Sore Throat
The medical term for a sore throat is acute pharyngitis; so called because the inflammation occurs in the pharynx, the tissue at the back of the throat that you can see when you open your mouth wide. A sore throat is not an illness, but a symptom of one, most commonly a bacterial or viral Infection. Since the throat, along with the nose, is the body’s first line of defense against invading airborne organisms, the tissue lining this passage is one of the initial sites to be affected by an oncoming cold, flu, or sinus infection.
HELPFUL SUPPLEMENTS
- VITAMIN C combined with Bioflavonoids helps fight upper respiratory infections, which are often the cause of sore throats. Vitamin C also has antihistamine properties, making it useful for allergy-related sore throats.
- VITAMIN A to strengthen the immune system and fight off respiratory viruses. Promotes healing of the mucous membranes, such as those in the throat. (Pregnant women, however, should never take more than 5,000 IU per day.
- VITAMIN E, BETA-CAROTENE, AND SELENIUM are other immune boosters that can be taken daily.
- ECHINACEA, ASTRAGALUS AND GARLIC are all well-known for their natural antibacterial and antiviral properties. Start taking them as soon as the first symptoms develop.
- ZINC LOZENGES taken at the first sign of a cold-related sore throat may help shorten its duration.
- SLIPPERY ELM OR MARSHMALLOW ROOT. These herbal teas will help ease an irritated throat.
- GOLDENSEAL TINCTURE may help to boost your immunity; add a few drops of to your herbal tea.
- Gargle several times a day with a mixture of half a teaspoon of salt dissolved in a glass of warm water.
