Aconitum Napellus (Acon.)

Aconitum Napellus (Acon.) Consider Aconite for a sore throat that comes on suddenly after a shocking exposure to cold (wind, water, weather, etc), especially if it comes in the middle of the night and is accompanied by high fever, restlessness, and anxiety. It is most useful in this early stage; the symptoms may change as the sore throat becomes more chronic or long-standing. (For more symptoms see the generalities section for this remedy.) Sudden Onset s after Exposure to Cold (Key Characteristic) The most important characteristic is the rapid onset of the sore throat -May come on suddenly in the middle of the night, etc Sudden sore throat following a significant or shocking exposure to cold; cold weather, water, or cold dry winds Throat pain is burning or may be stitching/sharp -Worse when swallowing Significant thirst for cold drinks (despite worse pain from swallowing) Throat and tonsils bright red but without ulceration or pus; may be somewhat swollen Sudden onset accompanied by sudden high fever, red face, restlessness, and anxiety or fear

Apis Mellifica (Ap.) The Apis sore throat is characterized by significant burning, redness, and shiny swelling of the throat and especially the uvula. Pains and symptoms are worse from warmth and warm drinks/food, better from cold drinks and cool rooms. (For more symptoms see the generalities section for this remedy.) with Burning Pain, Significant Swelling, and Redness (Key Characteristic) Pain in the throat has a strong burning quality The throat has extensive swelling and redness; especially the uvula, also the tonsils -Throat and tongue are both extremely red; sides of throat may be red and shining Pain and swelling more on the right side Mouth is dry, but they are thirstless or not very thirsty Generally worse from heat and hot drinks Generally better from cold food or drinks (but may have little or no thirst) Common Accompanying Symptoms (not always seen) May be accompanied by significant fever without perspiration; may or may not have chills

Argentum Nitricum (Arg-n.) Argentum Nitricum is a useful remedy for sore throats with splinter-like sticking pains in specific spots that are better from cold drink or air, though generally worse from swallowing. Argentum Nitricum sore throats may be accompanied by significant hoarseness or even complete loss of the voice. If chronic and recurring the emotional generalities are an important characteristic. (For more symptoms see the generalities section for this remedy.) with Splinter-Like Pains and Hoarse Voice (Key Characteristic) Throat is irritated and raw with sharp, specific, splinter-like pains -Pain often worse on the right side -The throat may have raw spots that are irritated when inhaling -Generally much aggravated by swallowing -Better with cold drinks or cold air Thick mucus in the throat -May be constant clearing of the throat Common Accompanying Symptoms (not always seen) Laryngitis and hoarseness of the voice -Voice may be lost altogether

Arsenicum Album (Ars.) Arensicum sore throats are characterized by a seeming contradiction; the pains are burning but the throat feels better with warm or hot drinks, and in a warm room. Other important accompanying symptoms are generally chilliness, restlessness, and marked anxiety especially in more chronic situations. (For more symptoms see the generalities section for this remedy.) with Burning Pains that is Better with Warm Drinks (Key Characteristic) Significant burning pains in the throat; better from warmth -Pains are better with warm or hot drinks; also better in a warm room -May be worsened by cold air or cold drinks -Worse with swallowing Small ulcers or vesicles seen in the throat; flat (not eaten away), white, and burning -May also be burning ulcers in the mouth Marked chilliness and restlessness during the sore throat Tendency towards right-side; or worse on right side May be significant and red inflammation, but little or no swelling

Baryta Carbonica (Bar-c.) Baryta Carbonica may be a useful remedy in chronically recurring sore throat where the most marked feature is chronically enlarged, swollen, and hardened glands (tonsils, adenoids, cervical glands in the neck, etc). The sore throat may have burning pain and be particularly worse with empty swallowing or swallowing saliva. They may have intense perspiration, and in chronic situations tend to be quite shy, unconfident, and may be slow learners. (For more symptoms see the generalities section for this remedy.) Recurring, Chronic with Severely Swollen Tonsils (Key Characteristic) Huge swelling of the tonsils; may or may not appear significantly inflamed and red -Generally all local glands in the head and neck may be very hard and swollen Throat pain is burning and significant -Pain worse when swallowing, particularly with empty swallowing or swallowing saliva -Pain is worse swallowing solids or foods, but may feel better swallowing liquid Salivation increased during sore throat; may have profuse salivation Symptoms generally worse at night Common Accompanying Symptoms (not always seen) Accompanying ear symptoms from swelling and blockage of Eustachian tubes -May be hearing loss, chronic ear ache, and roaring noises in the ears especially when swallowing Enlarged and hardened cervical glands felt on the exterior sides of the neck

Belladonna (Bell.) Belladonna is one of the most important remedies for acute throat infections, as well as severe throat symptoms with other upper respiratory infections and abscesses of the throat. Its symptoms are intense, with sudden onset, raw burning dry pain that extends to other parts of the face and head, swelling, redness, and heat, and severe feelings of constrictions, contractions, and tightening of the throat. (For more symptoms see the generalities section for this remedy.) Acute and Severe Tonsillitis of Sudden Onset (Key Characteristic) The onset of sore throat is rapid -May begin with a sensation of something in the throat, a mild irritant, that quickly grows worse May be viral infections, tonsillitis, strep infections, or abscesses affecting the throat Throat Symptoms of Severe Inflammation & Spasming Right sided inflammation and pain; or worse on the right side Severe pains in the throat; may extend to the ear or face -Dryness and burning raw pain in the throat; like swallowing over sandpaper Difficult swallowing from dryness and irritation -The irritation in the throat leads to sudden responses of tightening, contraction, and constriction felt acutely in the throat; can happen any time (while sitting, swallowing, when coughing, while eating or drinking, with post-nasal drip, etc). Tonsils swollen and very red; whole throat red and inflamed looking Aggravation of symptoms from touch, swallowing anything, talking, yelling, laughing, or moving -Do not like, and may be aggravated by, anything tight around the throat Tonsils swollen and very red; whole throat red and inflamed looking General Accompanying Symptoms High fever (can be very high), hot dry red face, and cold extremities -Head is dry, hot, red, without sweating; the hands, feet, arms and legs are cold Dry mouth and tongue with bright red spots (strawberry tongue) Swollen and tender cervical glands (sides of neck) during acute Various spasms and contractions of the throat and local area

Bryonia Alba (Bry.) Bryonia Alba should be considered for a sore throat that comes on with a fever (may be as part of a cold or flu, etc), is accompanied by much dryness locally and generally, and is severely worsened by any motion to the extent that they try to hold the throat to prevent movement, or don t want to talk, cough, or swallow for fear of causing more pain. (For more symptoms see the generalities section for this remedy.) With Fever, Worse from Any Motion (Key Characteristic) Sore throat that accompanies or comes after a fever -See BRYONIA ALBA in FEVER CATEGORY for more information Dark red throat discoloration Dryness of the mouth and tongue; tongue has a white or brownish, dry, dirty colored coating Throat pain that is stitching or sharp and worse from any motion -Throat pain is worse from any motion of the throat; swallowing, talking, coughing, movement of the head; they will try to keep the throat very still to avoid pain Generally very thirsty and dry during the fever Onset of the sore throat and fever may be slow and plodding Hoarseness of voice

Calcarea Carbonica (Calc-c.) Calcarea Carbonica is a common remedy called for in chronic recurring upper respiratory tract infections including sore throat. The main local symptom around the throat may be significant swelling and soreness of the glands in the neck, but the most important characteristics are the general ones: They are generally chilly, sweat profusely, tend towards anxiety and fears, and can be incredibly stubborn and obstinate about doing things at their own pace. (For more symptoms see the generalities section for this remedy.) Recurring with Significant Gland Swelling (Key Characteristic) Sore throat accompanied by hard and painful cervical glands (felt on external sides of neck) Significant perspiration, especially on the head May come on with changes in weather, especially the onset of cold and damp weather Dryness of throat Common Accompanying Symptoms (not always seen) May come with recurrent colds, ear infections, or other upper repiratory infections

Hepar Sulph (Hep-s.) Hepar Sulph is an important remedy for throat infections where there is clear ulceration or abscess formation on the tonsils. Accompanying this ulceration is extreme chilliness and aversion to cold and drafts, strong irritability and oversensitivity, and sharp splinter-like pains that are quite unbearable. (For more symptoms see the generalities section for this remedy.) Serious Throat Infections with Ulceration and Extreme Sharp Pain (Key Characteristic) Severe and unbearable sharp pain; sensation as if a splinter or fishbone in the throat -The pain may radiate to the ear when swallowing, turning head, or yawning -They are extremely oversensitive to the pain Swollen and ulcerated tonsils (ulcerated white patches, lesions, etc) -One of the main remedies when there is severe ulceration, suppuration, or abscess formation on the tonsils during sore throat -Tonsils may be swollen; but ulceration is the key characteristic -Ulcerations may discharge pus Pains and discomfort are better with warmth, hot drinks, warm compresses, etc -May want to be very bundled up; especially covering the throat during the acute Pains, discomfort, and general state much worse exposure to cold air, cold drinks, cold food Mental and Emotional Characteristics Irritability and anger; prone to fits of anger and impatience during the illness Extremely oversensitive and easily offended; everything very difficult during the acute What makes it better and worse overall? Better: Generally better with warmth and being covered up Worse: Generally worse at night, and with any exposure to cold

Ignatia Amara (Ign.) Ignatia is a remedy to consider for acute sore throats where the most prominent or bothersome symptoms is a strong feeling of a lump or foreign body choking the throat that only goes away during swallowing. Contrary to many other sore throat presentations, Ignatia only feels better if swallowing, especially swallowing solids/food. (For more symptoms see the generalities section for this remedy.) Acute with Feeling of a Lump in the Throat that is Better Swallowing (Key Characteristic) Strong sensation of a lump in the throat; or that they are choking on some foreign body -The only thing that helps the feeling is swallowing; leads to constant swallowing Pain and irritation better during or just after swallowing -The only thing that improves the discomfort in the throat is swallowing -Swallowing something solid is best; swallowing liquid may be more difficult -Only feels better when swallowing -Worse when not swallowing May be stitching, sharp pains in the throat (in addition to the lump sensation) Throat may have small ulcers and sores May be better from cold drinks Worse in the evening

Lachesis Muta (Lach.) Lachesis is a remedy for potentially severe throat infections where the main characteristics are intense swelling, constriction, and deep dusky red inflammation. There are sharp needle-like pains that are significantly better swallowing solids, and there is much ulceration and destruction in the throat and tonsils. The physical and emotional symptoms are both intense in nature. (For more symptoms see the generalities section for this remedy.) Severe Throat Infections With Intense Swelling and Inflammation (Key Characteristic) All kinds of throat infections; and infections may be quite extreme -May start more mild, with rough, scraping feeling and dryness in throat Tonsils and throat swollen, with dark red discoloration that may even look purple -Swelling and discoloration can be severe; deep dark red or purple colors -All glands swell significantly; tonsils, adenoids, uvula, cervical glands (felt externally on neck) Strong feeling of swelling and constriction in the throat -Feel constriction; throat feels full and tight as if air, food, and drink cannot pass freely -Lump sensation in the throat; like something big in throat; try to swallow but doesn t go away -Strongly averse to any constrictions around the neck (tight clothes, wraps, etc) Strong tendency towards left-sided sore throat; Starts on left and moves to right Sharp stitching pains (as if swallowing a needle) -Pains are much worse with empty swallowing or swallowing saliva -Pains are mildly better when swallowing liquid, but significantly better swallowing solids -Pains may be worse with warm food or drink in mouth, better with cool things in mouth -Pains extend through the neck, possibly up to the ears Throat symptoms are worse with coughing, sneezing, talking, turning head, any touch to the neck Ulcer and abscess formation, pus discharge -Ulcers may form through tonsils and throat; easily tear the skin, discharge pus or even blood, and may have yellowish membrane over them -Worse on the left side Generally worse at night and after sleeping (may wake up with severe aggravation of pain and symptoms)

Lycopodium (Lyc.) Lycopodium is a common remedy for recurrent sore throats that are right-sided, worse in the morning on waking and in the late afternoon, and are much better with warm drinks. These sore throat often stem from postnasal drip or mild sinusitis, and this remedy is more useful for chronic recurrent sore throats rather than extreme acute sore throat. (For more symptoms see the generalities section for this remedy.) Recurrent s and Tonsillitis that is Right Sided (Key Characteristic) Right-sided pain and inflammation; or begins on right and moves to the left Swelling and enlargement of tonsils; with smelly exudation -Tonsils discharge smelly white chunks of hardened pus that can have a very offensive odor Swollen, tender cervical glands felt on the sides of the neck Craving for warm drinks that ameliorate the throat pain -And may also be ameliorated by a warm compress to the throat Sore throat is aggravated in the morning upon awakening, and also at four in the afternoon Pains are raw and sore, but may not be too intense Throat dry; may have a lump sensation Common Accompanying Symptoms (not always seen) Common for the sore throat to be caused by postnasal discharge from mild sinusitis -This often brings on the sore throat, or may accompany it simultaneously

Medorrhinum (Med.) Medorrhinum is a frequently called for remedy in chronic upper respiratory infections with thick, purulent yellow or green phlegm and constant post-nasal discharge. These infections can easily aggravate the throat leading to rawness and swelling. They are hot-blooded, craving ice cold drinks, and extremely intense personality types who are often incredibly open and extremely active/high energy. (For more symptoms see the generalities section for this remedy.) s From Post-Nasal Drip and Upper Respiratory Infections with Copious Thick Phlegm (Key Characteristic) Sore throats from colds, sinusitis, and post-nasal drip that drop into the throat/chest -Tends to get colds that lead to copious, thick, yellowish mucus dripping down the back of the throat, which can easily irritate and inflame the throat Painful swollen tonsils and rawness in the throat from post-nasal drip Swollen and tender glands in the neck accompanying chronic infections Constant coughing and hawking up of copious thick phlegm; choking on the phlegm

Mercurius Solubilis (Merc-s.) Mercurius is a potential remedy for either sore throats that are recurring and accompany other infections, or for acute sore throats that may be anywhere from mild to severe. The most important indicating symptoms are the accompanying mouth symptoms (excess saliva, dirty coated tongue, offensive breath) as well as excess perspiration, fevers, and chills, and a strong oversensitivity towards both hot and cold temperatures. Throat infections are generally dirty, destructive, and ulcerative; and accompanying pains are sharp and worse from any touch to the throat or swallowing of food or drink. (For more symptoms see the generalities section for this remedy.) Acute or Chronic with Unique Accompanying Symptoms (Key Characteristic) Acute or recurring sore throats of various severity; or accompanying other infections Accompanying mouth symptoms are an important indicator -Tongue with thick and dirty-looking coating; may have big patches missing from coating -Tongue is swollen with clear tooth imprints on the sides -Very offensive breath; may have a metallic taste in the mouth -Increased salivation (profuse saliva) with a constant desire to swallow (worsens the pain) Accompanied by fever, chills, and excessive sweating, and oversensitivity to hot and cold -They are both chilly and overheated, may alternate between the two, and very sensitive to hot or cold temperature (have extremely narrow temperature range) -May have significant night sweats; and generally profuse perspiration Throat and tonsils are dirty looking, and often ulcerate or form abscesses -Tonsils are dark red, may also see pus and whitish membranes if severe infection Pains are sharp and throbbing; may spread to the ears and neck -Severely aggravated by anything that touches the throat, internally or externally -Worse from both hot and cold drinks, from swallowing, and from having anything in the mouth Throat feels dry (despite excess saliva), burning, and raw -They may constantly feel thirst or want to drink, but sips feel like swallowing a lump with sticking sharp pains throughout the throat All symptoms generally worse at night Common Accompanying Symptoms (not always seen) Swollen, sore cervical glands (felt externally on the sides of the neck); may feel burning Post-nasal discharge and/or sinusitis with green or yellowish mucus that is smelly and irritating

Nitricum Acidum (Nit-ac.) Nitricum Acidum acute sore throats may have a very harsh and sharp pain as if a fish bone is stuck in the throat, or as if a splinter is in the throat, that is much worse when swallowing and may extend to the ears. Accompanying symptoms are generally offensive and destructive; cracking of the local skin, smelly perspiration, ulceration of the tonsils, and exudation of offensive pus. The personality is negative and markedly irritable, and they are chilly and worse from cold. (For more symptoms see the generalities section for this remedy.) Acute with Strong Splinter-like or Sharp Pains (Key Characteristic) Pains often like a splinter or like a fish bone stuck in the throat; very sharp and specific -Pains can extend to the ears, particularly when swallowing -Pain may also be burning and raw Tonsils are swollen, inflamed (may be dark red) and have significant ulceration -Ulceration in tonsils may exude very nasty small pieces of pus, etc Breath is offensive during acute; and there may be cracking of the lip corners or the tongue Pain generally much worse from swallowing -Swallowing is incredibly difficult; they may lower the head or put in a certain position to swallow Offensive and smelly perspiration during the acute Worse from cold air and getting chilled Marked irritability and general nastiness during acute

Nux Vomica (Nux-v.) Nux Vomica can be a useful remedy for acute sore throats that are very raw and rough feeling but are better from warm or hot drinks and being covered and warm, and much worse from getting chilled. They are generally chilly and highly irritable and very easily set off and exhausted. (For more symptoms see the generalities section for this remedy.) Rough and Raw Better with Warm Drinks (Key Characteristic) Pain in throat is rough feeling; very raw and sore; may also be sharp twinges -Rawness may be due to or caused by excessive coughing as well Sore throat better from warm drinks -Strongly desires warm drinks to ease the soreness and rawness of the throat Generally very chilly and worse from getting cold, uncovering, etc -Aggravation of symptoms upon waking and uncovering in bed, or from cold air -Generally better from warmth and a warm room -Very sensitive to drafts, even when covered up may still get chills easily Throat pain extends to the ears when swallowing Swallowing is very difficult; the throat feels rough; may have a lump sensation in it

Phosphorous (Phos.) Phosphorous is a good remedy for both acute and chronic sore throats. In either case the main symptoms are rawness, soreness, and significant hoarseness and loss of voice. There will be swelling and they tend to crave ice-cold drinks to help the symptoms. The general characteristics, especially in chronic situations, are colds that easily go to the chest, generally sweet and outgoing personality types who are easily consoled and want company. (For more symptoms see the generalities section for this remedy.) Rawness of the Throat and Hoarseness of the Voice (Key Characteristic) Throat feels raw and sore, may be burning, often accompanies a cold -Throat may become irritated by the post-nasal drip from a cold and begin to become soar and hoarse, then inflamed Throat is so painfully hoarse that they can hardly talk -Hoarseness worsens the more they talk Significant swelling of the tonsils and uvula Craving for and amelioration from ice cold drinks -But may be worse from cold air or breathing in cold air Throat worse from breathing in, coughing, talking May be worse in the morning and evening, better during the day Easily consoled during the acute, and want company and consolation Common Accompanying Symptoms (not always seen) Colds and infections of the head easily and quickly descend to the chest leading to lower respiratory conditions

Phytolacca (Phyt.) Phytolacca may be useful in an acute sore throat with marked swelling and inflammation that is dark, deep red or even purple. Pains tend to be burning, and swallowing is both difficult and causes pain to shoot to the ears on both sides. They are significantly aggravated by hot drinks and cannot swallow anything hot, but cold drinks are helpful. (For more symptoms see the generalities section for this remedy.) Acute with Dark Inflammation and Burning (Key Characteristic) Tonsils swollen and throat has dark red or even purple discoloration -Generally dark inflammation, may be dark red or purple -Tonsils and throat all have this discoloration Burning or soreness felt in the throat, tonsils, and back of the mouth -May feel the soreness even in the root of the tongue; worse when sticking the tongue out Difficult swallowing; swallowing causes pain to extend or shoot to both ears May be worse on the right side Much worse from hot drinks; cannot swallow anything hot Worse at night and with touch Generally better from cold drinks, or becoming cold in general Common Accompanying Symptoms (not always seen) Cervical glands in the neck are hard and painful (felt on external sides of the neck) Smelly, offensive breath and a red-tipped tongue General Characteristics May feel exhausted and worn out with the acute; may feel stiff What makes it better and worse overall? Better: With cold drinks or becoming cold Worse: Worse at night, with hot drinks, while swallowing, and with touch

Pulsatilla Nigricans (Puls.) Pulsatilla is not a common acute sore throat remedy but a constitutional Pulsatilla child may be sore throats during a common cold or sinusitis, where the main feelings are rawness, dryness, irritation and tickling. The personality will be the more telling characteristic; mild-mannered but very clingy and needy especially during illness, weeping and crying easily, generally warm blooded and feels better with cool open air (will not stand a hat). (For more symptoms see the generalities section for this remedy.) During Common Cold (Key Characteristic) May develop throat inflammation and soreness during a common cold or with sinusitis, etc -Accompanying upper respiratory infections often have thick bland yellow or green mucus Larynx feels dry, irritated, and tickling -The larynx may feel rough as though there is dust in it, and raw with coughing Throat pain is raw, scraping, or stitching Throat may feel full and swollen and they may choke while swallowing solid food

Rhus Toxicodendron (Rhus-t.) Rhus Tox is useful for straining of the voice or other illness leading to a dry, tickling, and hoarse sore throat that is worse from cold and cold drinks, better from warmth and warm drinks. The throat symptoms tend to improve with continued motion; for example the voice may be more hoarse on first speaking and then get better as they continue speaking. (For more symptoms see the generalities section for this remedy.) with Significant Hoarseness (Key Characteristic) Often caused by over-straining of the voice from too much talking or singing -Or the sore throat may accompany a cold or even influenza The voice is hoarse and there is inflammation of the throat -The hoarseness is very bad on first talking, but may improved with continued use Throat and larynx especially is dry and tickling; may also feel tight and strained Pain and irritation begins on the left and then extends to the right Symptoms are worse with cold drinks and better with warm drinks -May crave milk or warm milk especially Generally worse (or may come on) during damp, cold weather Pain better with continued swallowing (Pain recedes with more swallowing)

Silica (Sil.) Silica is an important chronic remedy for recurring sore throats and infections where a major characteristic is chronically hardened and enlarged glands in the neck and throat. Chronic silica presentations often include frequent ear infections, sore throats, and other upper respiratory track due to a generally weak immune system and lack of robustness. The general characteristics are chilliness, sharp specific pains, ulcerations and abscesses in a child who is mild, fragile or weak often, and over-sensitive to the surrounding environment. (For more symptoms see the generalities section for this remedy.) Associated with Chronic Hard Swelling of the Glands (Key Characteristic) Chronically recurring swelling and inflammation of the throat and tonsils -The glands around the neck may be chronically hard and swollen even between acutes Ulceration, abscesses, or putrid discharge of the tonsils -Usually will see some ulceration of suppuration of the tonsils -They will usually cough out or hawk up lumps of pus which may look putrid Very chilly and symptoms are worse on becoming cold or chilled -May want to stay wrapped up and warm, covering throat; much worse getting cold or letting throat get cold Pain in throat is sharp, stitching, pin-like, or splinter-like -May also be a feeling as if a hair is on the back of the tongue -Pain is worse on swallowing, and worse on becoming chilled Swollen, enlarged, and hardened cervical glands (felt on the sides of the neck)

Sulphur (Sulph.) Sulphur may be useful in isolated acute sore throats where the main symptoms are burning, dryness, rawness, and hoarseness. More often it will be helpful in lingering, chronic tonsillitis with swollen glands, dark reddish discoloration of the throat, and terribly bad breath as well as the Sulphur generalities of warm-blooded, desiring cold drinks, and very open, precocious, curious and active personalities. (For more symptoms see the generalities section for this remedy.) Acute or Chronic s with Burning, Dryness, Rawness and Terrible Breath (Key Characteristic) May be used in chronic tonsillitis with huge tonsils and glands accompanying chronic nasal discharge and stuffy sinuses -In this situation, there should be terribly bad breath as if the throat tissue is decaying -Throat and tonsils are dark, reddish, bloody color -Tonsils may have abscesses or exude smelly discharge Acute sore throat with dryness and pain that is burning, raw, and sore -Tends to want cold drinks (in some cases may want slightly warm drinks for the throat) -Voice may be hoarse with the rawness and dryness; especially in morning -Face and lips bright red, throat may be quite red as well -Breath very offensive and putrid smelling Profuse sweating and aversion to warm rooms with either type of sore throat Generally worse with coughing and swallowing