Treat Your Sore Throat With Oregano Oil

Sore throat is a very common condition which is usually felt when you are beginning to catch a cold. It is caused by infection of any of a large number of viruses, and sometimes bacteria. This condition is a symptom of many illnesses affecting the pharynx or the area surrounding the tonsils. It is a result of the inflammation of the pharynx, larynx or tonsils.

Some of the accompanying signs of sore throat are scratchiness and pain in the throat as you swallow and a general feeling of discomfort. Other symptoms may include swollen lymph, hoarseness, runny nose, mild fever, coughing, sneezing, lack of energy and sluggishness.

Types of Sore Throat
Contrary to what people generally assume, there are only two types of sore throats. One is caused by a virus and the other is caused by the streptococcus bacterium. The first one is what is generally known as sore throat and the second one is called strep throat. Strep throat is more serious and harder to treat.

Specific Causes of Sore Throat
There are many things that can cause a sore throat. Here are some of them.

• Viruses – some of these viruses can also cause blisters in the mouth.
• Smoking – smoking can result in dryness of the throat.
• Breathing through the mouth – this can also result in throat dryness.
• Antibiotics – taking antibiotic medications can give sore throat side effects.
• Bacterial infection – the most common of which is Streptococcus infection. Another harmful bacterium, Arcanobacterium haemolyticum can also cause sore throat among adults.

A person should be concerned if his sore throat persists for more than two weeks. It could be a sign of a more serious illness, such as throat cancer. In this regard, sore throat should not be taken for granted if it lasts longer than normal.

How Sore Throat is Usually Treated
The body heals itself, that’s why for a normal person sore throat is usually treated by giving him plenty of time to rest. Drinking sufficient water is also advised. Gargling with a glass of warm water with a teaspoon of salt mixed in, repeated twice a day will also help greatly in relieving the condition. When there is fever and pain, over-the-counter medications are administered to give relief. Throat lozenges and commercial gargles that contain antibacterial substances are also taken to relieve the discomfort.

However, if the sore throat is diagnosed to be caused by a bacterium, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics to the patient. The patient will be asked to take antibiotics for a prescribed number of days.

It should be noted that all pharmaceutical medications, drugs and antibiotics are made of synthetic chemicals. Usually they leave adverse side effects, especially when taken over a long period of time. It is therefore wiser if we could use a form of treatment that is not only effective in treating sore throat, but does not leave any side effects.

Oregano Oil – A Wiser Alternative
Fortunately, we have such a substance – oregano oil. This is an essential oil derived from the Mediterranean wild oregano plant, Origanum vulgare. This plant has been used for thousands of years for treating many sicknesses. Now, we use the essential oil extracted from its leaves. This essential oil contains considerable amounts of phytochemicals, phenols and flavonoids. Its two main active agents are carvacrol and thymol. These potent substances act synergistically to kill harmful pathogens. There are hundreds of scientific studies and experiments conducted around the world that show oregano oil’s effectiveness in killing bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. 

This is primarily the reason why it can be used as a better alternative for treating sore throat. Additionally, carvacrol was found to be an effective anti-inflammatory agent as well as a very powerful pain killer. It was tested effective in controlling the inflammation and pain connected to arthritis. Since sore throat is primarily characterized by infection and inflammation of the throat, with attendant pain, we can use oregano oil to obtain relief from this condition.

Oregano Oil’s Other Substances
Additionally, this oil also contains considerable amounts of vitamins, minerals and trace elements which can help strengthen your immune system. The vitamin content includes vitamin C, A (beta-carotene) and D. Minerals include magnesium, copper, manganese, iron, calcium, potassium, boron and zinc. All these important elements will help your body fend off many kinds of disease.

Stopping Sore Throat with Oregano Oil
You can easily stop sore throat by following these simple guidelines.

• At the first signs of a sore throat, mix a few drops of oregano oil with a glass of warm water and gargle it several times a day. The oil’s essence is very strong so start small then gradually increase the dose of the oil. You can start with 2 drops.
• You can also place two drops of the oil under your tongue, twice a day, until the condition clears up.

You will notice positive results within the next few hours. To enable your body to be more resistant to disease, take 2 or 3 drops of oregano oil, under your tongue or mixed with water or juice, every day.