck
- Bad breath or halitosis
Natural Home Remedies
Now that there is a clear understanding of the symptoms and causes of a sore throat it is important to learn more about the options of treatment available for a sore throat. If your sore throat is caused by a bacterial infection, your doctor will prescribe a course of antibiotics. The pain and fever can be treated by Ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Doctors prescribe antibiotics or penicillin for the infections caused by bacteria but if the infection is caused by a virus then the course of treatment is very different.
Most times in mild to moderate cases of throat infections the symptoms can be relieved by commonly available modes of alternative therapies. These include home remedies such as:
- Use of herbs such as Sage, Licorice root, honey has been considered to be beneficial in treating sore throats
- Comforting foods and beverages such as warm liquid broths, caffeine-free tea or cold treats such as ice pops
- Saltwater gargles can help soothe a sore throat to a large extent.
- Lozenges can also soothe a sore throat but because of the choking hazard involved one needs to be extra careful about giving them to children below the age of four.
Using Manuka Honey for Sore Throat
Honey has been used as a natural medicine to cure multiple ailments since ancient times. It is common knowledge that taking a spoonful of honey with warm water and lemon soothes the inflammation of the throat. The therapeutic properties of honey are constantly being researched. Manuka honey for sore throat has been known to be especially beneficial because of its effective anti-bacterial qualities. This honey has been known to inhibit the growth of a broad variety of bacteria. Many of the reports even prove the presence of an antifungal activity in it. The antibacterial activity in Manuka honey is due to three important qualities: the osmotic effect, the acidity of honey, and the presence of its phytochemical factor. Another way this honey works as a healing agent is through its antiseptic properties, which are similar to peroxide when used for disinfecting certain conditions. The properties present in this honey make it valuable for curing eye infections and ear infections. This powerful composition of healing properties and a non-peroxide activity emphasizes the antibacterial qualities. Manuka honey also helps manage blocked sinuses.
People suffering from ailments such as recurring digestive upsets, colds, and sore throats find regular doses of Manuka honey very beneficial. It is considered to be a great method of preventing any such infections. The antibacterial agents work toward not only fighting the germs that cause these infections but also provide the body’s natural healing properties a great boost. Manuka honey is recommended for all those people who have had a bad experience with conventional medicine to treat their illnesses and allergies.