The throat is a precise anatomical space that extends from the nasal cavities down to the trachea and oesophagus, encompassing the pharynx and larynx, and involving the tonsils — our first line of defence against the assault of germs that are inhaled or ingested.

There are several types of "sore throat"

Pharyngitis, laryngitis and tonsillitis are all "sore throats", yet they produce different effects. Pharyngitis is usually caused by viruses or bacteria, but also by smoking or alcohol; the classic symptoms are difficulty swallowing, a lump in the throat and loss of appetite. Laryngitis, on the other hand, brings on the classic hoarseness caused by involvement of the vocal cords, leading to a lowered voice and a persistent dry cough. Tonsillitis, finally, presents with the classic redness and swelling of the lymph glands in the neck, sometimes with white patches, and is a childhood staple. Treating a sore throat is a journey through folk medicine, from grandmother's decoctions and infusions to gargles with soothing and disinfecting properties.

Agrimony and lady's mantle:

prepare a decoction using 50 g of dried, crumbled leaves of each plant in 1 litre of water, boil until reduced by one third, strain while pressing the solid matter firmly, and add 50 g of rose honey. Gargles should be carried out at least 3 times a day and certainly before going to sleep. This remedy is an excellent disinfectant; lady's mantle in particular promotes healing and helps the regression of throat patches.

Hedge mustard:

this is the famous singers' herb, to be used even in emergencies, when the voice is indispensable. It is available at pharmacies in simple tablets to be dissolved in the mouth, often combined with propolis or myrrh. Because of its ability to restore the voice, it is frequently used for laryngitis and inflammation of the vocal cords.

Dried figs, milk and honey:

grandmother's classic bedtime drink. The dried figs should be cut into small pieces and then boiled in warm milk. The honey should be added once the flame has been turned off. Excellent for those with a stubborn cough who cannot sleep at night. Drink it warm and go to bed. A timeless classic that never fails to please!

Phytolacca 7 CH, always 5 granules 3 times a day:

a homoeopathic remedy for a very dry throat characterised by a very dark red colour. The pain is stabbing and swallowing is very painful. The pain also radiates to the ears. It is an excellent remedy for gingivitis.

Mercurius Solubilis 30 CH, 5 granules 3 times a day:

when fever joins the picture to complicate matters, with a very red throat, acute tonsillitis and white patches. It is the last homoeopathic remedy before antibiotics.

Aconitum Napellus

It is one of the principal homoeopathic remedies and is prepared from an alkaloid, aconitine, used in thousandth-part doses for trigeminal neuralgia. This indispensable tool in homoeopathy is used for chills, but also for angina and for the anxiety that generates anguish. Its principal characteristic is the sudden onset.

A sudden chill: Aconitum treats all violent and sudden chills — every condition caused by cold, dry weather that brings on a stiff neck, a sore throat, cystitis or facial paralysis from cold. Excellent in acute attacks with high fever, with a dry and suffocating cough.

Angor: palpitations, that is, a heart beating violently with an almost painful sensation radiating to the intercostal muscles of the chest. For this reason, Aconitum often accompanies medical therapies for arterial hypertension where palpitations and tachycardia that are difficult to bring under control persist.

Anguish: high dilutions of Aconitum are indicated for hypochondriac individuals tormented by the anguish of illness and afraid of dying. It is truly remarkable while awaiting a test result or a medical response, or when facing a diagnosis that has yet to be concluded. Aconitum conveys calm and tranquillity in emergency situations.