6 natural ways to deal with a sore throat

During the cold months, a sore throat is a common ailment. Both children and adults are susceptible to this painful, but not necessarily serious condition. When it's cold, we turn up the heat, which dries the air and can result in dry nasal passages and a sore throat. Even during the summer, air conditioning, particularly in humid regions, can dry out your throat and produce the classic sore throat. Doctor visits can be expensive, so before you rush in for an appointment, assess the situation. Of course, where children are involved, you don't want to take any chances. However, if you give your doctor a call, he or she will probably ask if the patient has a fever, indicative of infection. If a fever is not present, you might want to use one of these six natural remedies for sore throat.

1.Your sore throat might well be due simply to air that is too dry. A home humidifier may be all that's required to relieve your condition. A room humidifier is inexpensive and effective. Put it in the bedroom and close the door at night.

2.Just in case infection is brewing, but not yet evident in a fever, chew a few slices of fresh, raw garlic throughout the day. Garlic is an amazing natural antibiotic, effective against more than two dozen bacterias and viruses, including staph. Chew some sprigs of fresh parsley to counteract 'garlic breath'.

3.Gargle with a salt water solution, consisting of a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water, taken 3-4 times daily. This can knock out a sore throat in no time.

4.Use a clove oil spray, available at health food stores, to numb the pain while also killing any germs that might be fueling the fire. Clove oil is also a natural antibiotic, with the added bonus of immediately bringing relief from the pain.

5.Elecampane root powder is another herb which is available in capsules at your health food store. This herb is a respiratory tonic which promotes free breathing, as well as addressing dental and nasal passage problems which might be at the root of the sore throat symptoms. Take 3-4 capsules, three times daily, until you gain relief. Even if your throat discomfort is not due to respiratory, nasal or dental problems, your general health will benefit. Continue for 10 days.

6.Last, but certainly not least, is that famous old time remedy: chicken soup. Scientists have tried to determine just why this natural remedy works and have not, to date, discovered why this motherly concoction is so effective. However, they do know that a home made broth of chicken, including the skin, in combination with garlic, never fails to do the trick. It's effective for throat pain, flu symptoms and colds. So it's well worth your while to whip up a pot of this basic food. Besides, it's tasty comfort food.

When you're suffering with a sore throat, it can be difficult to get to sleep. Adults might consider a shot of fine brandy, which acts to numb the pain and give you a good night's sleep. Kids might do as well with a hot cup of chamomile tea.

These natural remedies are all effective. Just keep a pulse on your body temperature. Should a fever develop, that's the time to call the doc!