Sore throats are often caused by viral infections, making antibiotic drugs ineffective for treating sore throat symptoms.
Our simple home remedy takes advantage of the unique compounds in bay leaves, which have been used in sore throat homeopathic medicines for centuries.
Bay leaves have potent antiviral and analgesic properties that relieve sore throat pain, swollen tonsils, and difficulty swallowing.
Learn how to prepare a simple homemade homeopathic remedy that helps to treat sore throat at home.
Sore throat home remedy recipe
This natural homeopathic treatment is perfect for fighting acute symptoms of sore throat and boosts the body’s immune system, which helps to prevent recurring throat infections.
Ingredients
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2 large bay leaves, fresh or dried
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2 cups filtered water
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1 small stick cinnamon (optional)
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Stevia to taste (optional)
Instructions
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Bring water to a rolling boil for three minutes.
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Add bay leaves and, if desired, a small stick of cinnamon and stevia to enhance the taste.
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Steep ingredients for four minutes to allow essential oils to infuse the water.
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Remove bay leaves and cinnamon stick and consume once the tea has cooled down to a safe temperature.
Watch the video below to discover how to find relief from a swollen and inflamed throat instantly.
How does this homeopathic remedy work?
Bay leaves contain polyphenols, such as eugenol, cineol, and caffeic acid, which are potent natural antiviral nutrients. In addition, bay leaves are rich in powerful antibacterial compounds such as linalool and alpha-pinene.
When steeped in hot water, bay leaves release these polyphenols, which infuse the water to make a potent homeopathic drink.
When consumed as a tea, these bioactive compounds can enter the squamous cells lining the throat and exert their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and immune-stimulating effects.
Six health benefits of bay leaves
Bay leaves have incredible health benefits that aren’t just limited to antimicrobial functions, which explains why bay leaf remedies are so effective in managing a wide range of conditions such as sinusitis, earaches, rheumatic fever, and upper respiratory tract infections.
A study published in PMC COVID-19 Collection summarizes, “Bay leaves have many biologic activities such as wound healing activity, antioxidant activity, antibacterial activity, antiviral activity, immunostimulant activity, anticholinergic activity, antifungal activity, insect repellent activity, anticonvulsant activity, antimutagenic activity, and analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity.”
Here are six reasons why you should use bay leaf remedies.
1. Antioxidant properties
Bay leaves are rich in antioxidants, which are natural compounds that help protect the body against oxidative stress by free radicals–harmful metabolic by-products that can cause cellular damage and inflammation.
Research published in the Journal of Ophthalmology suggests that free radicals significantly increase the risk of degenerative diseases, including atherosclerosis, cancer, inflammatory joint disease, diabetes, and dementia.
2. Anti-inflammatory
Bay leaves contain eugenol and linalool, which have potent anti-inflammatory effects by blocking the enzyme cyclooxygenase, which stimulates the production of inflammatory compounds such as prostaglandins.
3. Immune support
Linalool has calming and slightly sedative effects, which can counteract the adverse effects of chronic stress on immune function.
Stress triggers the release of cortisol, which can negatively affect immune function by inhibiting the production of immune cells and increasing the risk of infections and impaired immune responses.
4. Digestive aid
Bay leaf tea can be consumed to support digestion and relieve digestive issues. It’s believed to have carminative properties, which help reduce indigestion, abdominal bloating, and gas.
5. Respiratory support
Bay leaf teas and tinctures have traditionally been used as a natural remedy for respiratory conditions such as coughs, colds, and congestion.
Because bay leaves are a natural antibiotic, the use of antibiotics drugs to treat bacterial infections may be avoided, which lowers the risk of antibiotic resistance, a significant issue that can result in bacterial infections that are unresponsive to conventional medical treatment.
6. Blood sugar regulation
Evidence shows that bay leaves can inhibit the activity of enzymes involved in carbohydrate digestion. This may slow down the breakdown and absorption of dietary carbohydrates, potentially leading to a more gradual release of glucose into the bloodstream.
What causes a sore throat?
Viral and bacterial infections are the most common causes of a sore throat. However, several other reasons can result in inflammation and swelling of the upper respiratory tract, leading to a painful sensation in the throat.
Here are some other common reasons for a painful throat:
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Post nasal drip
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Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
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Acid reflux
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Tonsillitis
Although sore throat symptoms can be painful, they typically aren’t serious medical issues. However, if you experience a persistent constricted feeling in the throat or frequent choking sensation, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare provider to rule out epiglottitis–a serious larynx infection that can cause significant swelling and closed airways.
Bacterial vs. viral infection
Viral infections are the most common reason for sore throats and are typically caused by the common cold, influenza, or mononucleosis virus.
Viral sore throat symptoms include hoarseness or tickling sensation, sinus congestion, mild fever, body aches, and general malaise.
A sore throat caused by a viral infection won’t respond to antibiotic treatment, and conventional treatments may include rest, staying hydrated, gargling with salt water, and using over-the-counter pain relievers.
In contrast, bacterial throat infections are generally caused by Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria–also known as strep throat.
Strep throat often has the same symptoms as a viral infection but can also increase the risk of digestive issues and tonsillitis, which can cause sharp pain that’s made worse by drinking cold drinks or consuming cold foods.
Bacterial throat infections are typically managed with antibiotic drugs. While these medications effectively kill pathogenic bacteria, they also destroy beneficial gut microbes, and frequent and repeated antibiotic treatment significantly increases the risk of dysbiosis and antibiotic resistance.
Other sore throat homeopathic remedies
Bay leaf tea is an excellent remedy for sore throat that’s generally well tolerated. However, some individuals are sensitive to bay leaves and experience symptoms such as heartburn or allergic reactions.
Here are several alternative throat homeopathic remedies:
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Arnica montana, an effective remedy for sore throats accompanied by bruised or sore throat and neck muscles, is typically available in pellet or liquid form.
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Belladonna homeopathic solutions have been found beneficial in managing flu and sore throats that are accompanied by an inflamed and swollen throat and fever.
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Hepar sulphuris calcareum is a homeopathic remedy recommended for sore throats with intense pain, sensitivity to cold air or fluids, and pus-filled spots on the tonsils.
In most cases, homeopathic remedies are an effective sore throat alternative to antibiotic or antiviral drugs.
However, throat pain may persist for a few days, and you can use a simple acupressure technique to find instant relief from sharp pain and burning sensations.
“Applying pressure to the exact opposite side of the throat pain in your neck area stimulates the lymphatic system and increases blood circulation, which can stop throat pain immediately,” explains Dr. Berg.
Check out how to fix a sore throat within two minutes and learn how to help get rid of painful throat symptoms using your hands or an acupressure massage tool.
Key takeaways
Sore throats are mainly caused by viral or bacterial infections but can also result from acid reflux, postnasal drip, or allergies.
Because bay leaves have potent antiviral, antibiotic, and anti-inflammatory properties, drinking a homemade homeopathic bay leaf tea once or twice daily helps treat sore throats at home and reduces painful throat symptoms fast.
In addition, using a simple acupressure technique that stimulates blood circulation and activates the lymphatic system can bring instant sore throat pain relief.
FAQ
1. What is the fastest way to cure a sore throat?
Using an acupressure technique that applies pressure to the neck–on the exact opposite side of the throat pain–can trigger analgesic pain relief and relaxes muscle restriction around the throat, which can relieve sore throat symptoms instantly.
2. What is the best homeopathic medicine for throat infections?
A homeopathic remedy made from bay leaves has potent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects that can help cure a sore throat quickly.
3. How do you use bay leaves for a sore throat?
To make a homeopathic remedy for sore throat at home, steep two bay leaves in two cups of boiling water and drink once the tea reaches a safe temperature. Take this remedy once or twice daily until painful throat symptoms improve.
4. What causes a sore throat?
While most cases of sore throat are caused by a viral infection, symptoms of sore throat can also result from bacterial infection, allergies, acid reflux, and postnasal drip.
5. Why does my throat hurt, but I’m not sick?
If you have a sore throat but aren’t feeling sick, you may not have a viral or bacterial infection, and your symptoms could be due to acid reflux, postnasal drip, strain or overuse of the vocal cord, or dryness in the throat.
6. How long does it take for a sore throat to go away?
How long it takes for a sore throat to go away depends on the exact cause. A painful throat caused by a viral infection typically resolves within a week. However, bacterial throat infections can take up to two weeks to resolve.
7. Why does it hurt when I swallow?
Pain when swallowing is typically caused by swollen throat tissue due to a viral or bacterial infection which causes inflammation and irritation.
8. Should I stay home if I have a sore throat?
Yes, it’s a good idea to stay at home if you have a sore throat. Viral and bacterial infections are typically contagious, and staying at home prevents you from spreading it to others. Staying at home also allows your body to heal and recover.
9. Why is my sore throat worse at night?
During the day, your throat may be exposed to various irritants, such as allergens and pollutants, which can accumulate and make your sore throat feel worse at the end of the day. In addition, it’s not uncommon to experience postnasal drip when lying down, which can irritate already inflamed throat tissue even further.
