Last week I had a sore throat which would not go away and after 3 days and finally getting to the point of doing anything not to swallow, I did a quick net search for a remedy, as I really could not afford to go to a doctor to get prescribed with an anti-biotic, as I had a karate camp on the weekend.
My sore (infected) throat had also reached the point of creating a lot of aches and pains in my body, not a good sign!!!!

So the result of my search

Cayenne pepper!!!

Many sites recommend this but the best was

http://www.earthclinic.com/CURES/sore_throat.html

and I must say they were correct

One day of gargling Cayenne pepper (and some salt for good measure) cleared up my throat within a day, the next day (karate camp start) it was just a normal mild sore throat, I continued with the Cayenne pepper and salt gargles until the next day and it was completely gone!!!

I remember somewhere reading that cayenne pepper and other chilli derivatives contain a pain killing agent, this was noticed (and welcomed) with this treatment, as well as the obvious longer term treatment of the sore throat (indicated by the fast cure for the sore throat with no return of the symptoms) it relieved the soreness for up to 3 1/2 hours between treatments.

I strongly recommend this treatment, the burning of the pepper is minimal, and believe me it is welcome when you feel the relief it brings, but I do suggest you coat your lips with petroleum jelly or similar as with most cold like aliments you may have sensitive/dry lips the jelly will reduce the impact of the pepper on them (wipe off with a wet flannel or towel immediately afterwards.

Repeat as often as 20 mins apart or as you can (I was using it morning, lunch & 3 times in the evening)

I used

• 1 teaspoon Cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 glass (200ml) warm to hot water ( don't burn your mouth but make it hot as possible)

At the end of the day I was able to attend the camp and train very hard without any interference from the sore throat!!!

I have had a workmate who had a similar problem (within a few days - hope he didn't get it from me) and he tried it and found similar results!!!

I hope this is of use to anyone out there

Cheers

Macka