How can I relieve a sore throat naturally?

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.

Some people, such as orators, singers and teachers, have particularly sensitive throats because they are constantly straining their pharyngeal organs. Others have an intrinsic fragility and are sensitive to the slightest gust of wind, complaining of an often hoarse voice and/or frequent and indelicate throat clearing… In these fragile contexts, it is possible to stimulate the "emotional immunity" of this pharyngeal chakra, the seat of speech, often also called the "gateway to liberation and creativity". Warming it releases its energy and the expression of pent-up emotions and unspoken words. The spoken word becomes more accurate, inspiration materialises in creativity, and this energetic release also helps to listen to oneself and therefore to discover and assert oneself.

Certain vibrations of essential oils are known to encourage oral expression and warm the throat and vocal cords. Simply apply a drop to the throat and breathe deeply to feel the warmth spread throughout the pharynx. This simple action can be complementary to a therapeutic, anti-infectious and mucolytic approach that may be necessary.