I am a firm believer of natural remedy rather than prescription medicine. Always remember my late mother used to say with "Western Medicine" there are always side effects. Herbs may take longer to see results but no side effects. Whenever a sore throat is coming on, my husband always gargle with salt dissolved in a warm cup of water few times a day and then he is ok. Thanks for sharing next time we will add vinegar to the salt water for a sore throat.