The season is upon us for those classic winter flu, sore throats, fevers, and this means it is time for us to pull out our acute homeopathy kits or to book appointments with our local fully qualified homeopath for support! A sore throat may be the sign of a viral or bacterial infection, but just as commonly it results from a post nasal drip or simply from dryness of the throat.

General Home Support

Sore throats caused or aggravated by dryness hence you have to take frequent sips of the liquid. Gargling with warm salt water, lemon juice and honey in warm water, or diluted apple cider vinegar temporarily relieves sore throat pain. Sucking on a 100 mg or 500 mg tablet of vitamin C may be soothing, but be careful not to irritate the tongue or throat. If you are being treated with homeopathic remedies, however, do not take lozenges containing menthol or eucalyptus, since these substances may interfere with the action of the homeopathic remedy.

Here are some common remedies to help support sore throats:

Belladonna key points

• During the first twenty-four hours when the pain has come on suddenly and is accompanied by fever and flushed skin
• Redness of the throat +++ or tonsils+++, often with swelling, but no pus is present   Confirmatory symptoms
• “Strawberry’ appearance of the tongue as in scarlet fever
• Throat pain worse from swallowing, especially liquids
• A sensation of dryness in the throat

Phytolacca key points

• Sore throat with body aches and fever
• Throat appears dark red or even purplish or bluish
• Pain worse from warm drinks – Confirmatory symptoms
• Pain shooting up to the ears during swallowing.
• Incessant desire to swallow
• Chilliness
• Pain at the base of the tongue when protruded

Mercurius key points

• Pus or white/yellow material in the throat
• Excessive salivation, drooling – Confirmatory symptoms
• Sensitivity to both heat and cold
• Throat pain worse at night
• Thirsty
• Swollen or puffy tongue, bad breath

Lycopodium key points

• Sore throat worse on the right side or beginning on the right and spreading to the left
• Pain relieved by warm drinks and warm food – Confirmatory symptoms
• Feels worse in general in the late afternoon, between 4 and 8 P.M.

Lachesis key points

• Pain worse on the left side or spreading from left to right
• Pain worse from drinking liquids – Confirmatory symptoms
• Sore throat worse in the morning, especially on waking
• Throat sensitive to touch; clothing around the neck causes discomfort or choking sensation
• A person feels worse in general from the warmth

Hepar Sulph. Key points

• Pus has formed and the throat and tonsils are very swollen.
• Irritable
• Chilly +++ – Confirmatory symptoms
• A sensation of a splinter or something stuck in the throat
• Throat pain worse from cold and better from warm drinks and external warmth

Arsenicum key points

• Chilliness, thirst, and restlessness combined with fatigue accompany the sore throat
• Throat pain relieved by warm drinks – Confirmatory symptoms
• Throat pain burning in character
• Pain worse from swallowing in general, cold drinks, or exposure to the cold

Rhus Tox key points

• Throat pain better by warm drinks and warmth in general
• Restlessness mental and physical – Confirmatory symptoms
• Symptoms begin after straining the voice or from cold, wet weather
• Thirsty for sips of water
• Dry mouth, dry sore throat
• Aches and pains while lying still; worse when first starting to move but get better with continued motion

Apis key points

• Stinging sore throat pain
• Marked swelling of the throat or tonsils – Confirmatory symptoms
• Throat pain better from cold drinks and worse from warm drinks and external heat
• Swollen parts of the throat appear as though filled with water
• Absence of thirst

Sulphur key points

• Lingering sore throats
• One or more of the following general symptoms: discomfort from warmth; general lethargy; and offensive breath, sweat, and discharges – Confirmatory symptoms
• Burning throat pain with dryness of the mucous membranes better from drinking warm liquids
• A sensation of a lump, splinter, or hair in the throat

Homeopathy offers support in restoring our body’s balance, health, and vitality on mental, emotional, and physical levels.