Herbs can soothe the symptoms of sore throats, boost immune function, and fend off viruses. A warm herbal infusion of soothing herbs will help comfort a sore throat. Honey and lemon not only add to the taste but to the healing process as well. You can also apply the healing power of herbs directly by herbal gargles and steam inhalations.

Using Aromatherapy

Essential Oils add antibacterial and astringent action to sore throat gargles. Add a few drops to warm salt water. Lemon, Bergamot , and/or tea tree are good choices.

Herbs Used for Sore Throat/Laryngitis

Acacia * Bayberry * Bergamot * Black Walnut * Cajeput * Calamus * Chrysanthemum * Couch grass * Echinacea * Elder * Elm, Slippery * Eucalyptus * Garlic * Horehound * Lemon * Lemon Balm * Licorice * Lime * Linden * Lobelia * Mallow, Marsh * Mullein * Niaouli * Oak * Oregon Grape * Plantain * Poke Root * Self-Heal *

Barberry (berberine) For: Ear,nose and throat infections
Profile	Barberry contains anti-bacterial berberine that is effective against infections of ears, nose and throat. A decoction of either the root or berries makes a good mouthwash for mouth and throat irritations.

Bergamot For: Sore throat
Profile	To treat sore throats use 3 drops of bergamot with 1/8 teaspoon salt in 1/2 cup warm water as a gargle. Marlene Ericksen, Healing with Aromatherapy (2000)

Cinnamon, Lemon For: Infections, Strep Throat
Profile	A recent study by a team of surgeons tested solutions made with Eucalyptus, Tea tree, Thyme white, Lavender, Lemon, Lemongrass, Cinnamon, Grapefruit, Clove Bud, Sandalwood, Peppermint, Kunzea and Sage oil. killed a number of common and hospital-acquired infections, like streptococcus and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA. Large prevailing effective zones of inhibition were observed for Thyme white, Lemon, Lemongrass and Cinnamon oil. The other oils also showed considerable efficacy. Remarkably, almost all tested oils demonstrated efficacy against hospital-acquired isolates and reference strains, whereas Olive and Paraffin oil from the control group produced no inhibition. doi:10.1016/j.physletb.2003.10.071. Renaissance of antimicrobial essential oils as a promising force to fight hospital-acquired infections . (October 2009), Journal of Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery Volume 37, Issue 7,

coltsfoot For: Expectorant, sore throat
Profile	You will notice by reading the characteristics of coltsfoot that it is both emollient and expectorant. It will soothe the tissues of the throat as well as cause phlegm to be expelled. Adele Dawson, Herbs: Partners in Life (2000)

Couch Grass For: Laryngitis, Bronchitis
Profile	Couch grass relieves inflammation caused by bronchitis by providing mucilages to coat inflamed surfaces. Couch grass relieves laryngitis caused by accumulation of phlegm. Its mucilages make phlegm more "slippery" and easier to expectorate. The herb is less effective in treating vocal strain caused by too much shouting or talking. Phyllis A. Balch, Prescription for Herbal Healing (2002)

Elder flowers For: Tonsillitis, sore throat
Profile	A gargle made from elderflower infusion or elderflower vinegar alleviates tonsillitis and sore throats. Richard Mabey, The New Age Herbalist (1988)

Elm, Slippery For: Gastrointestinal tract
Profile	Soothes inflamed, irritated mucous membranes from the inside of your mouth all the way through the rest of your gastrointestinal tract. James Duke, The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook (2000)

Goldenseal, (berberine) For: Upper respiratory infections
Profile	Berberine prevents viruses like streptococci from latching onto our cells, thus preventing common infections. An effective treatment for upper respiratory infections. James Duke, The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook (2000)

Hawthorn For: Heart and Cardio Tonic
Profile	Cardiac, diuretic, astringent, tonic. Mainly used as a cardiac tonic in organic and functional heart troubles. Both flowers and fruit and berries are astringent and useful in decoction to cure sore throats. Maud Grieve, Modern Herbal Vol 1 (1931)

Iceland moss For: Coughs, Colds and Sore Throat
	Cetraria islandica has been found to be an effective treatment for coughs, colds, and bronchitis as it can create a moist and soothing layer in the throat that can help ease these problems. It contains complex polysaccharides with immunostimulant, and antimicrobial properties that counteract bacterial and viral infections in the ears, nose, mouth, and throat . Learn Iceland Moss. (2009), Mountain Rose Herbs

Lemon For: Sore throat, gargle
Profile	Lemon is a good astringent to use in gargles for sore throats. Maud Grieve, Modern Herbal Volume 2 (1931)

Linden flower tea For: Sore throat
Profile	Linden flower tea contains mucilage that coat the throat to soothe inflammation and irritation.

Mallow For: Sore throat, stomach
Profile	The spongy, gummy mucilage in Mallow soothes and protects inflamed mucous membranes in the throat, stomach, intestines and urinary tract. James Duke, The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook (2000)

Oregon graperoot For: Sore throat
Profile	Oregon grape root contains tannins that cross link proteins in the linings of the nose and throat, or in the digestive tract, to seal them against infection

Peruvian Bark For: Sore Throat
Profile	Febrifuge, tonic and astringent; valuable for influenza, neuralgia and debility. Large and too constant doses must be avoided, as they produce headache, giddiness and deafness. The liquid extract is useful as a cure for drunkenness. The powdered bark is often used in tooth-powders, owing to its astringency, but not much used internally (except as a bitter wine); it creates a sensation of warmth, but sometimes causes gastric intestinal irritation. Cinchona in decoction is a useful gargle and a good throat astringent. Maud Grieve, Modern Herbal Vol 1 (1931)

Plantain For: Sore throat
Profile	A tissue-soother, plantain is demulcent, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial. The German Commission E, that country's equivalent of the USDA, endorses it as safe and effective for throat inflammation. Linda B. White, M.D., The Herbal Drugstore (2003)

Thyme tea For: Cough, hangover, flu
Profile	Wild thyme tea is recommended for cough, hangover, flu, and sore throat. Thyme honey is ideal for sweetening expectorant herb teas. . . (0000-00-00),

Sore Throat/Laryngitis Information

• Bronchitis :
  Herbs for bronchitis that help expand lung passages and inhibit bronchospasms. Common home remedies that soothe sore throats, are expectorant, anti-inflammatory, and directly antiviral..
• Colds :
  Cold care is one area where herbs really shine because of the many helpful properties these healing plants have.
• Cough :
  Herbal cough remedies that work better than commercial brands. Learn how to make at home yourself.
• Influenza :
  Fight colds and flu and swine flue with these free home remedies.
• Sinusitis :
  Simple herbal home remedies and alternative treatments for sinus infections and colds
• Congestion/Chest & Sinus :
  Herbs with expectorant properties help the body clear mucus from the airways and help you breathe easier. Drinking soothing herbal teas can provide natural relief from sinus and chest congestion.