Ayurvedic Medicine for quick relief from Sore Throat

What is a Sore Throat?

Sore throat is a common problem many people face as the weather changes. The mucous membranes of the body swell as a response to a sore throat causing your voice to sound different. A sore throat is characterized by a dry and scratchy throat and is generally accompanied by a painful feeling that persists in the throat. Some people experience pain while talking or swallowing with a sore throat. Usually, the symptoms of a sore throat go away in a few days but can be bothersome while they last. If caused by a common cold, a sore throat can disappear, but you will require treatment in case of a throat infection.

Let’s understand the causes of a sore throat and what symptoms you will likely experience.

What causes a Sore Throat?

There are many different reasons why you may have a sore throat. Some are:

• Dry climate
• Smoke and dust resulting from air pollution
• Swollen glands
• Allergies or asthma
• Suffering from a viral infection like influenza or the common cold
• Respiratory tract infections

Other ailments that cause sore throat symptoms are:

• Bacterial infections such as strep throat and sinus infections
• Throat pain and burning sensation due to acid reflux because the stomach acid backs up into the food pipe or oesophagus
• Excessive screaming, smoking, spicy meals, and drinking hot beverages can also lead to a sore throat
• Raw vegetables, fried foods, and sweets can irritate your throat and worsen your symptoms
• Dairy products can affect you adversely since they may cause excess mucus
• Breathing from your mouth while sleeping can result in a sore throat

What symptoms are you likely to experience?

You may experience a lump in your throat that makes swallowing difficult. Some people experience pain, tenderness, dryness, and hoarseness in the throat. A scratchy painful feeling is one of the most common sore throat symptoms. You may experience pain that worsens when you try to speak or swallow. Some people develop enlarged glands in the neck or jaw that ache. It is typical to develop a husky voice when you have a sore throat. In some cases, red and swollen tonsils or pus or white areas are seen on the tonsils. Other symptoms include a clogged nose, sneezing, body pain, headache, fever, nausea, or diarrhoea. 

Ayurvedic Medicine for healing Sore Throat

Ayurveda has effective remedies for quick relief from sore throat. In Ayurveda, Vata and Kapha handle a sore throat. Some natural ways to relieve a sore throat at home using Ayurvedic medicines are

Gargling with salt water and turmeric

Turmeric is a golden spice in Ayurveda to treat various infections. It has therapeutic benefits and aids in alleviating inflammation and treating a common cold. Salt has antibacterial properties and eliminates infection-causing germs while loosening the mucus. Add 1 tbsp of turmeric and half tbsp of salt in a cup of water. Boil the mixture for five minutes. Gargle with this mixture once it is warm enough. Gargling three to four times a day effectively eliminates a sore throat and reduces inflammation. 

Mulethi/Yastimadhu or Licorice

Mulethi or liquorice is commonly called sweet wood. Add a tsp of mulethi powder to warm water and gargle with it. You can take mulethi powder with honey to relieve sore throat since it loosens the mucus within the airways, reduces congestion and eases coughing.

Amla Juice

Consume 15-20 ml of Amla juice with a tsp of honey twice a day to treat sore throat and cough. 

Fenugreek

Boil a tsp of fenugreek in water for five minutes and strain it. Drink the strained liquid to soothe a sore throat. 

Cinnamon

A common sight in Indian kitchens, cinnamon sticks have great medicinal value. To remedy a sore throat, boil a cinnamon stick or half tsp cinnamon powder in a cup of water for five minutes. Then, strain it and add some honey and lemon to it. When it is warm enough, drink the concoction to relieve a sore throat instantly.

Tulsi Leaves

Known as the “queen of all herbs” or the “mother medicine of nature” in Ayurveda, tulsi enhances the body’s resistance to the common cold and cough. In addition, it can help clear the mucus from the cough and assists in clearing the airways. Tulsi leaves have astonishing medicinal powers and several health benefits. Boil a few leaves in water for four to five minutes to treat a sore throat and cough in no time. Add honey and ginger if you prefer. 

Malabar Nut Juice

Adusa is a shrubby plant commonly known as Malabar nut with medicinal properties that help treat nasal congestion and cough. Adusa juice has anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, and expectorant properties that relieve breathing problems, colds, coughs, sore throat, asthma, bronchitis, etc. In traditional Ayurvedic recipes, Adusa leaves are boiled in water, and the liquid is strained for consumption. Drinking Adusa juice with honey instantly relieves symptoms of cold and sore throat.

Dry Ginger Powder

A glass of warm milk at bedtime with ginger powder will relieve sore throat in no time. Ginger is a common ingredient in cough syrups due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Dry ginger powder is also known as soonth, south, or sukku. Combine it with honey as an effective treatment for sore throat. 

Shitopalahadi Churna

An effective Ayurvedic medicine that strengthens the respiratory system, improves immunity and helps fight infectious diseases is Shitpalahdai Churna. Sitopala is popularly known as misri which is in the form of sweet crystals with anti-inflammatory properties that help relieve the irritation arising from cough. A blend of Sitophala, bamboo manna, pippali, and cardamom make this mixture or churna the perfect remedy for treating cold and cough. 

 Honey and lemon with warm water

Combining a spoonful of raw honey and lemon with warm water is an excellent way to detoxify the body and is effective for a sore throat. Honey relieves inflammation, helps clear mucus, and has antibacterial and nutritional properties. 

 Ginger Tea

An inch of fresh ginger can work wonders for your throat. Boil it with a cup of water for three to five minutes and strain it. Then, sip this ginger tea concoction to soothe your inflamed throat.

 Lemons

Lemons are effective in breaking up mucus and relieving pain due to sore throat. Their high Vitamin C content strengthens the immune system and fights infections. 

Does Ayurveda work effectively against Sore Throat?

Ayurvedic herbs are a natural cure for sore throat. Herbs like turmeric, clove, cinnamon, ginger, etc., are readily available at home and provide quick relief from sore throat symptoms. Gargling with warm water is one of the most effective remedies to soothe a sore throat. Salt, henna leaves, cardamom powder, methi seeds, turmeric, and tulsi can be used with water for gargling to help relieve discomfort. Chewing cloves or beetle leaves ease a sore throat. Try these home remedies to relieve a sore throat and stay healthy to boost immunity.