Sore Throat Treatment, Ayurvedic Home Remedies, Effective Herbs, Precautions, Things to Avoid during Sore Throat, and Frequently Asked Questions
Sore throats are not just painful but can also be annoying and uncomfortable at times. A sore throat particularly worsens in winters when the air is cold and dry. However, other common causes include infection, tobacco smoke, allergy, etc.
Ayurvedic Home Remedies for Sore Throat
Though mild sore throat cases are just itchy and painful, severe cases can make even swallowing and breathing difficult, combined with fever and redness. But the good part is that here in India, almost all of us have grown up with grandma’s Ayurvedic home remedies for comforting a sore throat. Popping medicines and antibiotics right away have somewhere taken this ancient treasure away.
Here are some beneficial Ayurvedic home cures for your sore throat that are worth trying.
Also Read: Do You Know What Benefits Hot Water Carries for You?
Ayurvedic Home Remedies for Sore Throat
1. The Gargle Cure
- Saltwater Gargle: You cannot ignore the efficacy of saltwater gargling when it comes to treating a sore throat. Regular salt water gargle helps loosen the mucous and flushes out the harmful microbes.
Add ¼ to ½ teaspoon of rock salt to a warm glass of water and gargle for at least 30 seconds twice or thrice a day.
- Salt and Turmeric Gargle: Along with salt, you can also add turmeric to your gargle water. Turmeric is known for its several health benefits and uses. It has anti-inflammatory properties that work by reducing swelling and relieving pain.
Add ¼ to ½ teaspoon of turmeric and rock salt to a warm glass of water and gargle for at least 30 seconds twice or thrice a day.
2. Magic of Raw Honey
Elders of almost every household in India swear by the multiple benefits of honey. No matter what the problem, the solution was honey. Along with wound-healing, skin-care, and hair-care properties, this wonder ingredient is further potent in comforting a sore throat.
Honey works as an ointment for your throat which will help in reducing inflammation and killing the harmful bacteria.
Mix one to two tablespoons of honey in a glass of warm water and drink it during the day and especially before bed for cough relief. You can also add a pinch of black pepper and turmeric for extra effectiveness.
Also Read: 15+ Amazing Benefits of Honey – Uses, Medicinal Importance
3. Lime Water Boost
Drinking warm lime water first thing in the morning relieves a sore throat by breaking the mucus and working as a decongestant. Also, lemons are rich in vitamin C, which improves your immune system and helps your body fight the illness.
Add one teaspoon of lime juice to a warm glass of water, and you are ready to go!
4. Hydrate with Warm Water
Do not forget to keep yourself hydrated and your throat moist when troubled by a sore throat. Sipping on warm water throughout the day aids in clearing your respiratory tract, soothing your itchy throat, and relieving some inflammation.
5. Calm Your Throat with Herbal Teas
Teas like peppermint tea, chamomile tea, clove tea, and green tea are beneficial in providing relief from a sore throat by breaking down phlegm and reducing inflammation and pain.
The fresh aroma of these warm teas will not only lift your mood but also calm your sore throat and promote clear respiration.
Also Read: Basil Tea Benefits: 11 Curing Properties
6. Get Some Garlic
The anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties of garlic are well-documented in Ayurveda. If you can tolerate the strong taste of raw garlic, this remedy can provide the necessary relief from a sore throat.
Place a clove of garlic between your teeth, putting gentle pressure, and slowly ingest its juice.
Also Read: 15+ Health Benefits of Garlic You Should Know
7. Go for Ginger
Like garlic, ginger also possesses anti-bacterial properties and helps relax your throat muscles. It contains a compound called gingerol that helps reduce pain and inflammation associated with a sore throat.
You can make yourself a warm cup of ginger tea by steeping around ½ inch of ginger into a cup of boiling water for at least five minutes. Sip and enjoy its benefits!
Also Read: Benefits of Ginger – 20+ Amazing Health Benefits, Uses, Side Effects
8. Try Holy Basil
Basil, also known as holy basil or simply tulsi, is well-known in Indian households and hailed for its multiple benefits in Ayurveda. It is an effective and common remedy to cure your dry cough woes. It works by liquidizing the phlegm and controlling your cough symptoms.
You can prepare basil tea at home by boiling four to six basil leaves in a cup of water. Steep the leaves for about fifteen minutes for maximum benefit. Alternatively, you can chew some basil leaves and let their juice work the magic.
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9. The Apple Cider Vinegar Effect
There are several incredible health benefits of apple cider vinegar. Though not pleasant to taste, apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid that fights throat bacteria and helps relieve a sore throat.
Just mix one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a cup of warm water to help soothe your symptoms.
10. Some Licorice Root to Soothe
Licorice root, also known as mulethi, is traditionally used in Ayurveda to treat discomfort associated with a sore throat. It has a sweet flavor and carries anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory effects.
To attain its benefit, gently chew a small piece of licorice root and allow the juice to work through your throat.
What to Avoid When You Have a Sore Throat?
- Avoid eating spicy, oily, and foods that are difficult to swallow. These foods can further irritate your sore throat.
- Anything that is cold or has just come out of the refrigerator is best to avoid for obvious reasons.
- Ayurveda advises against eating curd at night as it aggravates mucus formation and can worsen congestion symptoms.
The Bottom Line
Talking about Ayurveda and a sore throat, there is a range of Baidyanath products online, from herbal juices to immune boosters which are definitely worth trying!
Having a sore throat is common and generally not a severe illness. However, if none of these at-home remedies are helping after five days, make an appointment with your doctor soon. Sore throat conditions that include fever, chills, or difficulty breathing require immediate medical care.
Also, before taking any herb, seek expert help if you take any supplement and medication as it may interfere or react when taken in combination.
FAQs
1. How many days does it take to recover from a sore throat?
A. Most sore throats go away within a week or ten days, depending on their cause.
2. What should you not do when you have a sore throat?
A. Apart from avoiding smoking, do not eat spicy, oily, dry, and difficult-to-swallow foods. Also, refrain from having anything refrigerated as it may cause your symptoms to worsen.
3. What drink helps a sore throat?
A. Drinking warm liquids like plain soups, broths, herbal teas, and simple warm water will keep your throat moist and calm. Avoid caffeinated drinks.
4. How is lemon good for a sore throat?
A. Lemons are rich in vitamin C and, when mixed with warm water, can help break up mucus to relieve your sore throat symptoms.
5. Can COVID start with a sore throat?
A. Yes, COVID can start with a sore throat.
Writer: Dr. Rupali Dhote (Ayurveda Doctor, Baidyanath)
Contact: drrupali@baidyanath.co