Pharyngitis

Pharyngitis can be defined as an inflammation of the pharynx; this is the part of the human throat which may be said to lie between the tonsils and the voice box-larynx. The onset of this inflammation in the tissues of the pharynx will result in a sore throat for the person so affected. As a condition pharyngitis is normally associated with a bout of cold or flu, and it can thus result from independent infections caused by a virus or from a bacterial infection.

Supplements and herbs

A variety of supplements, herbs and other nutrients can be used in treating pharyngitis and below are nutrients that can help fight off the infection and calm the soreness in the throat.

Fresh vegetables and fruits contain large amounts of the vitamin C; this nutrient is also particularly abundant in the citrus fruits and juices. Vitamin C must be taken in large doses from direct capsule supplements as well as the diet. Also necessary are supplements of the essential mineral zinc, this mineral is found in good amounts in the lean meats, in fish, and in all the organ meats. Zinc can also be taken as direct supplement via capsules or lozenges. The affected individual must undertake to gargle daily using cider vinegar along with some honey, gargling should ideally be carried out at least four times every day to bring topical relief to the patient.

Another effective remedy is the herbal decoctions made from the Echinacea herb, these herbal remedy can rid the body of both bacterial and viral infections which induce the soreness in the throat. The decoction can be prepared by mixing two teaspoons of the Echinacea root in a single cup of water, boil the solution and let it simmer for fifteen minutes, once cooled and strained, this herbal decoction can be taken thrice every day as treatment against pharyngitis.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is another excellent way to deal with cases of pharyngitis and a gargle consisting of two drops of the essential oils of the herb sandalwood and the lavender mixed in a glass of water will bring great relief from the irritation and help soothe the soreness in the throat felt by the affected individual.
Beneficial treatments also include the use of steam inhalators that use the essential herbal oils of the sandalwood and the lavender. These steam inhalations can be prepared by mixing one to two drops of the oils in a bowl of steaming hot water and inhaling the vapors. The proper way to inhale the steam is to gently lean the body over the bowl, placing a towel to cover the head so as to trap the rising steam, the eyes must be closed-the person must inhale the vapors deeply for two to five minutes at a stretch to bring relief from sore throats. For you attention: individuals suffering from asthma and other respiratory disorder must avoid the use of steam inhalations as this can trigger an attack.

Homeopathy

All of the homeopathic remedies given here can be taken as a single dose at least every hour for up to four doses a day in order to gain relief from the soreness. The remedy can be repeated when necessary or when symptoms return. These remedies are for use against the incidences of a barking cough, which occurs along with the presence of a burning and irritating sensation in the throat, the remedy can also be used after the person gets chilled and comes down with a cold. The remedy of Aconite can be used at a potency of 6c in this regard. If the symptoms include the production of stringy yellow mucus from the nose, along with the development of a metallic sounding cough, and a husky voice along with raw and extreme pain, the remedy of Kali bichromicum can be used at 6c potency. The presence of a burning and painful sensation in the throat, the presence of tightness in the chest region, along with hoarseness in the voice can be reduced by eating ice cream as a direct topical measure and using the remedy Phosphorus at 30c potency.

Additional things you may do

The affected individual must avoid the use of alcohol and must not give in to smoking at any time while the disorder is affecting him or her, as both these factors will lead to further irritation in the pharynx and increase the other symptoms of the condition. It is ideal to rest the voice as much as possible for as long as needed.

Other beneficial herbs

• Goldenseal
• Linseed
• Mallow
• Wild Indigo

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