Top Five Natural Homeopathic Remedies For Sore Throat

A sore throat is one of the most common medical conditions that keeps you irritated and it could happen to you once or twice a year. Constant pain, itching, a scratchy feeling in the throat, and difficulty in swallowing are some of the most common symptoms of a sore throat.

The pain is a result of inflammation (swelling) anywhere in the throat. Though it causes pain and irritation in the throat, it is usually not serious, and it develops as a result of a flu or a cold that tends to settle in a week’s time. Homeopathic medicine for the throat works by reducing the severity of symptoms like pain and helps reduce inflammation so that further treatment can take place.

Inflammation at the back of the throat is known as pharyngitis, while inflammation of tonsils present on the sides of the throat is known as tonsillitis. The majority of cases of sore throat arise from a viral infection, followed by bacterial infections and allergies.

Top Homeopathic Medicines for Sore Throat

The top five homeopathic medicines for the treatment of sore throat are Belladonna, Merc Sol, Hepar Sulph, Merc Iod Flavus and Merc Iod Ruber.

1. Belladonna – Top-grade medicine

The first medicine that comes to a homeopathic physician’s mind to treat a sore throat is Belladonna. It is the most prescribed medicine to treat sore throat. Those who need to be administered Belladonna have marked pain in the throat along with sore, bright red, and inflamed throat. There is shooting pain, especially when swallowing liquids, and the throat is dry. Tonsils are also inflamed, swollen and red. Fever with intense heat may be present.

When and How to use Belladonna?

It is used as the first line of treatment in cases of sore throat. It can be started as soon as pain in the throat is first felt and when the throat is bright red and inflamed. This medicine relieves pain wonderfully well and reduces throat inflammation naturally and aids quick recovery. It can be used in both low and high potencies among which the most preferred is 30C potency once to thrice a day, depending on the severity of the symptoms.

2. Merc sol – for stitching pain (local, sharp and sudden) from throat to ear

There is bluish-red swelling inside the throat. Inflammation ulcers can be present in the throat. Increased salivation is another characteristic feature when this medicine can be administered.  Some people have a tendency to get sore throat during every weather change; such individuals can benefit tremendously by using this medicine.

When to use Merc sol?

A person with a sore throat can take this medicine when stitching pain in the throat goes up to the ears while swallowing food or water.

3. Hepar Sulph – for sharp splinter-like pricking sensation in the throat

It is a highly suitable medicine when there is a sensation of splinters (sharp objects penetrating the tissue) in the throat while swallowing solid food. The pain from the throat may extend up to the ears. On physical examination of the throat, enlarged red follicles may be seen.

When and How to use Hepar Sulph?

This medicine can be used when the main complaint is a splinter-like pricking sensation in the throat. Its use is recommended in both low and high potency.

4. Merc Iod Flavus – for sore throat and pain on the right side of the throat

This medicine is specific to treat sore throat mostly on the right side. Its use is also considered when soreness in the throat begins on the right side, then goes to the left. Persons needing it have a constant desire to swallow. A sticky mucus and lump is felt in the throat. Small ulcers can be present at the back of the throat.

When is Hepar Sulph Indicated ?

Anyone experiencing a sore throat on the right side may use this medicine. It can also be taken when a sore throat moves from the right side to the left.

5. Merc Iod Ruber– for sore throat and pain on the left side of the throat

It is particularly prescribed for sore throat pain on the left side. It is also administered when pain in the throat starts from the left side and gradually moves to the right. Apart from sore throat and cough, there is an urge to forcefully spit out the phlegm, and the sensation of a lump in the throat is felt.

When  to use this medicine?

This medicine can be best used to treat soreness on the left side of the throat and also when soreness in the throat moves from left to right.

What Causes Sore Throat?

Viral Infections

Out of all the cases of sore throat, around 90 – 95 per cent of the cases arise from a viral infection. The primary viral infections that lead to a sore throat are influenza (flu), common cold, measles, chicken pox, mumps, mononucleosis, and Covid-19

Bacterial Infections

Bacterial infections linked to a sore throat are more serious than viral infections. The most noteworthy is an infection caused by Group A streptococcus bacteria that can lead to strep throat and it needs quick medical diagnosis and treatment. It mostly affects children, but people of any age group can be affected.

The signs and symptoms are a pain in the throat on swallowing, soreness in the throat, swollen red tonsils, and pus points on the tonsils. Fever, skin rashes, headache, body aches, and swollen/tender lymph nodes in the neck are other symptoms.

If left untreated it can lead to complications like rheumatic fever (an inflammatory disease involving joints, heart, skin, and brain), kidney inflammation (glomerulonephritis), peritonsillar abscess (collection of pus beside the tonsils), and mastoiditis (inner ear infection).

Allergies

A person who has allergies is usually prone to developing a sore throat. The common allergens include dust, pollen, grass, molds, and pet dander (mainly from dogs and cats). PND (post nasal dripping) of mucus is the main cause of a sore throat that develops due to allergies. Mucus dripping from posterior nares (nostrils) into the throat tends to cause scratching, tickling, and irritation in the throat.

Dryness

Dry air tends to decrease the moisture levels of the throat, leading to dryness, roughness, and itching in the throat. Breathing from the mouth also causes dryness leading to a sore throat.

GERD

Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) may also lead to a sore throat in some. In GERD, the stomach acid flows backwards into the food pipe due to improper functioning of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). This may also cause a sore throat; its other main symptoms are heartburn, lump in the throat, regurgitation of sour liquid, and chest pain.

Voice overstraining

Talking loudly, yelling, and speaking for a long time without a break may also cause soreness in the throat.

Signs and Symptoms

• pain in the throat that worsens on swallowing food, drinks, or even saliva
• itching, irritation, and scratchy feeling in the throat
• difficulty in swallowing
• redness, swelling of throat and tonsils along with pain
• white patches, pus, or ulcers on the tonsils
• hoarseness of voice
• coughing
• dryness in the throat
• burning sensation in the throat
• earache
• nasal symptoms (like a runny nose, blocked nose, and sneezing)
• enlargement of lymph nodes in the neck that can be felt

Some general symptoms that accompany a sore throat are fever (with or without chills), weakness, headache, and body aches.

When to see a doctor?

A sore throat is a common occurrence and clears up within a week on its own if it is not due to a bacterial infection. A physician should be consulted if:

• a sore throat lasts for more than a week
• extreme difficulty in swallowing or breathing
• visible pus points or white spots on the tonsils or the back of the throat
• excessive drooling in young children
• constant fever, or high fever
• blood in the sputum
• strep throat (bacterial infection)

How does Homeopathy Treat Sore Throat, and When do you Need Antibiotics?

The conventional system of medicine indicates the use of antibiotics and painkillers for a sore throat. While painkillers can help reduce the severity and irritation that appears as a result of a sore throat, they do nothing to fix the cause of the problem. Viruses cause many infections like cold, sore throat, cough, and antibiotics do not work on them. Such infections typically run their course, and an otherwise healthy person can fight off these naturally.

Most sore throat infections clear up naturally within a week, and antibiotics play no role in the recovery. Antibiotics are only required in case of a bacterial infection.

Homeopathic medicine for a sore throat can help clear up an infection for long-term relief. These medicines also work well to treat recurrent sore throats by boosting the body’s immune system to fight the cause or infection and bring about natural recovery.
Homeopathic medicines for pharyngitis and tonsillitis help bring relief from the acute symptoms of a sore throat and also treat the tendency of recurrence. People of all ages can use these medicines safely since they do not have any side -effects.
It’s only in cases of strep throat (bacterial infection) that homeopathic medicine is recommended along with conventional antibiotics since strep throat can cause further complications.

Who is At Risk of a Sore Throat?

Though sore throat may affect anyone there are some factors that increase its risk:

Age:  Sore throats are more common in children and teenagers.

Weak immunity:  Those having weak immunity due to diabetes, stress or poor diet may get sore throat more often than others.

Long-term sinusitis: People having sinusitis may have PND (post-nasal discharge) in which the mucus drips from the back of the nose into the throat. It can irritate the throat and cause soreness.

Passive smoking/ Overexposure to smoke: Smoking as well as exposure to smoke both lead to irritation of the throat and enhances the chance to get a sore throat.

How to Speed up Recovery?

Since a sore throat causes pain and disrupts daily life, quick and easy cure are always sought after. Some home remedies to manage a sore throat include:

• taking adequate rest, and resting the voice
• staying hydrated by drinking fluids to keep the throat moist
• avoiding dehydration
• consuming easy-to-digest foods and comforting beverages like broth, green tea, and warm water with honey and ginger; ice pops also soothe the throat
• gargling two to three times a day with warm salt water can help soothe the throat, reduce inflammation and prevent the worsening of infection
• using a humidifier to keep the air moist, so it does not irritate a sore throat
• avoiding allergens and irritants like smoke from cigarettes or incense

Useful Tips to Prevent Sore Throat

• Wash hands often and thoroughly. If soap and water are unavailable, then hand sanitizers are the best alternative
• Avoid touching nose, mouth, eyes
• Clean and disinfect mobiles, remotes, door knobs, etc. regularly
• Avoid sharing glasses and utensils
• Keep distance from sick people
• If you are sick then cough/sneeze in your elbow to prevent transmission to others