A sore throat is a common and minor condition in which the back of the throat becomes irritated in most cases (90% of them) is cause by a virus, such as the one that causes colds and flu or the bacteria that cause strep infection. In cases of bacterial or viral infections most antibiotics are ineffective.

Prepare marshmallow root tea by adding 1 tablespoon of the dried root to a cup. Add a cup (8 ounces) of boiling water, steep it covered for at least 10 minutes then strain. Drink up to 3 cups a day.

The most amazing and effective treatment is using 5 shakes of Cayenne Pepper (Capsicum frutescens) Powder in a cup of hot water (or herbal tea or saline solution or lemon juice) and gargle every 15 minutes with the spicy elixir. May swallow each time a tiny bit. Gargling with cayenne can cause a strong burning sensation of lips and tongue. Therefore is good keeping milk or yogurt in your mouth after gargling until the burning disappears.

Mix:

• 1 cup of salvia.
• 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar.
• 1-2 tea spoons of sea water.

Gurgle the mixture every 30 minutes to treat a painful throat or streptococcus bacteria. The liquid is not tasty but very helpful.

Eat betel leaves with liquorice (mulathi) twice or thrice a day. It serves as an excellent home remedy for sore throat.

Hyssop Steep two teaspoons of dried hyssop in one cup of boiling water, covered for ten minutes; strain and drink cool for an expectorant or hot to relieve coughs, congestion, and sore throat. The oils in hyssop are good for mild respiratory problems. Hyssop contains marrubiin, the same compound that makes horehound an excellent expectorant.

Slippery elm bark Make a tea by putting one or two teaspoons in a cup of hot water. Drink several cups a day or as needed. This tea will coat the throat and relieve soreness and coughs. Slippery elm lozenges may also be used and are much more convenient if you are going to be away from home.

Sage is another popular alternative medicine used in the treatment of sore throats. Sage is beneficial in treating pharyngitis and other throat pains by reducing inflammation and protecting the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat.

Warm 1/2 cup of kosher (coarse) salt in a frying pan. Then pour the warm salt in a large, clean, white handkerchief and fold it over and over so that none of the salt can ooze out. Wrap the salted hanky around your neck and wear it that way for an hour.