Tingling on waking, a dry throat, a more sensitive swallow: a sore throat is one of the most common discomforts of autumn and winter. In the vast majority of cases it comes with a cold or a temporary dip in energy and fades within a few days. In the meantime, a few simple habits and solutions from the hive and from buds can contribute to throat comfort. HerbalGem, a pioneer of gemmotherapy, combines propolis with buds for this purpose: the first for comfort on contact with the throat, the second to support the body's terrain.
Why does a sore throat happen?
The throat is the shared passage for the air we breathe and the food we swallow. Its mucous membrane is therefore constantly exposed to the environment, which makes it sensitive to the change of seasons. When it becomes irritated and red, the term is pharyngitis: it simply means an irritated throat, whatever the cause.
A viral origin in most cases
Winter viral infections, those of the common cold and flu-like illnesses, are behind most sore throats. The discomfort then appears alongside a runny nose, a slight cough or mild tiredness. This type of sore throat generally improves on its own, with rest and comfort measures.
More rarely, a bacterium is involved. The two situations look alike at first and only a health professional can tell them apart, for example with a rapid test carried out at a pharmacy or surgery.
Dry air, the voice and other irritants
Not every red throat comes from a virus. Heating that dries indoor air, tobacco smoke (including passive smoke), pollution or mouth breathing during the night can be enough to sensitise the mucous membrane. People who talk a lot at work (teachers, singers, call-centre advisers) feel it mostly at the end of the day.
Seasonal allergies and some forms of acid reflux also give this impression of a scratchy throat, more marked on waking. In those cases the discomfort tends to last or come back for as long as the cause is present.
Recognising the signs of an irritated throat
A sore throat does not show itself the same way in everyone. The most common signs are:
- tingling or a scratchy sensation in the throat;
- a dry throat, especially on waking or after a night in a heated room;
- discomfort when swallowing, even saliva;
- a hoarse voice, deeper or weaker;
- a slight dry cough that keeps the irritation going.
A blocked nose or a mild fever are sometimes present at the same time. In most cases, everything eases in less than a week. Noting when the discomfort started and what happened at the same time points to the appropriate habits, and to the right moment to ask for advice.
First habits to soothe the throat
Even before thinking of a supplement, several reflexes can ease the throat and make the days more comfortable.
A well-hydrated mucous membrane tends to be less sensitive: drinking regularly, in small sips throughout the day, remains the first step. A thyme infusion, hot water with lemon and honey, a broth or simply water are all suitable. Some people find more comfort with a warm drink, others with a cool one, and the sensation guides the choice. Very acidic, very sugary or alcoholic drinks tend to irritate more.
Other habits can complete this first reflex:
- humidify the bedroom air, especially when the heating is on, and air the room for 10 minutes a day;
- rest the voice for a few days, limiting long conversations and calls;
- gargle with warm salt water: half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water, 2 to 3 times a day, spitting the mixture out;
- take a teaspoon of honey, on its own or in a warm drink, whose texture can coat the throat (honey is not recommended before the age of one year);
- keep away from tobacco smoke and smoky atmospheres, which keep the irritation going.
To prevent recurrences during winter, the same principles apply day after day: wash hands often, avoid overheating rooms, sleep enough and keep a varied diet. These habits do not replace medical advice, but they create an environment that is more favourable to the mucous membranes.
Propolis, an ally from the hive
A resin born from buds
Propolis is a resin that bees collect from the buds and bark of certain trees, such as poplar or birch. Back at the hive, they mix it with wax and their secretions to line the walls and seal the smallest cracks. Its name, of Greek origin, means "in front of the city": it forms the colony's first line of protection.
This direct link with the bud explains the place of propolis at HerbalGem, alongside gemmotherapy. Used since antiquity, it is often chosen from the very first tingling to support a sensitive throat. HerbalGem formulas combine two propolis types, green and brown, with Echinacea, which contributes to soothing the throat, and fresh black alder buds, which help support the body's natural defences. This combination sums up the brand's dual approach: comfort at the surface, where the discomfort is felt, and deeper support for the body when temperatures drop.
Spray, gums or drops: which form to choose?
The form is chosen according to the time of day and the discomfort felt. The spray places propolis directly in the throat and slips easily into a bag. The gums extend contact in the mouth, which can be pleasant during a working day. The drops let you adjust the amount. For comparison, here are the usage guidelines given for our propolis solutions:
- Oral spray (adults): 1 spray into the throat, up to 5 times a day.
- Throat gums (adults): up to 4 gums a day.
- Drops (adults): 1 to 5 drops, 3 to 4 times a day, without diluting them in water.
- Junior syrup, gums and drops (children aged 6 and over): refer to the dosages on the packaging.
Shake the bottle well before use and do not exceed the dose shown on the label. To go further on the composition of propolis and how to follow a course, our article on the benefits of propolis and the course covers each step.
Gemmotherapy: which buds for the cold season?
Gemmotherapy uses the buds and young shoots of trees, harvested in spring when vegetation starts up again. At this stage, the bud holds everything the future branch will need to develop: it is this vitality that is sought. Standard food supplements provide an isolated nutrient, phytotherapy relies on the plant at maturity, whereas gemmotherapy starts from the embryonic stage, the most concentrated moment in the life of the tree.
For a sensitive throat, buds can take over from propolis: it is intended for comfort at the surface, they for deeper work on the terrain, to help the body get through winter better. Several buds are traditionally chosen:
- the wild rose bud, also called dog rose, advised when ENT discomforts tend to return every winter and known as the paediatric bud;
- the hornbeam bud, known for its affinity with the upper respiratory tract, which can be of interest when an irritated throat comes with a congested nose;
- the alder bud, chosen in gemmotherapy for the ENT area and present in propolis formulas;
- the blackcurrant bud, a general support bud, often combined with the previous ones when winter tiredness sets in.
The usual intake is 5 to 15 drops per day, as a 3-week course followed by a one-week break, to be repeated if needed. Starting a course in October can be a way of approaching winter in better conditions. These buds are among our bud concentrates and our solutions for respiratory and ENT comfort. For a fuller overview, our guide to natural solutions for a sore throat presents each throat bud in detail.
When should you ask a health professional for advice?
A passing sore throat generally only calls for rest and comfort measures. Advice from your doctor or pharmacist remains preferable in several situations:
- the discomfort becomes persistent, beyond a week without improvement, or comes back very often;
- a high fever lasts beyond two to three days;
- swallowing becomes very difficult;
- the sore throat appears with a fever but without any sign of a cold, a situation that can point to a bacterial throat infection, which only a test can confirm;
- it concerns a young child, a pregnant woman or a person already followed for a health problem.
Precautions with propolis. Coming from the hive, propolis is not suitable for people allergic to pollen, honey, bee stings or balsam of Peru, nor for those with a known allergy to Asteraceae, the family of Echinacea. It is not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and adult formulas are not suitable for children. If medical follow-up is under way, it is better to ask your pharmacist for advice before starting.
A simple benchmark for what follows: if the discomfort has not eased after a week despite rest, hydration and propolis, it is the right time to speak to a health professional.
