A sore throat is caused by an infection that can be viral or of bacterial origin.
It usually occurs because of a viral infection (as it happens with the cold, flu or mononucleosis), although more serious throat infections can occur due to a bacterial infection (such as strep, mycoplasma or Hemophilus). The bacterial type responds well to antibiotics, while this is not the case with those of viral origin.
For the latter, there are several natural remedies you can take to relieve the throat. Some of these remedies come from wisdom passed from generation to generation, they are effective within the hour or two hours after taking, others will be effective the next morning.
If the next morning you see no improvement see your doctor, especially if you suspect it may be strep.
The remedy: red pepper (or cayenne)
The best remedy for sore throat (whether the infection is of viral or bacterial origin) is gargling with Cayenne pepper.
The recipe is simple:
- Dissolve a teaspoon in a glass of warm water.
- Gargle for a few seconds, spit, repeat the operation several times, and ready.
Tip: Stir the mixture constantly before every sip because pepper tends to go to the bottom. Be careful with the eyes, pepper itches.