Having a sore throat or throat infection is perhaps the most irritating symptom of a common cold. Even the simple act of swallowing or speaking hurts. There are many ways to treat this problem; from conventional medication to natural herbs that are known for their properties to treat the throat.
Many have come up with special Ayurvedic treatments for throat infections, which contain herbs like Tulsi, ginger or honey. However, before we learn more about these Ayurvedic treatments, let’s do a deep dive into throat infections, causes and symptoms.
What are throat infections?
Caused by bacterial or viral illnesses, throat infections are a scratchy, dry or painful feeling in the throat. They might also be caused by allergies or even by sleeping with your mouth open.
There are three types of throat infections:
- Pharyngitis: This infection happens in the colder seasons. Bacterial and viral infections are major causes of Pharyngitis, and why many people suffer from it during the winter season.
- Tonsillitis: Tonsils are the two soft tissue lumps at the back of the throat that help fight infections. However, they can also swell up and get infected, causing tonsillitis. High fever and sore throat are common symptoms of this throat infection.
- Laryngitis: Laryngitis happens when the vocal box or larynx gets swollen. It is caused by bacterial or viral infections or environmental factors.
Common causes of throat infections:
- Bacterial Infections
- Acid Reflux
- Excessive screaming
- Mouth breathing
- Allergies.
Symptoms of throat infections:
- Scratchy or painful feeling in the throat
- Pain while speaking or swallowing
- Trouble while swallowing
- Aching, enlarged glands in the jaw and neck
- Red and swollen tonsils
- Raspy, husky voice
- Fever and cough
- Clogged nose
- Sneezing
- Body pain
- Headache
- Nausea.
7 Ayurvedic Treatments for Throat Infections
According to Ayurveda, throat infections or soar throats are caused by an imbalance in the Vata and Kapha Doshas. However, it can easily be treated with some simple Ayurvedic recipes with herbs you can easily find at home.
-
Warm Water:
Warm water aids in the control of digestion and fat, improves blood circulation and reduces stress. Just drink warm water in the morning and at night, to help clear any mucus buildup.
-
Gargling with warm water:
The anti-bacterial properties in salt eliminate germs that cause throat infections and loosen mucus. They also reduce inflammation and relieve soar throat.
-
Turmeric:
Turmeric is known for having several properties that help the body heal effectively. In case of throat infections, turmeric helps by lowering swelling, reducing inflammation and having therapeutic properties.
-
Honey:
Honey is known to have properties that help reduce inflammation and clear mucus. It is also nutritive and antibacterial. Consume a spoonful of honey mixed with ginger to treat throat infections; the anti-inflammatory properties in this mixture will effectively help relieve all symptoms of throat infections.
-
Lemon:
Lemon helps break up the mucus build-up and relieve the pain caused by throat infections. Additionally, the vitamin C in lemons strengthens the immune system and helps fight infections.
-
Tulsi:
Tulsi, known as ‘The Queen of Herbs’ or ‘Mother Medicine of Nature,’ has many properties that help treat throat infections and other illnesses. Tulsi helps clear airways, thus relieving throat infections. It also helps fight the common cold and cough. You can boil some tulsi leaves with water and add honey to make an effective tea to help with your throat infection.
-
Licorice:
Licorice has expectorant properties that help control mucus production and reduce congestion, while also easing coughing. Just boil some licorice with water, and drink it every morning to help your throat.
You can mix these herbs and create some effective Ayurvedic Kadhas for throat infections, such as:
-
Turmeric and Honey Tea:
Boil water and stir in a spoonful of turmeric. After it is fully dissolved, add some honey and drink it. The anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of this Ayurvedic kadha will help treat throat infections easily.
-
Ginger, lemon and Honey Kadha
Boil grated or cut ginger in hot water, and add some lemon and honey after straining. Mix and drink this mixture. The anti-inflammatory properties of ginger, vitamin C in lemon, and the soothing properties of honey will work wonders on your throat.
-
Tulsi, ginger, and honey kadha
Boil grated ginger and tulsi leaves with water and strain the mixture. Add some honey and drink this elixir to help relieve symptoms of throat pain.
Jamna Herbals’ Ayush Kwath:
If you want to effectively treat the symptoms of throat infections, then Jamna Herbals’ Ayush Kwath is the perfect solution! This Ayurvedic Kadha for throat infection has the power of Tulsi, Dalchini, Shunthhi and Marich, which help soothe the symptoms of throat infections and sore throat and strengthen the immune system.
