It’s often observed that when the weather changes, many people experience a sore throat. While there are several reasons for this, such as consuming excessively cold items repeatedly or drinking cold water or eating ice cream late at night, these can also lead to throat irritation.
Usually, this discomfort resolves on its own within two to three days. However, if it persists for more extended periods, seeking treatment becomes necessary. Sore throat or infection in the throat can make swallowing and drinking water challenging, accompanied by mild pain.
To address and alleviate throat irritation or infection, various home remedies can be employed. In this article, we will elaborate on the symptoms, causes, and Ayurvedic remedies for sore throats.
Symptoms of a Sore Throat
A sore throat can be identified by these symptoms, depending on the cause:
- Feeling of scratchiness in the throat
- Difficulty swallowing food or water
- Swelling and pain in the throat
- Mild pain in the throat while speaking
- Hoarseness or loss of voice
Causes of a Sore Throat
As mentioned earlier, the most common cause of a sore throat is consuming cold items multiple times during the day or drinking cold water late at night. However, there are several other reasons that can lead to throat irritation or infection. Let’s delve into them:
❄ Allergies
Allergies can also lead to throat irritation or infection in some cases. Harmful chemicals present in the air around us can enter the throat through respiration and cause infections. Similarly, a common cold can also result in throat irritation. To prevent this, avoid going to dusty or polluted places. Infections caused by allergies do not subside quickly, so consult a doctor for proper evaluation and treatment.
❄ Throat Infection Due to COVID-19
Since the havoc caused by COVID-19 in the past year, everyone is familiar with its effects. According to the WHO, throat infection is the most common symptom of COVID-19. However, it’s not necessary that your throat infection is solely due to COVID-19. If you notice other COVID-19 symptoms alongside throat irritation, consult a doctor and get tested.
❄ Consumption of Very Cold Items
The most common reason for a sore throat is our dietary habits. If you quickly consume cold water after coming in from the scorching sun or indulge in cold drinks or ice cream after consuming hot food, the chances of throat irritation or pain increase. To avoid this issue, change habits like eating ice cream late at night or consuming cold items with hot food.
❄ Bacterial Infection or Tonsillitis
Tonsils are considered a vital part of the throat and prevent bacteria and germs from entering the body. Infections in the tonsils can lead to swelling, pain in the throat, and throat irritation. If this occurs, visit a nearby doctor for a thorough examination of your throat.
Ayurvedic Home Remedies for Sore Throat
When dealing with a sore throat, you don’t always need to resort to allopathic medicine or visit a doctor. You can easily find relief from this condition using various home remedies. Ayurveda also offers several remedies to alleviate throat pain. Let’s explore some of the prominent home remedies:
❄ Gargle with Salt Water
Gargling with salt water is the simplest and time-tested remedy for soothing a sore throat. To do this, add a pinch or two of salt to warm water. Gargle with this mixture for approximately five minutes, two to three times a day. This practice helps alleviate throat irritation and provides relief from throat pain.
❄ Licorice (Mulethi)
Ayurvedic experts believe that licorice is highly beneficial for throat issues. When you have a sore throat, you can take a small piece of licorice and slowly chew it in your mouth. This can provide quick relief from throat pain. Alternatively, you can also use licorice powder.
❄ Carrot Consumption
While a sore throat can occur at any time, the likelihood is higher during the winter season. When you experience throat irritation or pain, consider consuming carrots. Carrots contain essential nutrients that help in quickly resolving throat issues. You can eat one or two carrots daily or make carrot juice and drink it.
❄ Black Pepper with Mishri (Rock Sugar)
According to Ayurvedic experts, black pepper is highly useful for treating throat irritation, cough, or cold. When combined with mishri, its benefits increase. Take equal amounts of black pepper powder and mishri and mix them. Store this mixture in an airtight container. When you have a sore throat, consume a small quantity of this mixture two to three times a day. Avoid drinking water for the next half an hour after consuming it. This remedy provides quick relief from throat irritation and pain.
❄ Honey
Honey is known for its numerous health benefits. It’s also an effective remedy for a sore throat. Consume one or two teaspoons of honey twice a day, along with warm water. This practice not only soothes a sore throat but is especially useful if the throat irritation is due to a cold.
❄ Ginger Kadha (Ginger Infusion)
Peel and chop some ginger pieces, then boil them in water for a while. When the water reduces by half, your ginger infusion is ready. When you have throat irritation or pain, consume this infusion. Drink it two to three times a day for significant relief.
❄ Betel Leaves
If you’re experiencing throat irritation and difficulty speaking, betel leaves can be quite beneficial. According to Ayurvedic specialists, chewing betel leaves with mishri can provide relief from throat pain and discomfort, as well as help regain your voice.
We hope that the home remedies mentioned above will be useful for you. If you try these remedies and your throat irritation persists for several days, don’t hesitate to consult a nearby doctor.