by Judith C Evans

Created on: February 05, 2010

A signature symptom of the common cold, sore throat can be caused by a viral or bacterial infection.  If nasal congestion is present, the culprit is probably viral.  If severe sore throat and fever are the only symptoms, streptococcus bacteria may be present.  When in doubt, consult a physician; strep infection requires a doctor’s attention.  Once the cause is determined, natural remedies can provide immune support and soothing relief.

Bolster Your Defenses

You can boost your immunity with natural remedies, such as antiseptic, antiviral echinacea (Echinacea purpurea, E. angustifolia).  Herbalists recommend taking echinacea root tincture at the onset of symptoms.   Gail Edwards writes that a dose of tincture equals 1 drop per 2 pounds of body weight, regardless of the patient’s age.   She recommends 1 dose of tincture in water every 2 or 3 hours the first 2 days of symptoms.  Take a dose 2-4 times daily until symptoms stop, and then continue for another week.  Individuals with auto-immune illnesses (such as lupus) should not take echinacea.

Garlic (Allium sativa) and garden sage (Salvia officinalis) are well-known cold fighters.  Garlic contains allicin, a natural antibiotic compound.  Susun Weed recommends garlic honey by the spoonful.  Fill a jar with unpeeled garlic cloves, and then fill with honey; the garlic honey is ready to use in 12 hours.  Sage leaves can be used in place of garlic in honey, but you will need to wait 3 weeks before you can use the remedy.  To benefit quickly from antiseptic, disinfectant sage, prepare a tea or gargle by steeping 1 teaspoon of crushed leaves in 1 cup of boiling water for 30 minutes.  Prolonged use of sage can be toxic; sip only 1 cup per day.

Traditional Chinese medicine has long valued honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) and forsythia (Forsythia suspensa) for treating sore throat.  In his book “The Green Pharmacy”, James Duke writes that these plants appear to have antiviral properties.  He recommends adding forsythia and honeysuckle tinctures to hot lemonade.

Cooling Aromatics

Aromatic herbs provide cooling relief for an inflamed throat. Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) contains cooling aromatic oils and soothing astringent tannins; it is a familiar ingredient in many cough drops.  Prepare a tea by steeping a few crushed leaves in a cup of boiling water.  Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens),

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