Referred to medically as pharyngitis, a sore throat is characterized by dry scratchiness and painful swallowing. It is however, not a disease but generally a symptom of another illness like a viral infection such as a cold or the flu (influenza). In many cases, a sore throat is the first sign of sickness.

Sore throats are one of the main reasons for doctor visits among Americans. But in reality, they aren't necessary as most sore throats are caused by a virus and go away on their own in about 7 days.

Many times doctors treat bacterial infections with antibiotics Aside from the harmful side effects, antibiotics are a waste of time because they don't always speed healing or prevent infections from recurring. Plus, antibiotics aren't effective against viruses. The best way to heal a virus is with natural, self-care measures like resting and drinking plenty of fluids.

A sore throat is usually accompanied by other signs and symptoms, which can vary greatly depending on the type of infection a person has. A sore throat typically accompanies a viral infection, such as a cold or the flu. Symptoms of each can help you determine which one you have. For example, in addition to a sore throat, a cold is likely to cause:

- Sneezing

- Watery eyes

- Cough

- A low fever — below 102 F

- Slight body aches or mild headache

Whereas influenza, is usually marked by:

- Fatigue

- Body aches

- Chills

- Sweats

- A fever over 102 F

Other viral illnesses a sore throat can accompany include:

- Mononucleosis

- Measles

- Chickenpox

- Croup

Bacterial infections (such as strep throat, tonsillitis and diphtheria, which is a serious respiratory illness that causes breathing difficulties and painful swallowing.)

In most cases, sore throats are caused by viruses. These are the same germs that cause colds and flu.

Bacterial infections are only responsible for a small amount of sore throat cases. Viruses and bacteria both enter the body through the mouth or nose. This can happen by breathing in particles that are released into the air when someone coughs or sneezes or from hand-to-hand contact or sharing objects with an infected person.

Other common causes of sore throat include:

- Allergies

- Dryness

- Pollution and other irritants

- Acid (gastroesophageal) reflux disease (GERD)

- HIV infection

- Tumors

If your not interested in wasting your time or jeopardizing your health with prescription medications, try a natural approach to treating & preventing a sore throat by following the regimen outlined below:

Always be sure to wash your hands often.

Do not share eating utensils with other people.

Avoid touching water fountains with the mouth.

Avoid smoking and second hand smoke.

Use a humidifier in dry weather.

When suffering with a sore throat, drink plenty of water, drink cabbage and fresh ginger broth freely and rest the voice as much as possible.

The following supplements may also be beneficial:

Acidophilus (take as directed on label) - Replenishes friendly bacteria.

Pau d'Arco (take as directed on label) - A powerful antiviral herb that combats infection.

Colloidal Silver (take as directed on label) - Powerful antibiotic.

Bee Propolis (take as directed on label) - Shields mucous membranes of the mouth and throat.

Garlic (2 capsules 3 times daily) - Improves immune function. I recommend Kyolic Aged Garlic Extract by Wakunaga of America, which is an odorless organic garlic supplement.

Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids (5,000 - 20,000 mg daily in divided doses) - Has antiviral properties.

Vitamin E (600 IU daily) - Promotes healing and tissue repair.

Maitake Extract (take as directed on label) - boosts immunity & combats viral infection.

Zinc Lozenges (take as directed on label) - Relieve pain and help with healing.

Elderberry, Calendula and Cayenne - Soothe and heal a sore throat.

Echinacea and Goldenseal - Powerful herbs that fight bacterial and viral infection.

Licorice - Soothes a sore throat.

Slippery Elm - Good for easing sore throat pain.

* Important note: The recommended doses are for those over age 18. Always check herb and vitamin use with your child’s health care practitioner prior to administering them.

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