Cold & cough5 min
Home remedies for itchy throat: salt-water gargle, honey-ginger, mulethi and steam
A tickly, itchy throat often comes before a cold, with allergies, dust or dry air. These home remedies for itchy throat soothe it fast with warm salt-water gargles, a spoon of honey with ginger juice, a piece of mulethi and steam.
What causes an itchy throat
An itchy throat can be an early sign of a viral cold, an allergy to dust, pollen or pets, the result of pollution, smoking or dry AC air, or due to acid reflux or post-nasal drip. It usually settles in a few days.
Warm salt-water gargles, honey with adrak ras and mulethi are some of the most familiar throat soothers in Indian homes.
Ingredients
- Half a teaspoon salt in a glass of warm water
- 1 teaspoon honey and a few drops of fresh ginger juice
- A small piece of mulethi
How to prepare
- Stir salt into warm water until dissolved.
- Mix honey with ginger juice in a spoon.
How to use
- Gargle with warm salt water 3–4 times a day.
- Lick the honey-ginger mix slowly, 2 times a day.
- Suck on mulethi when the itch starts (short-term), and take steam at night.
Helpful habits
- Sip warm water through the day.
- Avoid cold drinks, smoke, dust and shouting.
- Use a humidifier or keep a bowl of water in AC rooms.
Precautions
- Don't give honey to babies under 1 year.
- Avoid regular mulethi if you have high BP, heart or kidney disease, or are pregnant.
- See a doctor for severe throat pain, trouble swallowing or breathing, high fever, white patches on tonsils or symptoms lasting over a week.
Frequently asked questions
How can I stop an itchy throat quickly?
- Warm salt-water gargles, a spoon of honey with ginger juice and sipping warm water usually calm an itchy throat.
Is an itchy throat a sign of allergy?
- It can be, especially if it comes with sneezing and itchy eyes. It can also be the start of a cold.
Does mulethi help an itchy throat?
- Mulethi is a traditional throat soother. Use small amounts for a short time.
