The Natural Cure for Pharyngitis

Pharyngitis is the condition characterized by the inflammation or the infection that occurs in the pharynx (the back of the throat). It triggers scratchiness, pain and discomfort in the throat and it can be both chronic and acute. The chronic pharyngitis will only heal in a few weeks and the acute condition will last for almost 7 days. The main causes of pharyngitis are the viral infections like the flu or the cold virus. The fungal or bacterial infections will rarely cause this condition. The thermal, chemical or mechanical irritation can also trigger the illness. The symptoms associated with pharyngitis are sore throat, muscle aches, scratchy throat, swollen lymph nodes, sneezing, fatigue, fever, joint pain, loss of appetite and cough. Treat it as soon as possible so as to prevent other serious conditions such as throat abscess, sinus infection, ear infection and tonsillitis. The natural treatment is always the best, so follow one of the remedies:

Slippery Elm

Slippery elm is a traditional remedy for pharyngitis. It is rich in mucilage that will soother the sore throat and will also reduce the pain and the inflammation. Prepare a tea with boiling water (2 cups) and slippery elm (2 teaspoons). After you have strained it, you can drink it two times per day for several days.

Honey

Honey is often more efficient than the over-the-counter medications in treating the upper respiratory infections. Honey has antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties and it can instantly combat the infection. Mix apple cider vinegar with honey in equal amounts. Consume this mixture (1 tablespoon) every 4 hours or more frequently if the pain is too severe. You can also mix warm water with honey and add some lemon juice and consume the solution throughout the day.

Licorice Root

The alternative medicine uses licorice root for a wide array of conditions and ailments. The sore throat is one of these conditions. The licorice root will soothe the throat and will also boost the immunity. Mix one glass of hot water with crushed licorice root (1 tablespoon). Let it steep for almost 5 minutes and then add some lemon juice and drink the tea one time per day. The irritated throat can also be soothed by chewing licorice candies.

Marshmallow Root

Pharyngitis and a sore throat can also be treated with marshmallow root. Prepare a tea with boiling water and dried marshmallow root (1 tablespoon). Let it steep for 20 minutes and after you have strained it, you can add honey. Drink this tea for up to 3 times per day, until you notice any improvement.

Ginger

Ginger is the mighty herb that can cure almost anything, including pharyngitis. It comes with anti-inflammatory properties and it is effective in easing the pain and the swelling of the pharynx. It also has antibacterial properties and can kill the bacteria or the virus causing the infection. You can drink a ginger tea with lemon juice and honey three times daily for several days. Also, for a quick recovery, you can chew fresh ginger root (a small piece) a few times per day.