Pharyngitis: what natural remedies can help relieve it?

The term ‘pharyngitis’ comes from Greek. It is derived from the word ‘pharynx’, which refers to the throat, and the suffix ‘-itis’, used in medicine to denote inflammation. Thus, pharyngitis literally means inflammation of the pharynx. The pharynx is the area at the back of the mouth and nose, extending down to the larynx. When it becomes inflamed, this causes what is known as pharyngitis. It usually presents as a sore throat, pain when swallowing and, sometimes, a fever.

How does it differ from other types of sore throat (tonsillitis, laryngitis, rhinopharyngitis)?

Pharyngitis differs from other throat conditions in terms of its location and symptoms. It involves inflammation of the pharynx – the part at the back of the mouth and nose – and is mainly characterised by pain when swallowing and a scratchy throat. Tonsillitis affects the tonsils: it can be viral or bacterial and is frequently accompanied by a high fever, swollen lymph nodes and difficulty swallowing. Laryngitis, on the other hand, affects the larynx, located further down the throat. It causes a hoarse voice, or even complete loss of voice, as well as a cough. Finally, rhinopharyngitis is a simultaneous inflammation of the nose and pharynx: it is accompanied by a blocked or runny nose, sneezing and sometimes a cough. Each condition therefore affects a different part of the ENT system and presents specific symptoms, although some may occur at the same time or one after the other.

Viral cause

The most common cause of pharyngitis is viral. Many respiratory viruses can cause inflammation of the pharynx. These viruses are usually transmitted via airborne droplets or through contact with contaminated surfaces. Once inhaled, they colonise the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract and trigger a local inflammatory response.

Bacterial cause

Streptococcus pyogenes, also known as group A beta-haemolytic streptococcus, is the pathogen most commonly responsible for bacterial pharyngitis, particularly during the winter months. This bacterium is transmitted mainly via respiratory droplets emitted by infected individuals or asymptomatic carriers. Once inside the body, it produces several enzymes, such as streptolysin, streptokinase, DNase and hyaluronidase, which facilitate its invasion and spread into the tissues of the pharynx. It can also release exotoxins responsible for serious complications.

Environmental causes

Dry or polluted air, exposure to cigarette smoke, respiratory allergies, excessive use of the voice or gastro-oesophageal reflux can cause long-term irritation of the pharynx.

• Discomfort or pain in the throat: Often described as a sensation of irritation, or even a burning or stinging sensation, which worsens when swallowing.

• Visible inflammation of the pharynx: Characterised by redness and swelling of the pharyngeal mucosa, visible to the naked eye during diagnosis.

• Sore throat or difficulty swallowing, which is particularly pronounced, especially in bacterial cases.

• Episodes of mild to moderate fever accompanied by generalised fatigue.

• A cough, a runny nose or a hoarse voice.

Our natural solutions

Herbs to use

To help alleviate the symptoms of pharyngitis, there are several plants you can use: 

• Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus): Decongestant and mucolytic; we recommend drinking it as a herbal tea. Place 1 tablespoon of dried leaves in a cup of simmering water, leave to infuse for 10 minutes, and drink 2 to 3 cups a day. Please note: we do not recommend its use for children under 2 years of age or for pregnant or breastfeeding women.

• Thyme ( Thymus vulgaris ): With its decongestant properties, it helps to soothe the respiratory tract, thin secretions and strengthen the immune system; thyme is a friend to your respiratory tract. We recommend using it as a herbal tea, using 1 to 2g of dried herb per cup of simmering water. Leave to infuse for 10 minutes and drink 3 to 5 cups a day. We do not recommend it for children under 2 years of age or for people with high blood pressure or allergies. During pregnancy, we recommend not exceeding 1 cup a day.

• Common marshmallow (Althaea officinalis): Marshmallow roots are rich in mucilage (25–35 %), which forms a soothing protective film on irritated mucous membranes.  It can be used as a lukewarm infusion (steep the roots or leaves in hot, but not boiling, water so as not to damage the mucilage), or as a gargle.

• Chamomile (Matricaria recutita): Several clinical trials evaluating chamomile mouthwashes in cases of oral inflammation demonstrate the soothing effect of chamomile.

Camille specialises in writing content on the topics of beauty, health, and natural well-being. Passionate about these subjects, she writes articles for major media outlets to help everyone look after themselves in a natural and holistic way.