Every year thousands of people in France suffer from angina. Do you have a sore throat, difficulty swallowing or even a fever? This article is made for you ! You will find information on the different types of sore throats and sore throats: how to differentiate them and above all how to prevent them or if it is too late, how to treat sore throats and sore throats with the help of essential oils or/ and herbal medicine. You will also find simple and effective natural recipes and remedies in this article.
Stimulate your immune defenses against sore throat and angina with a massage synergy.
Here is a massage oil that is just as effective as taking it orally: anti-infectious, expectorant and immune stimulating!
Ingredients :
- 10 drops ofThujanol thyme essential oil
- 5 drops ofniaouli essential oil
- 10 drops ofnoble laurel essential oil
- 3 ml d'calendula vegetable oil
In a 5ml codigoutte bottle, pour all the ingredients
How to use it ?
Use 6 drops of the mixture to massage on the throat, chest or back twice a day (morning and evening) for 3 days.Precautions: Do not use in pregnant or breastfeeding women and children under 10 years old. Be careful, noble laurel can be allergenic. Do not use in people with epilepsy or those with hormone-dependent cancers.
Synergy of essential oils to prevent and treat tonsillitis and sore throats
If you had to remember only one recipe, it would be this one! This synergy does it all! In addition, it is safe to use for adolescents and adults. As a preventative as well as a curative measure, it is extremely versatile and effective. As a preventative measure, it also stimulates the immune system.
Ingredients :
- 1 drop oftea tree essential oil
- 1 drop ofradiated eucalyptus essential oil
- 1 drop ofThujanol thyme essential oil
Preparation: Place your drops of essential oils on a teaspoon of honey, then mix well.
How to use it ?
Morning or evening, once a day as a preventative measure. To be used intermittently during winter to avoid a possible rebound effect (taken for too long without interruption, a rebound effect may occur: you risk falling ill when you stop taking it). Can be used up to twice a day when the infection is declared and until symptoms improve within a maximum of 5 days.Precautions: Do not use in pregnant or breastfeeding women and children under 10 years old.
Gargle with essential oils against sore throat and tonsillitis
This gargle acts directly on the throat, where it hurts, this synergy is complete and effective.
Ingredients :
- 20 drops of thujanol thyme
- 8 drops of niaouli
- 8 drops of pepper mint
- 8 drops of mountain savory
Preparation: Mix all the essential oils in a codigoutte bottle.
How to use it ?
Dilute 4 drops of this mixture in a glass of lukewarm water (with a dispersant for essential oils). Gargle 3 times a day. Do not swallow the mixture!Precautions: Do not use in pregnant or breastfeeding women and children under 10 years of age, people with epilepsy or those with hormone-dependent cancers. Do not swallow.
Blend of essential oils to diffuse to prevent winter infections
Perfect for the whole family, it is diffused in the living room and bedrooms to purify the air and prevent winter infections.
Ingredients:
- 2 drops ofravintsara essential oil
- 2 drops ofScots pine essential oil
- 4 drops oflemon essential oil
Preparation: Place the drops directly into an essential oil diffuser.
How to use it ?
To diffuse once or twice a day in the rooms of your home. Can also be diffused in a child's room, but be careful, divide the quantities by 2 (a drop of ravintsara, a drop of Scots pine and 2 drops of lemon) and only use a child's diffuser: it diffuses less loudly, intermittently and for shorter duration. It is therefore more suitable for a small child's bedroom.Precautions: No special precautions for adults. For children: preferably, diffuse the synergy 1 hour before bedtime and not at night.
Contraindications:
These synergies should not be used in pregnant women (during the entire pregnancy), breastfeeding women and children under 10 years old.
These properties and methods of use do not constitute medical advice. For therapeutic use consult a doctor.
What is angina: explanations and symptoms
A sore throat can be associated with a pathology, although benign, but very disturbing: angina.
Angina is an inflammation of the tonsils and throat. The sore throat will then be accompanied by fever and swelling of the tonsils. The throat will be red (red angina) or sometimes whitish (white angina). The symptoms are almost identical in both cases: sore throat, fever, headache and earache in some cases. The microbes involved are the same.
Angina can be of viral origin (the vast majority of angina in children) or bacterial. In the first case, angina will be mainly accompanied by coughing. Treatment of symptoms will generally be sufficient (medical advice is recommended if symptoms persist). In the second, swelling of the lymph nodes located in the neck and fever may appear.
If you have these types of symptoms associated with your sore throat, it is advisable to see a doctor. This will be able, among other things, to determine whether the germ responsible for the angina is a beta-hemolytic streptococcus. It is one of the only germs that can cause serious subsequent complications at the cardiac level (acute rheumatic fever or AAR) and kidney (acute glomerulonephritis or GNA) in particular. Although it may be common, its presence must therefore be ruled out by your doctor. If this bacteria is present, medical treatment will be essential to eradicate the germ and avoid any complications.
Possible causes and origins of sore throats
Sore throat is not a disease but a symptom. In other words, several pathologies, including many winter infections, can induce, in those who suffer from them, a more or less pronounced sore throat. Infections of the upper respiratory tract (that is, the throat and larynx, not the lungs) irritate the walls of the throat (sometimes from coughing) and leave you feeling tingling, burning, and more or less painful. less pronounced.
You have difficulty swallowing. Sore throat is a benign symptom unlike, in certain cases, the pathology with which it is associated.
Although winter infections (angina, pharyngitis, laryngitis, tracheitis, etc.) are the main cause of sore throat, other factors and conditions can be associated (and trigger) with a sore throat:
- Talking too much or shouting too much (too loud)
- Inhalation of cigarette smoke
- Air too dry
- Gastroesophageal reflux
- Stomach acidity
- Mononucleosis
- Very rarely: throat cancer
Although sore throat is generally benign, a visit to a doctor is still recommended in the event of associated symptoms such as: severe pain, difficulty breathing, fever, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, etc. In the event of inappropriate treatment , the sore throat may worsen, a bacterial secondary infection may set in and antibiotics may be necessary.
Tea tree essential oil (Melaleuca alternifolia): The essential against tonsillitis!!!
Properties: it is a powerful stimulant of the immune system. Broad-spectrum antibacterial, fungicidal and antiviral, it is recommended in cases of ENT and respiratory infections. It can help at the first symptoms of sore throat. It is a Melaleuca: in the same way as the niaouli which we will see later, it helps to protect the skin from burns during radiotherapy sessions.
Uses: for oral use: a drop in a little honey morning and evening will work miracles to treat sore throats and infections. Use until symptoms improve.
Warning: Tea tree essential oil is prohibited for pregnant women, those who are breastfeeding and children under 8 years old.
Radiated Eucalyptus essential oil (Eucalyptus radiata):
Properties: it is an excellent essential oil against infections of the respiratory system. Anti-infectious, antibacterial, antiviral, it is also antitussive and expectorant. It stimulates the immune system and its tonic and anti-inflammatory action make it an essential oil of choice for winter infections.
Uses: 3 drops on the chest or back as a massage in the morning will help you avoid winter infections. To be used morning and evening as a treatment if the infection is already there.
Warning: easy and safe to use, it can be used on children. It is not irritating to the skin but for children, it should nevertheless be diluted to 20% in a virgin oil. Not recommended for epileptics and asthmatics.
Scots pine essential oil (Pinus sylvestris)
Properties: Scots Pine essential oil is mainly known for its expectorant and anti-infectious/antiseptic properties of the respiratory tract. It relieves coughs, softens the respiratory tract and helps treat infections such as bronchitis, sinusitis, laryngitis, colds. It will also stimulate your immune defenses.
Uses: diffused or inhaled: 3 drops to diffuse or inhale in a bowl of hot water. It can be combined with ravintsara, radiant eucalyptus or niaouli. Can also be used as a massage diluted in a virgin oil (2 drops of HE in 20 drops of HV) to use morning and evening on the back and soles of the feet.
Warning: Do not use in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Not recommended for children under 8 years old. Scots Pine essential oil is potentially irritating to the skin (it is recommended to dilute it heavily).
Thyme thujanol essential oil (Thymus vulgaris CT thujanol):
Properties: Anti-infectious, antibacterial, powerful antiviral. This essential oil stimulates the immune system. Excellent for gargling against sore throats, it is perfect for tonsillitis, pharyngitis, bronchitis and other tracheitis. Very very effective, it is also easy to use.
Uses: a drop can be applied pure to the neck lymph nodes in case of angina. Ideal for gargling, it is diluted with 2 drops in a small glass of water (with a dispersant for HE). Gargle morning and evening until improvement. Do not swallow the gargle!
Warning: Safe to use, it is also suitable for children. Be careful, do not confuse it with thymol thyme, very effective but dermocaustic and much less easy to use. The “third thyme”, linalool thyme, can also be used with great safety in children: it is the mildest of all thymes.
Niaouli essential oil (Melaleuca quiquenervia):
Properties: Powerful antiviral, selective antibacterial, antifungal, it is also expectorant, febrifuge and immunostimulant. Ideal for winter infections such as tonsillitis, ear infections, pharyngitis, bronchitis... It is also radioprotective and partly protects the skin during radiotherapy.
Uses: inhaled or diffused it works miracles for winter infections. 2 to 6 drops in a diffuser or in a bowl of hot water in combination with other EOs for winter infections such as ravintsara or radiant eucalyptus.
Warning: Do not use niaouli essential oil in pregnant or breastfeeding women or in children under 8 years old. Dilute well in a vegetable oil or emulsion (5% maximum, skin irritation possible in its pure state).
Angina is contagious!
Angina, caused either by a virus or by bacteria, is a contagious infection!! Winter viruses easily penetrate through the mucous membranes, particularly around the eyes, nose and mouth.
There are 2 types of possible transmissions:
- By direct contact:
a person carrying a virus (responsible for angina) coughs while putting their hand over their mouth then shakes your hand an hour later (a virus can survive for several days on a dry surface). It is then very likely that if this person did not wash their hands, your hands now carry the virus. If you rub your eyes or mouth you can become ill and contract tonsillitis. - By air transmission:
a person carrying a virus coughs nearby and projects numerous contaminated microdroplets into the air. Contamination then occurs directly in the event of inhalation of these particles.
So be careful and take all precautions to protect yourself and not contaminate those around you.
However, it must be emphasized that our hands, our skin, the ambient air, everything around us is full of germs. Some are pathogenic (can trigger disease) others are not. In the case of pathogenic germs, some people will get sick and others will not: this often depends on our immune system and its ability to defend itself. It is therefore very important to have a strong and efficient immune system. As we have seen, certain essential oils or other natural treatments can help strengthen and boost your immunity.
Do not hesitate to consult our article on immune defenses: https://www.mycosmetik.fr/blog/huiles-essentielles-renforcer-defenses-immunitaires-n18
A little herbal medicine in case of angina or to stimulate your immune defenses
Propolis:
Propolis, like royal jelly, is produced by bees from various tree resins, buds and wax. In the world of bees, it is used in particular as cement to strengthen the hive and protect it from mold. Antiseptic and anti-infectious, propolis also strengthens the immune system. It is used to prevent and cure all kinds of winter ailments: coughs, bronchitis, tonsillitis, colds, sore throats... Just like royal jelly, it exists in several different forms such as gums, syrups, capsules... It can be used throughout the winter without restriction or during specific symptoms to promote healing. Be careful, however, if you are allergic to bee products!
Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia):
The plant par excellence for stimulating the immune system and providing anti-viral action. It is used intermittently: 3 weeks per month or from Monday to Friday and stop on weekends or a full month and stop the following month... Why? Because if taken for too long without interruption, a rebound effect may occur: you risk falling ill when you stop taking it. In herbal teas or capsules, according to the dosage recommended on the packaging (often 2 capsules in the morning as a preventive measure and 2 morning, 2 noon and 2 evening as a cure). Note that echinacea can also be taken as a cure: the dosage can then be doubled or even tripled compared to the preventive dosage. Not recommended for pregnant women.
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris):
Thyme is a perfect antiseptic and anti-infectious. Thyme is astringent: it tightens the walls of the respiratory tract and reduces mucus production. In case of angina, we swallow less, so we have less pain. Thyme helps reduce fever and stimulates the appetite. Perfect in case of angina, therefore, when our desire to eat is at its lowest. It also helps increase our immune defenses against ENT, urinary, gastrointestinal infections, etc. It is also a general tonic, useful for periods of fatigue due to an infection. In essential oil, in herbal tea (2-3 cups per day until symptoms improve) or in capsules, it is a very good ally against all winter ills. The essential oil should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Acerola (Malpighia Punicifolia):
Acerola, the fruit of this plant, also called West Indian cherry, is pressed and the juice it contains is extracted into a powder then offered in the form of tablets or capsules. These fruits contain 50 times more vitamin C than in oranges, flavonoids, iron, calcium and potassium, magnesium as well as vitamins A and B. Super anti-infectious and immunostimulating, it is used in prevention and the treatment of various winter pathologies. It is important to note that acerola is also a good antioxidant and can be used to help fight fatigue. Be careful though, 500mg of vitamin C is not equivalent to 500mg of acerola. Indeed, acerola only contains a small percentage of natural vitamin C but its combination with the other components makes it an effective and interesting plant.
Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus):
Perfect for colds, bronchitis, tonsillitis, pharyngitis and other upper respiratory tract infections: the tannins and essential oil contained in eucalyptus are antiseptic, expectorant and mucus thinning. More curative than preventive, eucalyptus is used in grog, herbal tea or capsules, the essential oil of eucalyptus globulus (different from that seen here above: that of eucalyptus radiata) can also be used in inhalation. Do not use in cases of severe liver disease. Not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women and children under 8 years old.
- Act at the first symptoms.
- Do not smoke so as not to further irritate your respiratory tract, at least for the first week following the appearance of symptoms.
- Prefer vegetable purees and compotes, which slide and do not hurt too much when swallowing.
- Eat garlic, onions and shallots, rich in sulfur, as well as shellfish (or snails) rich in copper, a powerful anti-infective. Season them with spices such as nutmeg, cinnamon or ginger, spices good for immunity. Eat omega 3, fatty fish and oils like rapeseed, walnut oil.
- Drink at least 1.5 liters of water per day (preferably lukewarm or hot) to moisten the respiratory tract.
- Avoid overheating your home.
- Ventilate your home morning and evening.
- If you are sick, basic hygiene rules are even more important to avoid contaminating those around you: wash your hands well, disinfect them with a hydro-alcoholic disinfectant, keep your glass and fork to yourself, sneeze while putting a handkerchief or your elbow in front of your mouth. So many little things that can greatly slow the spread of the disease.
- Use an air purifier with a few drops of essential oils to exterminate bacteria and germs to provide relief and prevent the spread of pathogens in your home.
- Finally, if you want to prepare a good grog? Here is a perfect recipe for the whole family (even if its taste is sometimes not appreciated by the little ones): hot thyme herbal tea + lemon juice (rich in vitamin C) + fir honey + a drop of essential oil Radiated eucalyptus + a hint of cinnamon.
Bibliography
- Pierre M, Gayet C My bible of herbalist secrets. Ed. Leduc. S 2016
- Porter RS, Kaplan JL The Merck Manual of Diagnostics and Therapeutics. 5th French edition, 19th edition of the Merck manual of diagnosis and therapy. Medicine editions 2014. P959-960.
- Pierre M The bible of healing plants. Ed. Du Chêne 2017
- Baudoux D Practical aromatherapy notebooks according to the French school Vol. 1 Pediatrics, Vol. 2 dermatology and Vol. 5 pregnancy. Collection: Aromatherapy professionally. 2011 edition
- Baudoux D and Breda ML Chemotyped essential oils. Scientific aromatherapy. Ed. JOM 2015
- Baudoux D Practical guide to family and scientific aromatherapy. My 12 favorite essential oils in 100 very effective formulas for 300 diseases. Ed JOM 2014
- Festy D My illustrated primer on essential oils. Ed. Leduc.s 2015
- Faucon M. Treatise on scientific and medical aromatherapy: essential oils. Foundations and help with prescribing. Ed. Blood of the Earth 2017
NOTE: This article was written by a pharmacist. The data summarized there come from the scientific literature and the references cited above. For medical advice, in the event of specific or prolonged symptoms, please consult your doctor. Only he will be able to make a precise diagnosis and, if necessary, provide you with the most appropriate treatment.