7 Natural Remedies for a Scratchy Throat
You can’t miss the natural remedies for a scratchy throat we’re about to recommend here. Keep in mind that this symptom is usually the first indicator that you have a sore throat, which, in turn, could have different causes. Let’s look at it.
Causes of a scratchy throat
There are different possible causes for a scratchy throat, including:
- A virus
- Consuming irritating substances
- Ingesting menthol containing substances
- Smoking
- Frequent coughing
Now that you know what might be the causes of your discomfort, you can try to relieve the symptoms with the following simple natural remedies against itchy throat.
You may also be interested in 5 Ways Onions Can Help You Get Rid of a Cough
7 natural remedies to soothe a scratchy throat
These natural remedies for itchy throat work in many cases. However, they’re a mere complement and not a substitute for medical treatment.
1. Salt and warm water
Salt and warm water is the perfect solution for soothing a dry, sore throat. It’s easy to make at a moment’s notice to help moisturize this mucous membrane and soothe unpleasant symptoms such as itching.
Ingredients
- 1/2 c. of warm water (125 ml.)
- 1 tbsp. of salt (10 g.)
What to do?
- Add the salt to the warm water and stir until completely dissolved
- Gargle for about 15 to 20 seconds to moisturize your throat, and then spit it all out
2. Licorice
Licorice is actually very effective at relieving a scratchy throat caused by a cough. It’s flavor is sort of a sweet and sour anise so it’s a popular condiment. Furthermore, it’s also an ingredient in pipe tobacco and that for hookahs.
Moreover, it’s an effective natural remedy to relieve itchy throat caused by coughing, as it helps eliminate dryness and moisturize the mucous membranes.
Ingredients
- 10 drops of licorice extract
- 1 glass of warm water (200 ml.)
What do I do?
- To make this remedy, mix the two ingredients together and let it sit for a few minutes.
- Then either gargle it or drink it like a tea, as you prefer. Either method is of equal effectiveness.
3. Onions and garlic
It is well-known that both onions and garlic have many healing powers due to their decongestant and expectorant effects. Consequently, they are an effective natural remedy for some of the causes of an itchy throat.
Ingredients
- 1 c. of water (250 ml.)
- 2 slices of raw onion
- 2 garlic cloves
What do I do?
- Heat the water in a small pot, and as soon as it begins boiling, add the onion slices and mashed garlic cloves
- Let it cook for five minutes and remove it from the heat
- Finally, let steep a few minutes and then drink it, let it cool down so as not to yourself
4. Lemon and honey
Two other ingredients with antiseptic and moisturizing properties perfect for your throat are lemons and honey.
Both have antibacterial qualities that help disinfect the area and put an end to the scratchy throat caused by a virus.
Ingredients
- The juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp. of honey (7.5 g.)
What do I do?
- Squeeze the lemon and pour the juice into a small pot
- Heat it a bit on low heat and then add the honey, constantly stirring with a wooden spoon
- Remove from heat and let sit for a few minutes
- Have the syrup every morning before breakfast
Besides soothing a scratchy throat and helping it feel better, your immune system will also be strengthened thanks to the vitamin C.
5. Ginger
This root has several properties and its uses and applications are many and varied. You can use it to add a flavor to your dishes and even make beverages like ginger beer.
It’s quite good for your health due to its antibacterial and antiviral properties. This is why it’s commonly used in a variety of tonics and home remedies to relieve sore throats and symptoms of the common cold.
Ingredients
- 20 grams of fresh ginger (grated or chopped)
- 1 c. of hot water
- 1 tsp. of honey
- Optional: lemon
What should you do?
- Bring the water to a boil
- Then, when it reaches boiling point, add the ginger
- Leave it for ten minutes and remove from heat
- Then, wait for it to rest for a while before drinking it
- You can drink it like this or add honey and lemon, if you don’t like the taste
- Finally, drink it once or twice a day at most
6. Aloe vera
As you may already know, a sore throat may be due to inflammation in the tonsils, or caused by an infection. Furthermore, aloe vera is a common effective remedy, given its anti-inflammatory and bactericidal properties.
Ingredients
- Aloe vera
- Water
- Salt
How to make it?
- Firstly, take an aloe vera stalk and cut it
- Then, rinse it
- Add a touch of salt
- Finally, use this preparation to do gargles twice a day
7. Turmeric with milk
Another natural remedy to control itchy throat has a turmeric base. As you may already know, this root has recognized antibacterial properties. Thus, it’ll help you to clean that area.
Ingredients
- Milk (250 ml.)
- 1 tbsp. of honey
- Grated turmeric or turmeric powder (5-10 g.)
How to make?
- Firstly, mix all ingredients in a blender
- You may strain it if you use grated turmeric
- Then, drink one glass a day
Should you consult a doctor for a burning or scratchy throat?
We love these natural remedies for itchy throat because they don’t usually cause side effects. Also because they’re simple and easy to make at the comfort of your home and without spending a fortune.
However, keep in mind that you should consult your doctor in any of the following situations:
- The discomfort doesn’t go away in a few days or even a week
- The pain or itching doesn’t improve, and worsens
- Also, if there’s severe pain when swallowing
- There’s a high fever
- Finally, there’s nausea, vomiting, or other gastric discomforts
A doctor must determine the best treatment to follow, and also tell you whether or not you can use these natural remedies for a scratchy throat.
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
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