Are you looking for natural cures for a sore throat?  Often the first sign of a cold coming on is a dry, scratchy throat .  How can you make it feel better?  Read on to find out.

What Causes A Sore Throat?

It’s always due to some kind of infection in the throat area.  90-95 percent are caused by viruses.  Flu and cold viruses are the most common culprits.  Mononucleosis (mono) may be a suspect as well.

The remaining five to ten percent are caused by bacteria.  A bacterial infection is usually more serious than one caused by a virus.

Streptoccocus is a bacteria that causes strep throat.  This is a very serious infection that can damage the heart and the kidneys, and also cause pneumonia, scarlet fever, ear infections, tonsillitis, and sinus infections.  Strep needs to be treated with antibiotics to kill the infection.

If you or your child has severe throat pain, pain with swallowing, and a high fever, see the doctor as soon as possible.  There may or may not be white spots on the throat as well.

Need Relief For A Sore Throat?

These natural remedies help to strengthen the immune system while treating infection at the same time.

Common sage is a wonderful remedy.  It has antiseptic and antibiotic properties that are highly recommended by herbalists to help the mouth and throat.  You can find it at the produce counter in any grocery store.  Sip a tea made with sage and honey to soothe a sore throat while fighting off illness at the same time.

Garlic is well known as an antibacterial and antiviral herb.  Crush it and cook it lightly when adding it to dishes to keep its healing powers intact.  Or try taking a garlic supplement to prevent colds.

Agrimony and thyme are astringent herbs.  They help to shrink swollen tissues, including your mucus membranes.  Try adding some fresh thyme leaves to your sage tea.  Or add a few drops of agrimony and thyme tinctures to your tea instead.

Lemon balm is a common garden herb with a lemony smell and taste.  Most people don’t know that it has powerful antiviral properties as well as a pleasant flavor.  Try a tea made with lemon balm and honey for quick relief, and to help get rid of the flu as well.

If you do need antibiotics for a bacterial infection, eat plenty of yogurt to replenish your supply of good bacteria.  Plain, unflavored yogurt is best.  It’s less expensive, and you can mix in fresh fruit.  If you prefer the flavored varieties, look for the cartons marked “light,” which have much less sugar in them.

The next time you need relief for a sore throat, reach for one of these natural cures that helps to heal while soothing the dryness and scratchiness.

Need to learn more? Check out these two ebooks, Natural Help For The Flu and Natural Help For The Common Cold.

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Garlic is a natural antiviral, and it tastes great!

Have you tried taking garlic for the flu?  People have been using this natural antiviral herb for centuries to treat a wide variety of ailments.  This healthful little bulb is readily available at any grocery store, easy to use, and tastes great.

Health Benefits Of Garlic

The ancient Greeks used it to treat snakebites and get rid of internal parasites.  The Chinese treated digestive problems and colds with this herb.  People all around the world have relied on it for hundreds of years to keep them healthy.

This bulb is a true superfood.  It can help to lower cholesterol, and control high blood pressure.  It also has antibacterial and antifungal properties as well.  Did you know that it can even fight yeast infections?

Now a recent study has shown than taking a garlic supplement every day for 12 weeks can boost your immune system, and cut your risk of catching a cold or the flu in half.  And if the bug does manage to bite, you’ll recover much faster.

Allicin, A Magic Bullet

What makes garlic for the flu so potent?  The magic ingredient is allicin.  This is the compound that gives this little bulb its pungent flavor.  More importantly, allicin is responsible for all the healthful benefits that this member of the onion family is known for.

Herbalists recommend eating this small bulb raw, for the highest levels of allicin, as it breaks down during the cooking process.  But most people shy away from this advice, as eating it raw can be hard on both your social life, and your stomach.  Is there any alternative to bad breath and an upset tummy?

Yes, you have two choices.  The first is to take a daily supplement.  This is an easy and more socially acceptable way to get all the health benefits of garlic without becoming a social pariah.  Plus it’s easier on a sensitive digestive system.

You can also add this versatile herb to your cooking as well.  To keep those allicin levels higher in your finished dish, crush the bulb, and let it stand for ten minutes before adding it to the pot.

One thing to keep in mind is that this herb is also a powerful anticoagulant.  Avoid taking supplements if you take blood thinners, or if you’re pregnant, as it can encourage bleeding.  Stop taking it at least two weeks before any scheduled surgery, too.

Looking for an easy way to get safely through flu season?  This natural antiviral may be just what you need.

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