When we swallow, a very complex set of muscles are put into motion, activating both the voluntary and the involuntary nervous systems. Any inflammation throughout the passage, the tongue, soft palate, mucous membranes, tonsils, larynx or esophagus, makes it difficult and painful to swallow.
While many conditions can impede proper swallowing, smoking, colds and other infections, sore throats, pharyngitis and tonsillitis are commonly at the root of the problem. Other causes include throat polyps, benign growths or very serious illnesses such as esophageal cancer. Even an esophageal reflux condition can be at the root of throat irritation. Prolonged exposure to the acids in the stomach occasionally results in quite extensive scarring and, in some cases, strictures.
In addition to the obvious ways you can improve the problem, there are several types of natural treatments that can reduce inflammation and irritation. These include essential oils, homeopathic remedies and medicinal teas. Boosting your immune system is also very important.
Boost Your Immune System
The immune system is fundamental to fighting viral and bacterial exposure. It is imperative to maintain a healthy immune system for your well being. Diet, mental health and smoking affect the way your body responds to illness. For persistent throat irritation, you can take echinacea, which has anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties, or zinc, which inhibits viral infection. Zinc lozenges treat throat pain and are available in many stores.
Use Medicinal Teas
Tormentil is often used to treat throat infections since the tannins it contains have astringent and anti-inflammatory properties. Bring two tablespoons of tormentil powder to a boil in one cup of water. Steep for 15 minutes and then filter. Rinse your mouth and gargle with the solution every hour until symptoms improve. Note that echinacea, sage, arnica, and Oregon grape tea gargles may be used as an alternative to tormentil.
Breathe Correctly
Make it a habit to breathe through your nose, not through your mouth. This practice helps reduce the susceptibility to infection. Breathing through the nose humidifies the air before it passes through the mucous membranes of the throat. Cilia, the small hairs in the nose, filter toxins out of the air and clear the passages by removing mucus and cold viruses. In addition, treat any allergies and chronic congestion that can lead to habitual mouth-breathing.
Lastly, if the problem persists, if there are any changes in your voice or if you develop hoarseness, see a doctor to rule out polyps or a more serious disorder. Cold applications such as an ice cold cloth loosely wrapped around the throat and covered with a dry wool cloth may help. If the swallowing difficulty is due to a sore throat, treat the infection with Oregon-grape, echinacea or goldenseal herbal remedies.
Source:
Gottleib, Bill Alternative Cures: More Than 1000 of the Most Effective Natural Home Remedies. Ballantine Books 2008
Yolanda Triana - I have been dusting with flour and rolling the pin since I was tall enough to reach the kitchen counter. As an adult, I have successfully ...
Join the Conversation