Curing Sore Throat with Ayurveda

Sore throat is a painful and dry feeling in the throat that causes throat irritation. It may make swallowing food not only difficult but also painful. There are three types of sore throat, based on what part of the throat is affected. 

• Pharyngitis: When the area behind the throat is affected
• Tonsillitis: When tonsils or soft tissue at the back of the mouth are affected 
• Laryngitis: When the voice box is affected

A sore throat can easily be cured with the help of Ayurvedic herbs and home remedies.

Causes of Sore Throat

• According to Ayurveda, an imbalance in Kapha and Pitta Dosha is usually responsible for sore throat. 
• Viral and bacterial infections are also prominent causes of sore throat.
• Dry air can cause sore throat as it tends to remove moisture from nasal and oral cavities.
• Cigarettes and air pollution may also cause pain and irritation in the throat. 
• Talking, yelling or singing for a long time can strain vocal cords and cause a sore throat.
• Allergies may also be responsible for causing throat irritation.
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is also one of the main reasons behind the sore throat.

Symptoms of Sore Throat:

• Pitta imbalance in the body can cause symptoms such as redness, pain, burning sensation and tenderness in the throat.
• Kapha imbalance can cause itching, swelling, voice hoarseness, etc. 
• Other important signs and symptoms of sore throat are fever, nasal congestion, headaches, cough, sneezing, body ache and running nose.

Ayurvedic Herbs to Help Relieve Sore Throat

• Haldi or Turmeric: 

Rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties, turmeric is one of the best remedies for relieving sore throat. It helps to reduce inflammation, burning sensation, itching and pain in the throat. You may take turmeric with milk (Haldi Doodh) or use it to gurgle. 

• Neem: 

Owing to its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, analgesic and antioxidant properties, Neem is known to be highly effective in relieving sore throat. You may gargle with lukewarm water boiled with Neem leaves or apply a paste of Neem leaves mixed with honey on your throat.

• Trikatu: 

Trikatu is an Ayurvedic formulation of three herbs, namely long pepper, black pepper and ginger. It vastly helps to pacify the aggravated Kapha Dosha in the body and relieve symptoms of sore throat. You may conveniently take Trikatu in the form of Churna. 

• Triphala: 

Rich in antioxidant, expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties, Triphala is one of the best Ayurvedic formulations for all problems related to the throat. The constituents of Triphala, namely Amalaki, Bhibhitaki and Haritaki are highly effective in detoxifying the body. Triphala is available in the form of powder for convenient usage. 

• Liquorice or Yashtimadhu: 

According to Ayurveda, Yashtimadhu is the best medical solution to a sore throat. Enriched with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, Mulethi or Yashtimadhu is an excellent expectorant that helps remove mucus from the throat and provide relief to a sore throat. You may use Mulethi to make herbal tea or a decoction to gargle. You may also chew liquorice roots.  

• Dalchini: 

Packed with antioxidants and rich in anti-inflammatory properties, Dalchini or cinnamon is highly effective in relieving sore throat. You may make herbal tea with Dalchini and honey for the best results. 

• Laung or Cloves: 

Cloves not only help to alleviate pain in the throat but also remove mucus from the body. They are known to be one of the best expectorant agents that help to clear the respiratory passage. The best way to use cloves is by chewing them. Keep a few cloves between your teeth and cheeks and bite them occasionally to release the oils. 

Ayurvedic Home Remedies for Sore Throat

• Triphala Gurgle: 

Add one teaspoon of Triphala powder to 2 cups of water and boil it for 5 minutes. Allow it to cool it down for some time and gurgle with this lukewarm decoction to relieve symptoms of sore throat.

• Turmeric Gurgle: 

Add salt and turmeric to one glass of warm water and gargle with it to relieve swelling and pain in the throat.

• Basil Tea: 

Add a few basil leaves to 2 cups of water and boil it for 5 minutes. You may drink this decoction as a herbal tea or gargle with it to relieve sore throat.

• Ginger and Honey Tea: 

To make ginger tea, add one teaspoon of grated ginger to 1 cup of water and boil it for 5 minutes. You may also add turmeric and basil leaves for added benefits. Then, strain the tea and add 1-2 teaspoons of honey to it.

• Liquorice or Mulethi Tea: 

To make Mulethi or liquorice tea, add one teaspoon of liquorice roots to 2 cups of water and boil it for 5 minutes. You may also add honey to the tea after straining it.

Takeaway:

Ayurvedic herbs and home remedies are highly effective in treating sore throats. Most of the herbs are usually found at home, such as turmeric, cloves, cinnamon, ginger, etc. However, if the symptoms of sore throat remain persistent, it is advised to consult an Ayurvedic doctor as it may be a symptom of any other disease.  

This article is reviewed by Dr. Jyoti Lakhani