How can I relieve a sore throat naturally?

To relieve and treat local aches and pains (in addition to antibiotics if prescribed), here's a simple procedure to try out as a first line of defence: put 1 drop of lemon oil (citrus limon) in a teaspoon with a little thyme honey, keep in the mouth as long as possible and let it drip gently down the throat.

Alternate 30 minutes later with 1 drop of Thyme Thujanol essential oil, taken in the same way.

Do this every 30 minutes for 3 to 4 hours.

Take a maximum of 8 drops in the mouth for 24 hours.

Not for use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, nor in children.

Get rid of viral sore throat with this complete combination of broad-spectrum essential oils, ideal for relieving cough-induced irritation, soothing sore tonsils and calming sore throats.

Not for use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, in children under 7, or in people suffering from epilepsy.

This synergy should be used in cases of respiratory infections with congestion, pain, phlegm, depression and fatigue: sore throat, angina, nasopharyngitis, flu, bronchitis, otitis, sinusitis. It has many properties: it strengthens the immune system, invigorates the body and mind, is analgesic (reduces pain) and anti-inflammatory, anti-infectious and, more specifically, antiviral.

Note: using this synergy undiluted in a plant oil means that the aromatic molecules work more quickly and powerfully in this infectious emergency.

Do not use: on children under 10, during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, in people suffering from eczema, asthma or epilepsy, in the event of allergy to any of the essential oils.

In over 90% of cases, it is a virus that attacks the throat and the entire ENT system: coronavirus, rhinovirus, adenovirus, influenza virus, mononucleosis virus, etc. These painful viral conditions are usually treated with painkillers and vitamins to stimulate immunity.

In these cases, aromatherapy can be of invaluable help, both in providing relief and in stimulating immunity and fighting the virus responsible for the infection. In all cases, if there is no improvement within 48 hours with the use of essential oils, medical consultation is necessary.

When the infection is of bacterial origin, it is often Beta-haemolytic Streptococcus A that is responsible and lodged in the tonsils, which then become very swollen and extremely painful. This bacterium can create tonsil abscesses, and migrate away from the tonsils via the lymphatic circuit to the kidneys, heart and joints, potentially causing serious illnesses that are difficult to treat. Hence the importance of early medical diagnosis and the right antibiotic medication.

It all depends on how the pain develops and how intense it is. A sore throat that comes on suddenly (overnight), or is very painful and disabling, should be seen bya doctor as soon as possible, so that the infection can be diagnosed and treated appropriately. The severity of these symptoms may suggest bacterial angina, which must be treated with antibiotics prescribed by the doctor, as there is a high risk of complications.

If, on the other hand, the sore throat develops gradually and is part of a rhinopharyngitis (runny nose and throat congestion), it is more likely that the infection is viral in origin, and that it will regress spontaneously in a few days, using only the immune system's self-healing powers and the simple help of essential oils.

If there is no improvement in 24 hours with the simple Lemon/Thyme Thujanol treatment, it is better to use a combination of essential oils for a more powerful action: take this synergy directly into the mouth, in honey, for a direct action on the mucous membrane (sublingual route).

In addition to these essential oils, which can be put in the mouth for a direct effect, you can use another synergy dedicated to use on the skin, to give the body a complementary boost. Immunostimulant essential oils, applied to the skin, are particularly fortifying and useful for controlling the overall state of infection, whether bacterial or viral. They penetrate the bloodstream, reducing fever, preventing inflammatory outbursts, minimising fatigue and speeding up the healing process. Whatever the cause of the sore throat, the following immunostimulant, antiviral and anti-inflammatory essential oils are particularly recommended for cutaneous application: Ravintsara, Eucalyptus Radiata, Niaouli, Laurel, Cajeput or Saro, as well as Ginger, Scots pine and Tea tree.