Sore throat

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Alternative medicine

By Mayo Clinic staff

While a number of alternative treatments are commonly used to treat sore throat symptoms, evidence is limited about what works and what doesn't. Check with your doctor before using any herbal remedies, as they can interact with prescription medications and may not be safe if you're pregnant or have certain health conditions.

Most herbs thought to ease symptoms of a sore throat are brewed as teas and can be found at grocery stores or health food stores. Examples of herbs that may help with sore throat symptoms include:

  • Licorice root
  • Marshmallow root
  • Honeysuckle flowers
  • Barberry
  • Eucalyptus
  • Chamomile
  • Slippery elm

DS00526

Sept. 27, 2008

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