Natural Remedies for Throat Infection

Throat infection is caused by virus or bacteria. Viral throat infection which is caused by a virus as the name itself suggests is more contagious. The most common types of bacterial throat infections are strep throat and mycoplasma. Strep throat is caused by bacteria called streptococcus. It infects the oral pharynx and tonsils. Symptoms of throat infection are

• Pain or irritation of the throat
• Low grade fever
• Difficulty in swallowing food and liquids
• Throat redness
• Cough

Treatment of Throat Infection


Throat infection is generally treated with antibiotics. However antibiotics are effective only against bacterial infection. The most commonly used antibiotics to treat strep throat are amoxicillin and clindamycin. Some pain killers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen are also used. Viral throat infection should not be treated with antibiotics. 


Some of these medications can lead to side effects. A variety of home remedies exist for throat infection which are equally effective but would not cause any side effects. These natural remedies for throat infection stimulate the immune system to fight bacteria. 


Throat Infection Precautions


When you have throat infection it is necessary take rest and keep yourself hydrated. You have to keep away from tobacco smoke and alcohol vapors which may irritate the throat and lungs.

Herbal Remedies for Throat Infection


Several natural remedies can help to get rid of sore throat

• Different types of herbal tea can provide relief from the symptoms of sore throat. Licorice and chamomile tea provide relief from throat irritation. Chamomile tea has analgesic properties. It also prevents dehydration.

• Take a glass of warm water. Add some honey and lemon juice to it. Drinking this mixture will provide relief from the throat pain and irritation.

• Add cumin seeds and a few pieces of garlic to a glass of water and boil it. Drink it when it is lukewarm. 

• Cinnamon is a very effective remedy for sore throat. Take a glass of hot water and add a teaspoon each of cinnamon, honey and black pepper. Consume small sips of the liquid at regular intervals. 

• Sage is a herb used to treat pharyngitis and other types of sore throat in the form of tincture. It reduces the inflammation of the mucous membranes of the throat.

• To reduce the discomfort you can drink a glass of warm milk with a teaspoon of turmeric added to it. 

• Apple cider vinegar helps to treat the bacterial infection and reduce the inflammation. Add a tablespoon each of apple cider vinegar and honey to warm water. Drink it at regular intervals, holding is as long as possible in the throat before swallowing it. 

• Cut a ginger root to small pieces and boil it in a cup of water. Add two teaspoons of honey and sip it slowly. 

• Goldenseal root will provide relief from throat inflammation. Add a teaspoon of goldenseal root to half liter of water and boil it. Drink the mixture at regular intervals.

Gargle For Throat Infection

• One of the most commonly used remedies is salt water gargle. 

• Add some fenugreek seeds to water and boil it for some time. This can be used to gargle when it cools down. 

• Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper to water and boil it. Gargling this will not only provide relief but also cure the inflammation

• Wheatgrass juice is quite effective in treating throat infection. It contains chlorophyll which helps to reduce the inflammation and pain. 

These are some of the natural remedies for throat infection which will help to cure the disease without any side effects. 

Home Remedies for Conjunctivitis

Home remedies for conjunctivitis will reduce the pain and bring down the inflammation. Conjunctivitis is a very common eye disorder. This can affect adults as well as children. The condition causes the inflammation of the thin mucous membrane covering the white portion of the eyes called conjunctiva. One of the main causes of such a condition is bacteria. The other causes are allergens and viruses. The infection causes the expansion of the small blood vessels in the eyes. This results in red, swollen eyes. Conjunctivitis is highly contagious. It also causes a white discharge from the eyes. The affected eye will experience itching and burning sensation.

Conjunctivitis Precautions

Several precautions have to be taken to stop the disease from spreading. Infected persons should not touch their eyes. They should wash their hands frequently. Conjunctivitis could be accompanied by watery eyes and runny nose. It has to be treated by a doctor. The eyes can be wiped with moist warm cloth to remove the gum like residue from the eyes. Avoid going to work or school till the disease is cured. Towels and handkerchiefs should not be shared. Through away tissues are preferable. It is also advisable to disinfect countertops, door knobs and sinks to stop conjunctivitis from spreading.

Conjunctivitis Treatment

A variety of remedies have been used to cure conjunctivitis over the years. Several home remedies are also used to treat conjunctivitis.

Antibiotics

If the disease is due to bacterial infection then antibiotics is the best solution.  The doctor may prescribe oral antibiotics, drops or ointment.

Anti Allergy Eye Drops

If conjunctivitis has been caused by allergens then anti allergy eye drops are used. At times steroid creams are also used to reduce inflammation.

Saline Eye drops

At times dust and dirt can get into the eyes and cause conjunctivitis. Saline eye drops are quite effective in such circumstances.

Home Remedies

1.  Keeping a cold bread slice over the eyes will help remove the excess fluid and reduce the itching.

2. Cold moist sterilized cotton can be used as cold compress to reduce itching and remove the discharge

3. Add a few drops of chamomile or lavender oil to warm water and use it as a warm compress. Use a clean cloth for the compress. The cloth can be sterilized using a pressure cooker. The cloth has to be used only once. 

4. Add a few drops of baby shampoo to water and wash your eyes with it

5. Cold chamomile tea bags can be kept on the eyes for immediate relief.

Home remedies for conjunctivitis will help to provide immediate relief and reduce the symptoms.