Home remedies for a sore throat: tulsi-pepper kadha, salt gargles and honey
Seasonal change, allergies and infections can cause a sore throat; some home remedies may bring short-term relief, but a doctor should be consulted if it persists.
Images are not validated/verified
A sore throat can be caused by a change in weather, allergies and infections, along with a cold and cough. It leads to pain in the throat, difficulty in eating and drinking, and sometimes trouble speaking.
Throat pain is not always caused by a bacterial infection. In some cases, a viral infection can also cause throat trouble. Antibiotics are therefore not always necessary, and should be taken only on a doctor's advice.
Some home remedies may help give short-term relief from throat pain and discomfort. In Ayurveda, tulsi (holy basil), turmeric and honey have traditionally been used. The remedies suggested for relief from cold, cough and sore throat are as follows.
The first remedy is a kadha (herbal decoction) of tulsi and black pepper. Drinking a hot drink made with tulsi and black pepper may bring relief to some people with a cold, cough or sore throat. In Ayurveda, tulsi is traditionally regarded as a useful medicinal plant. The warm drink soothes the throat and helps reduce the discomfort caused by throat pain.
To make the kadha, boil 5-6 tulsi leaves and 4-5 black peppercorns in a cup of water. Then strain the water and drink it when it turns lukewarm. This can be a beneficial way to get relief from common throat complaints.
The second remedy is gargling with salt water. Gargling with lukewarm salt water may bring relief from throat pain and discomfort. It is a simple home remedy that can help reduce throat irritation.
For this, mix about half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of lukewarm water. Once the salt has dissolved completely, stir the water with a spoon and gargle with it. Depending on need, it can be done two to three times a day. This will soothe the throat.
The third remedy is honey. Eating honey may bring some relief from throat pain and cough. Honey helps soothe the throat and reduce cough. If the throat is irritated, a small amount of honey can be taken. Eating a teaspoon of honey mixed with mango ginger (amba haldi) can also ease throat trouble.
If the problem persists and common remedies do not bring relief, do consult a doctor.
Tip: This article is written for general information only and does not claim to offer treatment of any kind. Consult your doctor before trying any remedy.
