Sore throats sometimes become a nagging problem for some. It can have various causes. First, infections can cause a sore throat. The infections that cause a sore throat are usually viral (such as the flu and cold viruses), but can also be bacterial (such as strep throat). Strep throat refers to throat infection due to bacteria called streptococcus pyogenes bacteria. These cases require urgent medical attention because there is a risk of certain complications (such as inflamed kidneys or joints, pus behind the tonsils, damage to the heart valve) if not treated promptly. It can subsequently occur in cases of allergies. Another cause can be sinus infections. Acid reflux (GERD) can also cause a sore throat. Acid reflux refers to the backflow of stomach acid back into the throat due to a poorly functioning lower esophageal sphincter. The stomach acid can irritate and inflame the throat, causing pain. Smoking, air pollution, dry throat, PND (post-nasal discharge, i.e. the dripping of mucus from the back of the nose into the throat), inflamed larynx, muscle tension of the throat due to loud talking, injury to the throat, operations on the throat or diagnostic procedures such as endoscopy. In rare cases, tumors or throat cancer can cause a sore throat.
It may be accompanied by other signs and symptoms, which vary from case to case. These include redness, swelling of the throat and tonsils, itching, irritation or scratching in the throat, burning sensation in the throat, dry throat, pain in the throat while swallowing, white spots or pus points on the tonsils, hoarseness of the voice. Moreover, cold, runny nose, sneezing, coughing, fever, headache, body ache and weakness may be experienced depending on the cause behind it.
Homeopathic treatment
Homeopathy can help wonderfully in controlling sore throat. Homeopathic medicines enhance the body’s natural healing mechanism to overcome problems that cause sore throat. These medications tackle the cause of a sore throat and provide natural relief. Besides combating sore throat, they also provide relief from itching, irritation or scratching in the throat, redness, swelling of the throat and tonsils, dry/burning throat, white spots or pus points on tonsils, fever. These medicines are 100% natural remedies without any side effects. They are effective in both acute and chronic cases of sore throat. The appropriate medications for these cases should be selected for each case individually after a detailed case evaluation based on the characteristic symptoms. Therefore, before taking any homeopathic medicine, it is advisable to have any case of sore throat assessed by a homeopathic doctor and take the medicine under the supervision of a doctor. Self-medication should not be done under any circumstances. In cases of sore throat due to strep throat, the help of conventional treatment should be taken as complications may arise and homeopathy alone cannot help in such cases.
Homeopathic medicines for sore throat
1. Belladonna – Top remedy
Belladonna is the best homeopathic medicine to treat cases of sore throat. In cases where this is necessary, the pain in the throat becomes worse when swallowing. Swallowing liquids is more painful than solids. Swallowing saliva is also painful. There is also a dry throat. A heated sensation and tightness is felt in the throat. On examination there is redness in the throat and tonsils. The tonsils are swollen and enlarged. A short, dry cough may also occur. It is also indicated for pain in the throat associated with fever. Fever can occur with the above complaints. In fever, heat is felt all over the body, especially the face and head. Warmth is followed by a cold feeling. Belladonna is most prominently indicated for the treatment of recent cases of sore throat in the very beginning of the complaint.
2. Hepar Sulph – For sore throat that extends to the ears
This is a very effective drug for treating cases where sore throat radiates to the ears. The pain is worse when swallowing solid food. Stinging pain usually occurs. A very characteristic feature that occurs is the feeling of a splinter (a small sharp piece of glass or wood that has been broken from a large piece) or a mucus plug in the throat. Redness in the throat along with enlarged red follicles can be seen when the throat is examined. Cough may be present with thick yellow mucus. Fever, chills, and chills may be present.
3. Merc Sol – With excessive salivation in the mouth
Merc Sol is a beneficial medicine when there is pain in the throat and increased saliva in the mouth. An offensive odor comes from the mouth. The pain may extend to the ears. The throat is swollen, bluish red. Ulcers or white spots can be seen in the throat. Fever may be present with alternating heat and chills. Excessive sweating also occurs, which has an unpleasant odor.
4. Phytolacca – With a burning sensation in the throat
This medicine is very suitable for pain accompanied by a burning sensation in the throat. It may feel like a burn is taking place due to coal fire in the throat. There are significant difficulties in swallowing even water. Drinking hot drinks worsens the pain. The throat is dry. The throat looks dark red or bluish. There is swelling and enlargement of the tonsils that appear bluish, dark red or dark purple. A lump sensation in the throat may be present with a constant urge to swallow.
5. Merc Iodatus Ruber – For sore throat on the left side
This medicine is prominently indicated for sore throat on the left side. The throat looks dark red and the left tonsils are clearly swollen. There is coughing along with the above symptoms. There is an urge to crochet, along with a lump feeling in the throat. There is mucus in the throat. The uvula is elongated.
6. Merc Iod Flavus – To help right sided sore throat
This medicine appears to be very effective for right-sided sore throat. The throat is swollen on the right side. The tonsils are also swollen. There is relief from drinking cold drinks. A lump is felt in the throat. Ulcers are present at the back of the throat. There is thick, sticky mucus in the throat.
7. Lac Can – For sore throat from side to side
Lac Caninum works well if a sore throat starts from the left and then moves to the right. The pain is worse when swallowing and may extend to the ears. A prickling sensation is felt in the throat, as if it were full of sticks. Follicles are formed in the throat and are covered with whitish-cream mucus. The tonsils are enlarged, shiny and deep red in color. White sores may be present on the tonsils. A very important indication for its use is pain in the throat before and during menstruation.
8. Lycopodium – For sore throat from right to left
Lac Caninum is a well indicated drug when the pain starts on the right side of the throat and then moves to the left side. Choking pain occurs in the throat. Sharp pain also occurs during swallowing. There is aggravation of pain with cold drinks and relief with hot drinks. There is a dry throat without feeling of thirst. Ulcers can appear on the tonsils starting from the right side.
9. Kali Bichrome – With excessive thick mucus in the throat
This medicine is highly recommended if there is a sore throat accompanied by thick mucus in the throat. The mucus is very sticky and viscous and comes out of the mouth in the form of a long thread. The discharge collects in the throat from the back of the nose (post-nasal discharge). Ulcers appear on the tonsils and throat. With the above complaints, a burning sensation is felt in the throat.