A throat infection can have symptoms that can go from just a nagging little ache to terrible agonizing pain, and anything in between. It can also be accompanied by ear pain, headaches, body aches, fatigue etc.
Whether the sore throat is caused by viruses or bacteria, such as the much dreaded Group A streptococcus, homeopathy will always look at the full symptom picture.
Three people in the same household with what we would call a “sore throat” might need three completely different homeopathic remedies depending on the individual presentation of their complaints.
To find the right homeopathic remedy we will differentiate through criteria like:
- The nature, the location and sensation of the pain,
- The visual aspect of the throat (when possible),
- What makes it better or worse
- Cravings and aversions
- The overall physical and emotional state of each person.
Let’s have a look at some of the most common remedies helpful in throat inflammations with their most distinctive differentiations. Remember: The remedy can fit, even if not all symptoms described here are present in a person.
Belladonna – Sudden and often quite intense
- Sudden onset. “This morning she was fine, now she is not.”
- Throbbing pain. Or: it just hurts a lot. Difficulty swallowing.
- Bright red throat (if you can get a good look).
- Often worse on the right side.
- Can also have red face with dry skin
- If there is fever: High fever, sometimes with delirium and nightmares. Glassy eyes.
- Hot, Red face with dry skin, but icy cold hands and feet.
While people needing Belladonna are generally not thirsty and may have trouble swallowing liquids, they may crave LEMONADE
Aconitum – Sudden and similar to Belladonna
- Sudden onset, often because of getting cold. After bathing in hot weather, getting drenched from a thunderstorm or being exposed to cold winds.
- Throat looks red red and dry and can feel prickling, burning, stinging.
- Very thirsty for cold drinks (different from Belladonna)
- Restless and anxious. Afraid they might not get well.
- Tingling and numbness in arms (Can also be source of anxiety: what is happening to me? Am I going to be ok?)
Arsenicum Album – restlessness and burning pain
- Throat is swollen, burning pain
- Restlessness with exhaustion and anxiety. Despair of recovery: No use taking this remedy, I’ll never get better!
- Thirsty but will drink in little sips. Mostly wants warm drinks (even though they have burning pain) but can also want cold drinks. In little sips.
Apis – Feels like a bee sting, lots of red hot swelling. 
- Stinging pain, constricted feeling. Swollen uvula, looks like a little sac
- The throat can be swollen inside and out. Swollen tonsils, puffy, fiery red.
- Sensation of a fishbone stuck in the throat.
- They might not want to drink much, but if they do it will have to be cold, or even an ice cube.
Hepar sulf – Short for: Hepar sulphuris calcareum
- Very chilly, very sensitive, every draft of air will aggravate, or really, everything is too much! This can lead to Irritability.
- The throat will be very painful, with a sensation of a plug or a splinter-like pain.
- The pain extends to the throat when swallowing.
- Tendency to pus formation.
- If they want to drink anything it will have to be warm, and preferably with something strong tasting like ginger or lemon.
Phytolacca – Burning hot pain!
- Dark red or bluish throat. Swollen tonsils, especially right.
- Much pain at the root of the tongue.
- Shooting pain into the ears on swallowing.
- Cannot swallow anything hot, or really, can’t swallow anything!
- Hard, painful swelling of cervical glands.
Mercurius solubilis AKA Mercurius Vivus – The human Thermometer
- Sensitive to heat and cold– covers up, then gets hot and needs to take the blankets off. Sweating without relief.
- Throat is sore, raw, burning. Hoarse, rough voice. Swollen tonsils. Pus on tonsils.
- Glands swell every time the person takes cold.
- Constant desire to swallow. Excessive salivation. Sweet metallic taste. Offensive breath.
- Very thirsty for cold drinks.
Two “cousins” with general symptoms similar to Mercurius solubilis but with symptoms on specific sides:
- Mercurius Iodatus Flavus: Throat pain on the RIGHT side. Or starts on right side and moves to the left.
- Mercurius Iodatus Ruber: LEFT sided pain with swelling of the glands (left gland can feel like a rock) Or starts on the left and moves to the right.
More remedies with specific Sides:
Lachesis- Left Sided complaints
- Throat infections on the left side or going left to right.
- Pain worse swallowing liquids or saliva. If anything they must have cold drinks.
- Pain better with solid foods.
- Intolerance to tight collars, anything touching the throat.
- They can be very talkative, even though they are in pain.
- Everything is worse after sleeping
Lycopodium – Right sided complaints
- Right sided throat pain, or starts on right and moves to the left side
- Stitching pain on swallowing, Generally better for warm drinks
- Everything gets WORSE between 4 pm and 8 pm
- Can be craving sweets
Lac caninum – From one side to the other and back.
- Throat sensitive to touch, painful swallowing; pain extends to the ears
- Better for cold drinks
- Symptoms change repeatedly from side to side. Tickling sensation causes constant cough. Sore throat beginning and ending with menses.
- Stiffness of neck and tongue.
In homeopathy, we have a seemingly unending number of remedies. Each remedy has an action on the throat in their own way. Together with the choice of potencies, it can seem overwhelming to choose the right remedy.
Acute consultation are available if you need quick help.
If you or your loved one experience repeated throat infections, homeopathy has solutions for that, too!
