Top Seven Natural Homeopathic Remedies For Sore Throat

A sore throat refers to constant pain, itching, and a scratchy feeling in the throat that causes difficulty in swallowing. The pain is a result of inflammation (swelling) somewhere in the throat. Inflammation at the back of the throat is known as pharyngitis, while inflammation of the tonsils present on the sides of the throat is known as tonsillitis.

The effectiveness of homeopathy is well-known in cases of sore throat. Homeopathic remedies are of great service in symptom management of sore throat, besides decreasing inflammation in the throat. It works successfully in bringing relief to symptoms like pain in the throat, itching, irritation in the throat, dryness, burning in the throat, hoarseness, and cough. The basic aim of homeopathic treatment for sore throat is strengthening the immunity of the body to fight the root cause and aid recovery.

Highly effective in treating acute, chronic and recurrent cases

Homeopathic medicines prove beneficial in both acute as well as chronic and recurrent cases of sore throat. In acute cases, it eases the symptoms and helps in shortening the recovery process resulting in prompt relief. In chronic cases, where a person has a tendency to get sore throat very often, there is no better option than homeopathy. Homeopathy helps to reduce the frequency and intensity of episodes of sore throat remarkably by boosting the self-healing system of the body to reduce the susceptibility to infections and other ailments (occurring from allergies, acid reflux) by treating the underlying cause. In conventional mode, antibiotics are prescribed frequently in cases of sore throat irrespective of the nature of infection, while antibiotics are only required in case of a bacterial infection. With regular use of homeopathy for the prescribed duration of treatment, the reliance on antibiotics is significantly reduced in sore throat cases.

Best choice due to its organic ingredients

Homeopathy is the topmost treatment option in cases of sore throat due to the use of natural, and side effects-free medicines. Homeopathy works well in persons of all age groups, especially in children who are more prone to suffer sore throat time and again. The efficacy of homeopathic treatment for sore throat is just incomparable, the highest advantage being the safest and most gentle mode of treatment.

Principle of personalized care

Homeopathic prescription varies from person to person. The selection of a homeopathic remedy is done after a detailed assessment of the characteristic symptoms in the individual. It would be no surprise if two persons suffering from sore throat are given different sets of medicines in homeopathy as it is based on one of the greatest fundamental homeopathic law of individualization which is the most important rule to be followed on the path to recovery.

Top 7 Homeopathic Medicines for Sore Throat

The top seven homeopathic medicines for the treatment of sore throat are Belladonna, Merc Sol, Hepar Sulph, Merc Iod Flavus, Merc Iod Ruber, Phytolacca and Tuberculinum.

1. Belladonna – Top-grade Medicine

The first medicine that comes to a homeopathic physician’s mind to treat a sore throat is Belladonna. It is the most prescribed medicine to treat sore throat. Those who need to be administered Belladonna have marked pain in the throat along with sore, bright red, and inflamed throat. There is shooting pain, especially when swallowing liquids, and the throat is dry. Tonsils are also inflamed, swollen, and red. Fever with intense heat may be present.

When to use Belladonna?

It is recommended as the first line of treatment in cases of sore throat with bright red and inflamed throat with marked pain.

How to use Belladonna?

It can be used in both low and high potencies among which the most preferred is 30C potency once to thrice a day, depending on the severity of the symptoms.

2. Merc Sol – For Stitching (sharp) Pain from Throat to Ear

It is a very effective medicine when a person has stitching pain in the throat going up to the ears on swallowing. Along with this rawness, smarting, and burning are felt in the throat. There is bluish-red swelling inside the throat. Inflammation ulcers can be present in the throat. Increased salivation is another characteristic feature when this medicine can be administered.  Some people tend to get sore throat during every weather change; such individuals can benefit tremendously by using this medicine.

When to use Merc Sol?

The key symptom for using this medicine is stitching pain in the throat that goes up to the ears while swallowing food or water.

How to use Merc Sol?

Merc Sol 30C can be taken once or twice a day.

3. Hepar Sulph – For Sharp Splinter-like Pricking Sensation in the Throat

It is a highly suitable medicine when there is a sensation of splinters (sharp objects penetrating the tissue) in the throat while swallowing solid food. The pain from the throat may extend up to the ears. On physical examination of the throat, enlarged red follicles may be seen.

When to use Hepar Sulph?

Hepar Sulph is indicated when the main complaint is a splinter-like pricking sensation in the throat.

How to use Hepar Sulph?

Use of Hepar Sulph 30C is advised one to three times a day.

4. Merc Iod Flavus – For Sore Throat and Pain on Right side of Throat

This medicine is specific to treat sore throat mostly on the right side. Its use is also considered when soreness in the throat begins on the right side, and then goes to the left. Persons needing it have a constant desire to swallow. A sticky mucus and lump is felt in the throat. Small ulcers can be present at the back of the throat.

When to use Merc Iod Flavus? 

This medicine can be used for sore throat on the right side or when a sore throat moves from the right side to the left.

How to use Merc Iod Flavus?

This medicine can be taken in 30C power once or twice a day.

5. Merc Iod Ruber – For Sore Throat and Pain on the Left Side of the Throat

It is particularly prescribed for sore throat pain on the left side. It is also administered when pain in the throat starts from the left side and gradually moves to the right. Apart from sore throat and cough, there is an urge to forcefully spit out the phlegm, and the sensation of a lump in the throat is felt.

When to use Merc Iod Ruber?

Consider its use for cases of left-sided sore throat and also when soreness in the throat moves from left to right.

How to use Merc Iod Ruber?

Merc Iod Ruber can be used one to two times a day.

6. Phytolacca – With Marked Pain and Heated Sensation in Throat

This medicine is prominently indicated for managing sore throat with pain and heated sensation in the throat. The throat looks red or bluish-red. Mainly the right side of the throat is more affected. The tonsil on the right side is also swollen and dark red. There is an inability to swallow anything hot.

When to use Phytolacca?

Opt for its use to manage sore throat with pain along with marked heated sensation in the throat, especially on the right side.

How to use Phytolacca?

It is advised to take Phytolacca 30C once or twice daily.

7. Tuberculinum – To combat the Tendency of Recurrent Sore Throat

This medicine is beneficial for cases of recurrent sore throat. Those needing this medicine get sore throat quite frequently. There is throat inflammation along with inflamed and enlarged tonsils. The throat is dry and painful. Tickling is felt in the throat that leads to coughing.

When to use Tuberculinum?

Its use is suggested in cases where there is a tendency to get a sore throat very often.

How to use Tuberculinum?

It is a deep-acting medicine that is usually given in 200C potency once or twice a month.

Note:  It is to be noted that homeopathic medicines can be used in most of the cases of sore throat independently but in cases of strep throat (bacterial infection) use of homeopathic medicine is recommended along with conventional treatment since strep throat can cause further complications.

What Causes Sore Throat?

Viral Infections

Out of all the cases of sore throat, around 90 – 95 per cent of the cases arise from a viral infection. The primary viral infections that lead to a sore throat are influenza (flu), common cold, measles, chicken pox, mumps, mononucleosis, and Covid-19

Bacterial Infections

Bacterial infections linked to a sore throat are more serious than viral infections. The most noteworthy is an infection caused by Group A streptococcus bacteria that can lead to strep throat and it needs quick medical diagnosis and treatment. It mostly affects children, but people of any age group can be affected. If left untreated it can lead to complications like rheumatic fever (an inflammatory disease involving joints, heart, skin, and brain), kidney inflammation (glomerulonephritis), peritonsillar abscess (collection of pus beside the tonsils), and mastoiditis (inner ear infection).

Allergies

A person who has allergies is usually prone to developing a sore throat. The common allergens include dust, pollen, grass, molds, and pet dander (mainly from dogs and cats). PND (post nasal dripping) of mucus is the main cause of a sore throat that develops due to allergies. Mucus dripping from posterior nares (nostrils) into the throat tends to cause scratching, tickling, and irritation in the throat.

Dryness

Dry air tends to decrease the moisture levels of the throat, leading to dryness, roughness, and itching in the throat. Breathing from the mouth also causes dryness leading to a sore throat.

GERD

Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) may also lead to a sore throat in some. In GERD, the stomach acid flows backward into the food pipe due to improper functioning of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). This may also cause a sore throat; its other main symptoms are heartburn, lump in the throat, regurgitation of sour liquid, and chest pain.

Voice overstraining

Talking loudly, yelling, and speaking for a long time without a break may also cause soreness in the throat.

Signs and Symptoms

Pain in the throat that worsens on swallowing food, drinks, or even saliva

Itching, irritation, and scratchy feeling in the throat

Difficulty in swallowing

Redness, swelling of throat and tonsils along with pain

White patches, pus, or ulcers on the tonsils

Hoarseness of voice

Coughing

Dryness in the throat

Burning sensation in the throat

Earache

Nasal symptoms (like a runny nose, blocked nose, and sneezing)

Enlargement of lymph nodes in the neck that can be felt

Some general symptoms that accompany a sore throat are fever (with or without chills), weakness, headache, and body aches.

Who is At Risk of a Sore Throat?

Though sore throat may affect anyone some factors increase its risk:

Age:  Sore throats are more common in children and teenagers.

Weak immunity:  Those having weak immunity due to diabetes, stress, or poor diet may get sore throat more often than others.

Long-term sinusitis: People having sinusitis may have PND (post-nasal discharge) in which the mucus drips from the back of the nose into the throat. It can irritate the throat and cause soreness.

Passive smoking/ Overexposure to smoke: Smoking as well as exposure to smoke both lead to irritation of the throat and enhance the chance to get a sore throat.