The disease, related to the pharynx or back of the throat named sore throat or pharyngitis, is treated following various treatment methods. The alternative medicinal therapies like Ayurveda, Homoeopathy, Naturopathy, Aromatherapy, etc. are used commonly for treatment of sore throat or pharyngitis. Apart from these, various home remedies and water treatments are also applied for curing sore throat. The symptoms, causes or types of pharyngitis, etc. mainly determine what treatment method should be followed.
The Ayurvedic medicine has been used for treatment of sore throat or pharyngitis since the ancient period. Ayurveda provides quite an effective treatment procedure for sore throat and mostly uses various herbs and natural ingredients. Certain dietary guidelines are also advised in Ayurveda. The patients are suggested to follow a healthy liquid diet comprising fruit juices and raw vegetables. This diet is prescribed for providing the body with sufficient nutrients to aid wellness and also for keeping the body strong during the feverish period of the illness. Sometimes fasting is also advised, as it can cleanse the internal systems of negative toxins and infections. The patients are suggested to eat healthy foods like seeds, grains, nuts, fresh fruits and vegetables, once the more severe symptoms of pharyngitis are subsided. The Ayurvedic herbal remedies used commonly for curing sore throat or pharyngitis include Kantakari, Mango bark, Henna, Holy basil, Cinnamon, Tamarind, irimedadi taila, etc. The Ayurvedic herbal supplements like khadiradi bati, lavanqadi bati, vyoshadi bati, etc. are also utilised in treatment of pharyngitis. Apart from these, the patients are sometimes suggested to practice Pranayam and Yoga Asanas like Surya Namaskara as well. The other herbs and natural ingredients used in Ayurvedic medicine include yashtimadhu, vacha, haritaki, slippery elm, licorice, marshmallow, honeysuckle flower, lemon, apple cider vinegar, cayenne and honey tea, sage, etc.
In Homoeopathy, the main objective of the treatment of sore throat or pharyngitis is to ease the passing of foods through throat and also to reduce the difficulties in swallowing. Like the Ayurvedic medicines, the Homoeopathic medicines are also prepared mainly using various herbs and natural ingredients. The most frequently used medicines for treating sore throat or pharyngitis include Aconitum napellus; Baryta carbonica; Belladonna atropa; Dulcamara; Hepar sulphuris calcareum; Lachesis; Mercurius solubilis; Mercurius vivus, etc.
The Naturopathic treatment of sore throat or pharyngitis includes both medications and dietary restrictions. Diet has always played an important role in naturopathic treatment. For treating pharyngitis, naturopathy suggests the patient to fast on orange juice and water for three to five days depending on the severity of the condition. The patient is advised to adopt an all-fruit diet for three or four days, once the more severe symptoms subside. Eating juicy fruits like orange, apple, pineapple and papaya, etc. are suggested during this period. The patient is also advised to avoid cold and sour foods that may irritate one`s throat further during the treatment of sore throat or pharyngitis.
Various home remedies can help in easing the symptoms and problems resulting from pharyngitis. The home remedies are used quite regularly for treating pharyngitis. Some of the useful home remedies for curing sore throat include bishop weed (ajwain), mehandi leaves, tamarind, basil (tulsi) leaves, ginger, betel leaves, tea leaves, bark of mango tree, cinnamon, fenugreek (methi) seeds, etc. Keeping a very thin slice of fresh ginger on the back of tongue is considered one of the most effective natural ways for soothing a sore throat.
The treatment of sore throat or pharyngitis is sometimes done using various water treatments. The patients can use warm water enema for cleaning the bowel regularly and is advised to do it daily, if the condition is more serious. A wet pack may also be applied to the throat during the day and also at night for getting relief from pharyngitis. However, the most common water treatment for sore throat is gargling with salted warm water. This procedure is helpful in clearing the throat and reducing difficulties of swallowing. The throat may be gargled several times with warm water and a hot Epsom-salt bath may also be highly beneficial, if taken daily during this period.
The above mentioned medicinal therapies are used most frequently for treatment of sore throat or pharyngitis and these are used along with the conventional therapies. However, taking preventive actions like avoiding the foods capable of causing the disease and avoiding contact with people having pharyngitis can help to keep the disease away.