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Sore throats are one of the most common reasons why people see a doctor.

Sore Throat Remedies

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.

Sore Throat Remedies

These are herbs that are used as natural remedies for sore throat.

• Slippery Elm

  Slippery elm was once a popular 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 popular brand of slippery elm lozenges is Thayer's.

  The safety of slippery elm in pregnant or nursing women has not been established.

• Licorice

  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

  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.

• Honeysuckle Flower

  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 easy 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.

• Lemon, Apple Cider Vinegar, Cayenne, and Honey Tea

  An old 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.

• Sage

  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.

When to See a Doctor

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.

Fiber Rich Food

Fiber rich food should be incorporated into your daily diet, as it is extremely beneficial for the body. It aids in expanding the inside walls of the colon, thereby paving way for flushing out the waste products from the body. Eating food high in fiber content, goes a long way in keeping your digestive system smooth and thus prevents the problem of constipation.

Here is presented a high fiber food list, so check out:

• Grain Products:
  • Whole grain breads
  • Buns
  • Bagels
  • Muffins

• Bran Flakes:
  • All Bran
  • Red River cereal
  • Corn bran ce real
  • Whole wheat

• Shreddies:
  • Whole-wheat pastas
  • Whole grains such as barley, popcorn, corn and brown rice

• Fruits:
  • Dried fruits such as apricots, dates, prunes and raisins
  • Berries such as blackberries, blueberries, raspberries and strawberries
  • Oranges, apple with skin and pear

• Vegetables:
  • Broccoli, spinach, Swiss chard and green peas
  • Dried peas and beans such as kidney beans, lima beans, black-eyed beans, chick peas and lentils
  • Nuts and seeds such as almonds, whole flaxseed and soynuts

Benefits of Dietary Fiber

Dietary fiber is the undigested part of our food that paves way for promoting health fitness; by preventing several diseases from

spreading its tentacles. The reservoir of benefits of dietary fiber is a real comprehensive one. There are two kinds of fibrous food, namely soluble and insoluble and both offer distinctive advantages. Read further to explore information about the fiber health benefits…

The importance of fibre can be mainly felt in giving a boost to your weight loss program. Well, it can be said that fiber serves as the perfect way to reduce your appetite. This can be attributed to the fact that fibrous foods also known as cellulose and hemicelluloses, occupy a large space of your stomach, thus making you feel full and thereby enable you to avoid overeating.

It helps a great deal in preventing constipation, by keeping your bowel movements going smooth. Fiber ensures that the waste products move rapidly through the colon and in one way, they also help to prevent your risk of developing colon cancer.

Fiber aids in lowering your blood cholesterol level, by removing bile acids that digest fat. It also takes the responsibility of regulating your blood sugar. Also your risk factor of falling prey to kidney and heart diseases is greatly reduced. So, incorporate fiber in your daily meals and derive its ultimate health benefits.