[toc]Sore throat is an infection of the throat, wherein the membranes of the throat become inflamed and irritated. Sore throat is mainly caused due to bacterial or viral infection, irritants like smoke, air pollution etc and sometimes due to throat injuries. A person suffering from sore throat often experience throat pain, difficulty in swallowing food, scratchy feeling in the throat etc. Sore throat is often followed by onset on cold, flu, cough, sneezing and sometimes even a low grade fever.
Sore throat though painful does not require any special medical attention and goes away on its own within 3 to 5 days. It is a frequent occurrence in case of children, elderly and people with compromised immune system. Sore throat and its related symptoms can be reduced with the inhalation of steam, gargles, lozenges, throat sprays etc. Some important herbs which are very beneficial in providing relief from sore throat are mentioned below.
9 Important Herbs For Sore Throat
Mullein
Mullein has been used since ancient times to treat the problem of Sore Throat. Mullein helps in reducing the inflammation of the mucous membranes and provides a soothing effect to the irritated membrane. It also helps the body in fighting against bacterial and viral infections which cause infection in the throat.
Mullein helps in reducing the swelling of the throat, prevent the mucous from building up and encourages the body to expel mucous in form of cough. All these properties of Mullein makes it a much sought after remedy for curing Sore Throat. Mullein can be consumed in form of herbal tea, tonic, herbal compress, oil etc.
Marshmallow
Marshmallow is yet another herb renowned for its powers to sooth Sore Throat. The roots of Marshmallow are rich in medicinal properties and contains high content of mucilage, which helps in forming a protective coat over mucous membrane of throat.
This prevents the membrane from getting inflamed and irritated by bacterial and viral infections causing throat soreness. Marshmallow can be consumed in form of herbal tea to get instant relief from sore throat. It is also available in form of capsules, tonic, tincture, syrup etc.
Thyme
Thyme is yet another very useful herbal remedy for Sore Throat problem. The leaves, flowers and stem of Thyme are rich in medicinal properties and is used effectively to combat Sore Throat, cold, cough etc. Thyme helps the body in bringing down fever by fighting against infections responsible for Sore Throat.
Thyme is also known for its expectorant properties, which encourage the removal of cough and clearing of congestion caused in the chest and throat. Consuming herbal tea made of Thyme is especially very effective for sore throat.
Goldenseal
Goldenseal is a very effective herbal remedy for treating the problem of Sore Throat. Goldenseal is rich in components known as berberine and hydrastine, which help the body in fighting against bacterial and viral infections responsible for sore throat.
It is a naturally found herb with antibiotic and antiseptic properties, which is very helpful in providing relief against sore throat cases and removing congestion of the throat, chest and lungs. Goldenseal is available in form of tincture, compress, syrup, poultice etc.
Oregon Grape Root
Oregon grape is an excellent herbal remedy used for curing Sore Throat. The roots of Oregon grape are rich in medicinal properties and contain a chemical compound called berberine, which is a very good naturally found antiseptic.
This herb also helps in building the overall immunity of the body due to its ability to fight against bacterial and viral infections responsible for causing soreness in the throat. Oregon grape root is also very effective in reducing the inflammation of the throat mucous membranes and provides a soothing effect to the irritated membranes. Oregon grape root can be consumed in form of herbal tea, tincture, syrup etc. Alternatively, it can also be used in form of infusion oil.
Sage
Sage has been used effectively as a traditional herbal remedy for Sore Throat. Sage helps in fighting against the bacterial and viral infections which are responsible for sore throat. It is also a very good astringent, thereby helping in providing a soothing effect to the irritated throat membranes.
Sage is also very effective in controlling fever, which is common symptom of sore throat and cold. Sage herbal tea is very effective in instantly providing relief from Sore Throat.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea Tree oil is a very beneficial herbal remedy which has been used since centuries to combat the problem of Sore Throat. Tea tree oil is rich in components, which helps in boosting the immunity levels of the body. It is famous for its antiviral and antibacterial properties, thus enabling the body to fight against sore throat causing infections.
Tea tree oil helps in soothing the inflamed mucous membrane of the throat, thus providing immediate relief. Tea tree oil is especially very effective for sore throat when used in form of gargle or inhaled through steam. The tea tree oil can also be rubbed on the throat and chest area to help with congestion.
Slippery Elm
Slippery Elm is another very effective herbal remedy for Sore Throat. Mucilage, is the main component of Slipper Elm, which on combination with water becomes gooey and slippery.
This slippery elm when consumed, forms a protective covering over the throat and stomach mucous membranes, thereby protecting the membrane from inflammation and irritation and helps in keeping it moist. Slipper elm also stimulates the loosening of the congested chest and subsequently, encourages its removal from the body in form of cough. This herb provides a soothing effect to the throat mucous membranes and reduces pain caused due to inflamed tissues. Slippery elm is especially very effective when consumed in the form of herbal tea, syrups, tonic etc.
Horehound
Horehound is yet another very commonly used herb for treating Sore Throat. Horehound helps in providing a soothing effect to the irritated mucous membrane of the throat.
One of the important components of Horehound is marubin, which not only helps in providing relief from throat pain but also helps in loosening the throat congestion by encouraging expulsion of cough. Horehound can be used for sore throat in form of herbal tea, cough & cold drops, lozenges etc.
