Everybody has a cure for this trouble, but simple remedies appear to
be most effectual. Salt and water is used by many as a gargle, but a
little alum and honey dissolved in sage tea is better. An application
of cloths wrung out of hot water and applied to the neck, changing as
often as they begin to cool, has the most potency for removing
inflammation of anything we ever tried. It should be kept up for a
number of hours; during the evening is usually the most convenient
time for applying this remedy.
Cut slices of salt pork or fat bacon, simmer a few minutes in hot
vinegar, and apply to throat as hot as possible. When this is taken
off as the throat is relieved, put around a bandage of soft flannel. A
gargle of equal parts of borax and alum, dissolved in water, is also
excellent. To be used frequently.
Camphorated oil is an excellent lotion for sore throat, sore chest,
aching limbs, etc. For a gargle for sore throat, put a pinch of
chlorate of potash in a glass of water. Gargle the throat with it
twice a day, or oftener, if necessary.