As the experts point out, discomfort related to the throat group is the most common complaint from patients to doctors. Most of the time, they correspond to a symptom of infections such as pharyngitis, tonsillitis, and laryngitis. There are many ways to deal with it, including natural remedies for an itchy throat.
In conjunction with over-the-counter treatments, home remedies to relieve sore throats are a safe and effective option to control episodes. Even so, they do not replace medical recommendations, and if you do not perceive improvements after a couple of days, you should consult your trusted specialist.
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Causes of an itchy throat
As specialists point out, the differential diagnosis of itchy throat is extensive. However, in practice, it can be summed up to the following causes:
- viral or bacterial infections;
- consumption of irritating substances;
- ingestion of menthol substances;
- cigarette;
- frequent cough.
Most episodes manifest as mild to moderate discomfort, depending on many factors. For example, children and older adults can develop complications; and attacks can be extended longer. Medical assistance should be sought for safe and personalized treatment of severe symptoms.
Seven natural remedies against an itchy throat
These natural remedies against itchy throat can work in many cases. However, they should be used as an adjunct to, and not a substitute for, doctor-recommended treatment.
1. Salt and warm water
The salt and warm water mixture could be the perfect solution to relieve an itchy and sore throat. It is a natural and simple remedy that you can prepare at any time to help hydrate this mucosa and calm any unpleasant symptoms.
The effectiveness of this therapy is not just anecdotal since it has scientific support. It is an affordable and fast way to deal with a sore throat.
Ingredients
- ½ cup of warm water (125 ml)
- One tablespoon of salt (10 g)
What should you do?
- Add the tablespoon of salt to half a cup of warm water and stir so the salt dissolves.
- Make gargles for 15 or 20 seconds (approximately) so that the throat is well moistened; then spit out all the water.
2. Licorice
Licorice is a plant from the Fabaceae family. It has a flavor between aniseed and bittersweet, so it is used as a condiment. However, it is also an ingredient in pipe or hookah tobacco.
Studies have found that it is an effective natural remedy to relieve an itchy throat caused by coughing. In addition, it helps to eliminate dryness and hydrate the mucous membranes.
Ingredients
- Ten drops of licorice extract
- One glass of warm water (200 ml)
What should you do?
- Mix both ingredients and let them rest for a couple of minutes.
- Gargle or drink as an infusion if you prefer (the effect will be the same in the throat).
3. Onion and garlic
It is well known that both onion and garlic have many cough-relieving properties due to their expectorant and decongestant effects. Consequently, they are an effective natural remedy for some of the causes of an itchy throat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of water (250ml)
- Two slices of raw onion
- Two garlic cloves
What should you do?
- Heat the cup of water in a small pot, and when it boils, introduce the onion slices and the previously crushed garlic cloves.
- Let cook for 5 minutes to extract all the properties of the ingredients.
- Let it stand for a few minutes, and drink it.
4. Lemon and honey
Other ingredients with antiseptic and moisturizing properties ideal for an itchy throat are lemon and honey. It is known that honey can be used as a cough treatment, and antibacterial effects are also attributed to it. The latter has also been found in citrus fruits such as lemon.
Ingredients
- The juice of 1 lemon
- One teaspoon of honey (7.5 g)
What should you do?
- Squeeze a lemon until all its juice is obtained, and place it in a cup.
- Heat it a little over low heat and add the honey, stirring constantly with the help of a wooden spoon.
- Remove the mixture from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Take this infusion every morning on an empty stomach.
5. Ginger
Ginger is a root that has various properties. Its uses and applications are varied, from an ingredient that adds flavor in the kitchen to preparing drinks (ginger beer, for example).
It is also suitable for health. It is claimed to be antibacterial and antiviral. For this reason, it is used in various preparations and home remedies to help relieve sore throats and other symptoms of colds.
Ingredients
- 20 grams of fresh ginger (grated or cut)
- 1 cup of hot water
- a teaspoon of honey
- optional: lemon
What should you do?
- Bring the water to a boil, and when it reaches the boiling point, add the ginger.
- Leave for ten minutes and remove from heat.
- Wait for it to rest before taking it; drink it like this, or add honey and lemon if you don’t like the taste.
Take this infusion 1 or 2 times a day, without exceeding it. For greater effectiveness, you can complement it with other natural remedies for an itchy throat that we have included in our list.
6. Aloe vera
As is known, sore throat can be due to inflammation in the tonsils or an infection. But, given aloe vera’s anti-inflammatory and bactericidal properties, it is usually an adequate remedy. Specialists have corroborated these properties.
Ingredients
- aloe vera
- Water
- Salt