Home remedies for itchy throat

An itchy throat usually occurs due to underlying causes like common cold, allergies, sinusitis, etc. These ailments can also cause dehydration, which is why drinking plenty of fluids is very important. But instead of drinking water at room temperature, you should opt to sip on hot water throughout the day.

This will not only soothe your throat but also ensure that there’s a basic electrolyte balance in your body. You’ll also find that hot water forms the basis of almost all home remedies for itchy throat, and that’s because this is the most basic and yet the most vital ingredient you need when you have an itchy throat.

Method: You can boil water in a pan, a kettle, in the microwave or any other way you prefer. Just make sure that the water is soft and potable, and that it’s not so scalding hot that it burns your tongue or throat. You can add honey, lemon, ginger or any effective spice to this water, as the remedies mentioned below will show.

It is an antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and an antioxidant. So no wonder ginger is one of the most effective natural remedies for an itchy throat. Whether your itchy throat is caused by a bacterial infection or a viral one - or because of a dust allergy - ginger will help soothe the throat and flush out the toxins from your body as well. 

Ginger is also effective against a number of bacterial, viral and respiratory infections, and can boost your immune system. It’s therefore recommended that you use it regularly for cooking, and add half a teaspoon of ginger to your tea every day.

What you will need:

• 1-inch piece of ginger
• Two cups of water
• 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)

Method: Grate or crush the ginger and add it to the water. Boil the mix for 10 minutes, then strain into a cup. Add a teaspoon of honey or half teaspoon lemon juice and drink up.

Honey is not just a time-honoured remedy for itchy and sore throat, but it also helps suppress cough and clear out the lungs. Rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants and naturally sweet, honey should never be boiled or heated. This is because when exposed to temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius, the enzymes in honey start to break down. 

Hence, honey should only be added to hot water, tea or any other concoction well after it has been moved away from the source of heat or when the water is warm enough to be consumed but not scalding hot. Having honey at room temperature while suffering from an itchy throat also coats the throat and soothes it, so you can use this remedy without worrying about any heat source at all.

What you will need:

• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
• 1 cup warm water (optional)

Method: Pour one tablespoon of honey onto a spoon and put it in your mouth. Swallow slowly to make sure the honey coats your throat. Alternatively, add one tablespoon of honey and half a teaspoon of lemon juice in a cup. Add warm water, mix well and drink it.

All types of vinegar have antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties. But apple cider vinegar (especially with the mother or the bacterial culture used to make it) has many added benefits. Not only is it rich in vitamins and minerals but also has a high percentage of bioactive compounds. 

However, too much of a good thing can be bad and consuming apple cider vinegar without diluting it can also cause problems. So, mixing it in water and adding a few drops of honey can be effective, especially if you have an itchy or scratchy throat.

What you will need:

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup of hot water
• 1/2 teaspoon honey

Method: Mix one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with one cup of hot water and add half a teaspoon of honey. Mix again and drink up to soothe your itchy throat. This is best done early in the morning or at least an hour before meals.

Thanks to its considerable curcumin content, turmeric is known to be a potent antiseptic and antioxidant with antimicrobial properties. Not only does this make turmeric extremely effective in boosting your immune system and healing wounds, but it also helps reduce the symptoms of respiratory infections - including itchy throat. 

Golden milk or turmeric milk is a concoction that is exceptionally useful when it comes to all types of respiratory ailments, especially itchy throat. This drink is so effective that it’s recommended by ayurvedic experts as a drink people should definitely consume once every day to gain maximum benefits.

What you will need:

• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder (if you have fresh turmeric, simply grate the turmeric and use 1/2 teaspoon of it instead of the powder)
• 2 cups milk
• 1 teaspoon honey (optional)

Method: Place two cups of milk in a pan and heat it. Add one teaspoon of turmeric powder to the milk and mix it well. Let the milk boil, take it off the heat, cool it down enough to be able to drink it. Add a little bit of honey to sweeten it, if you like.

It doesn’t matter if the tea you like to have is green tea, black tea or herbal tea, having this hot drink is one of the best remedies for an itchy throat. Tea has antioxidants, vitamins and some minerals like calcium. Even herbal teas, like chamomile tea, hibiscus tea, jasmine tea, etc., are quite effective against itchy and sore throats.

Tea, apart from having some immense benefits, also has a re-hydrating effect. As mentioned before, hot water is equally effective in curing an itchy throat. Adding sugar can, however, make this much less healthy, and honey is a better substitute if you want something sweet in your tea.

What you will need:

• 1 cup water
• 1/2 teaspoon tea leaves, or a teabag

Method: Boil a cup of water and add half a teaspoon of fresh tea leaves, or a tea bag. Let the tea steep in the water for about a minute, then remove. Drink while the tea is still warm.

Liquorice, which is known as mulethi, has immense ayurvedic benefits. Ayurveda recommends liquorice for cough, sore throat, hoarseness as well as itchy throat. Liquorice looks like tree barks, but you can boil it in water to make tea. What’s more, the same liquid can also be used to gargle and relieve an itchy throat even more.

What you will need:

• 1-2 cups water
• 1 teaspoon liquorice powder or syrup

Method: Boil a cup or two of water, and add one teaspoon of liquorice powder. Mix well and drink up. You can also use liquorice syrup instead of the powder.

Ancient medicine from both India and China recommends cloves for all types of issues related to the mouth, throat and upper respiratory tract. Clove and clove oil are also recommended for toothache, bad breath, sore throat and itchy throat.

Cloves contain a substance called eugenol, which is a natural painkiller and has antimicrobial effects as well. Boiling clove with water to make a tea to drink or even gargle with is an effective way of treating a sore and itchy throat.

What you will need:

• 2-3 cloves
• 1-2 cups water

Method: Crush the cloves. Add to a boiling cup or two of water and continue boiling for two-three minutes. Drink the liquid while still warm.

Soup, whether it’s made with chicken, vegetables, fish or any other ingredient, is a highly nutritious liquid to consume when sick. Whether the problem you’re facing is indigestion, anaemia, malnutrition, upper respiratory tract infection, chest congestion or an itchy or sore throat.

Because of the ingredients that go into them, soups are chock full of vitamins, minerals, bioactive ingredients and antioxidants. So, it’s best to prepare soup with as many nutritious ingredients as possible. Soups can also help keep you hydrated.

What you will need:

• 1-litre water
• 1/2 cup chopped seasonal vegetables or chicken bones
• Salt and pepper for seasoning

Method: Take one litre of water in a large pan, and add chopped vegetables, chicken bones or any other ingredients you want. Add salt and pepper and cook the mix for at least 40 minutes. Consume the soup while still hot.