A sore throat is a common bacterial or viral infectious condition in which most antibiotics are ineffective in treating the throat. Among the major causes of sore throat are medication, surgery, radiation, dust, smoke, chemical and gum infections, and allergies. An individual suffering from sore throat should have large quantities of orange juice and water for three to five days, depending on the severity of the condition. When symptoms diminish in severity, the patient can start an all-fruit diet for three or four days. Thereafter, the patient should start a well-balanced diet, with plenty of nuts, grain, raw vegetables, and fresh fruit.

Following are some home remedies for treating soar throats.

1. Mango bark fluid extracted by grinding the fruit (10 ml) mixed with 125 ml of water is an effective gargle.

2. Drinking a mixture of two grams of belleric myroblan pulp, a quarter teaspoon of salt, half a teaspoon of powdered long pepper and two teaspoons of honey.

3. Drinking infusion of Bishop's weed seeds mixed with salt can be used as a gargle.

4. Drinking a mixture of one teaspoon of roughly powdered cinnamon, boiled in a glass of water with a pinch of pepper powder, and two teaspoons of honey. Two or three drops of cinnamon oil, mixed with a teaspoon of honey is also an effective remedy.

5. Gargling two tablespoons of fenugreek seeds boiled in a liter of cold water over a low flame for half an hour. The strained cooled liquid can be used as a gargle.

6. Gargling a decoction of henna leaves.

7. Water boiled with basil leaves can be used as a drink, and a gargle.

8. Gargling a solution of 2-3 teaspoons of salt in a glass of water several times a day.

9. Chewing or sucking a small piece of raw licorice quickly soothes inflammation.

10. Having a few tablespoons of honey several times a day.

11. Boiling pomegranate peels and drinking like tea.

12. Ginger root mixed with 1/3 cup of boiling water and a tablespoon of sugar.

13. Drinking a mixture of onion juice with a spoon of honey.

14. Swallowing a cup of hot milk mixed with an egg yolk and a tablespoon of honey.  

Article originally published on Press TV (December 26, 2007). Reprinted with permission.

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