Herbal Relief for a Sore Throat
Spring is already here in San Diego. Allergy Forecast: low for ragweed pollen. Derek went on a 60 mile bike ride up Palomar Mountain. He has no history of allergies or frequent respiratory infections. He reported having poor sleep and some fatigue from the days before. Derek also worked 7 hours on his feet after the bike ride with no rest in-between #triathlonlife. This is what ensued…
That night, he woke with a very sore throat, trouble swallowing, intense pain and burning sensation in the throat. Moderate mucus accumulation in the sinuses. He had a mild urge to cough and sneeze, but he it held back with resistance, because it made the pain in his throat intensify. This kept him up for the rest of the night.
Protocol: Part 1
Support the immune system
Support the respiratory tract
SOOTHE THE THROAT - this was our main concern, as Derek was experiencing so much pain and discomfort that it was preventing him (and myself) from sleeping.
The herbs I chose were mostly based on things we already had in our home apothecary. A few items we’re purchased in store, but we tried really hard to work with what we had.
Herbal Support: Part 1
Homemade Elderberry, Schizandra, & Ginseng Tincture - We have this on hand in our house ALWAYS! I make it for Derek to take regularly to prevent sickness, combat stress, and fight adrenal fatigue from training for triathlon. 2-3 droppers full, 3 times per day.
Homemade Marshmallow Cold Infusion - The marshmallow cold infusion was the most effective remedy in soothing his sore throat (also great for acid reflex). Take 1 tsp marshmallow powder and mix it with 8oz of cold water. You can mix it by hand with just a fork. I found it helpful to put it in a blender. I also added a little bit of local honey and cinnamon for taste. Let it sit in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes - then drink! To sooth a sore throat, take 2-3 times per day.
Aloe Vera Throat Spray - Note that most throat sprays have alcohol, and Derek’s throat was so irritated at the time, he could not handle the one we bought, so I made this at home instead. Add organic aloe juice to a small spray bottle and spritz throat as needed. You can also add sage and cinnamon for taste and for a nice warming sensation.
Traditional Medicinals Throat Coat Tea - This was not very effective at this stage of his cold, but maybe it could be soothing at the very start of a sore throat? It has licorice, slippery elm, marshmallow, wild cherry bark, fennel, cinnamon, and orange peel. Try 1 cup as directed on packaging.
Nettles Capsules - This was our natural histamine blocker. I purchased the capsules at a health food store in San Diego. Take 500mg, 2 times per day.
Garlic - A powerful antioxidant with antimicrobial, antiviral and antibiotic properties. It also provides decongestant and expectorant effects. We are pretty religious about eating garlic in our house at the first signs of sickness, and I will say that I think that has kept us pretty healthy. 1-2 cloves in the morning, 1-2 cloves at night at the fist sign of sickness. Keep taking throughout a cold or flu. Lightly crushed and raw.
First we tried the tea, that didn’t work. Then we tried the marshmallow infusion, and that gave him a lot of relief. Unfortunately, it didn’t last for too long, so I gave him the aloe vera spray to use in between. After 24 hours, the mucus moved into the chest. His throat finally started to ease, and a mild cough and runny nose developed. As the cold changed, we changed the protocol. 48 hours later the sore throat was gone.
Protocol: Part 2
Support the immune system
Support the respiratory tract
Herbal Support: Part 2
Homemade Elderberry, Schizandra, & Ginseng tincture - Continue use. 2-3 droppers full, 3 times per day.
Nettles Capsules - Continue use, 500mg, 2 times per day.
Garlic - Continue use. 1 clove in the morning, 1 clove at night. Lightly crushed and raw.
Sage, Coltsfoots, & Mullein Infusion - For drying up mucus and supporting healthy lung function. 4 TBSP of tea + 4 cups boiling water. Let sit with a lid for 20-30 minutes. Strain and drink throughout the day. I bought this as a tea blend from my home apothecary shop in RI, but these herbs can be also purchased on the Mountain Rose Herbs website.
In the end, Derek’s cold/allergy symptoms (we don’t know for sure what it was) lasted roughly 4 days. Of all the herbal remedies we tired, I would highly recommend the marshmallow infusion for soothing a sore throat, or an herbal throat spray with anti-viral/anti-bacterial herbs, the immune boosting tincture (ginseng, elderberry, schizandra) and garlic for getting rid of a cold fast, and the nettle tablets as a natural antihistamine. The sage tea was also helpful in drying up the cough at the end. The aloe and the Throat Coat Tea didn’t really seem to provide much relief.
Is it easier to go to the doctor/CVS and get antibiotics or over the counter cold relief medicine? The answer is, yes, most likely. And if Derek didn’t get better, or was in too much discomfort, we would have gone right to the clinic. Sometimes herbs don’t always work, and a more serious medical treatment is appropriate.
Just remember that there is something to be said about taking charge of your own healthcare. Herbal medicine is a lifestyle change, and it often involves a lot of trial and error to see what works and what doesn’t for your body. By using herbal medicine, your taking a gentler, more natural approach to healing, without the repercussions of medications that can leave a mess behind (especially in the gut). Always support your local herbalist/apothecary shop if you can, and make sure to purchase herbs that are organic and from companies with high quality standards.
More Information on the Herbs I Used:
Marshmallow - The roots contains a greater amount of mucilage that helps to sooth irritated tissues and support digestion. The leaves and are used to relieve lung dryness and to soothe the urinary tract.
Elderberry - Elderberry is the go-to herb at the very initial signs of cold or flu. Taken at onset, elderberry can reduce the duration of sickness because it helps stimulate the immune system and resist infection. As an antiviral, it interferes with virus replication and strengthens cell walls to inhibit viral penetration.
Schizandra - Chinese folklore says that Schizandra can "calm the heart and quiet the spirit", and it has a long history in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Russian hunters have also consumed it for centuries as a tea to help with fatigue.
Ginseng - Ginseng supports a healthy response to stress and promotes normal levels of physical stamina and endurance.
Sage - It’s medicinal properties can lower cholesterol, rebuild vitality and strength that has been lost during an illness, and is a tonic for the liver. Sage is helpful for women’s health issues such as menstruation and night sweats
Nettles - It’s great for those who show signs of water retention (sometimes evidenced by a swollen, “scalloped” tongue), or those in need of iron and other nutritive minerals. Finally, its mildly detoxifying qualities can help in seasonal allergies.
Product Recommendations:
Herbal Revolution - Elderberry Tonic
Gaia Herbs - Throat Shield & Nettle Leaf Capsules
Mountain Rose Herbs - Marshmallow Powder
Traditional Medicinals - Breathe Easy