How to Treat Pharyngitis With Herbal Medicine

Pharyngitis, which is most often caused by bacteria or viruses that infect the throat, causes painful swelling, discomfort and scratchiness at the back of the throat. Traditional medicine treats pharyngitis with antibiotics and other prescription medications; however, these can be expensive and have unwanted side effects. Pharyngitis, and the bacteria and viruses that cause it, can be treated effectively at home with herbal medicine.

Things You'll Need

• Combination Echinacea and goldenseal tablets
• Eucalyptus leaves
• Chamomile tea
• Liquorice root lozenges

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Instructions

• 1

  Begin taking tablets that are a combination of Echinacea and goldenseal at the onset of symptoms. Echinacea is an herbal medicine that shortens the duration of pharyngitis and relieves the symptoms; however, you must begin taking it as soon as possible. Goldenseal, particularly in combination with Echinacea, can greatly reduce the pain and swelling of pharyngitis and is also available in sprays for sore throats. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for dosage information.

• 2

  Use eucalyptus in a variety of ways to ease the symptoms of pharyngitis. Eucalyptus is an effective herbal medicine taken in sore throat lozenges, which can be purchased in your local health food store, but also as tea or used in a vapor bath. To make tea, boil 1 cup of water and remove from heat, adding three large leaves and allowing it to steep for five minutes. For a vapor bath, add 10 leaves to one quart of water and allow to boil for 10 minutes, adding the water to a hot bath before bed.

• 3

  Drink one cup of chamomile tea at night before bed. Chamomile can help soothe inflammation, calming a cough brought on by pharyngitis, and can also calm and relax the body for a good nights sleep. Chamomile tea is readily available in most grocery stores, however you can also make your own tea from fresh herbs. Boil one cup of water and remove from heat, adding one teaspoon of fresh chamomile flowers and allowing the mixture to steep for 5 five minutes before straining and drinking.

• 4

  Take liquorice root lozenges regularly throughout the day to help soothe a sore throat. Liquorice is a tasty herbal medicine that has been used for thousands of years to treat respiratory disorders. You can find liquorice lozenges in your local health food store. Do not take liquorice if you have high blood sugar.