Ayurvedic Management Of Sore Throat
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Sore Throat
A sore throat is a painful, dry, or scratchy feeling in the throat. The common symptoms of sore throat are a pain in the throat, viral infection such as a cold or the flu. Sore throat is a painful condition of the throat in which there is difficulty in swallowing food and liquids due to swelling and pain. A sore throat may occur in people of all age groups and common.
As per the Ayurvedic book, Susrutha Samhitha, this condition is thought to be occurring with tonsillitis and is called Tundikeri. Ayurveda says that the cause of sore throat is Vata and Kapha imbalances. Sore throat is also caused by wrong dietary habits such as taking too much spicy and cold foods and staying in colder climates.
Types Of Sore Throat
Depending on the location of the pain, sore throat is named as:
- Pharyngitis
Pharyngitis is inflammation of the pharynx, which is in the back of the throat. Pharyngitis can also cause scratchiness in the throat and difficulty swallowing.
- Epiglottitis
Epiglottitis is an inflammation and swelling of the epiglottis. It is caused by a bacterial infection which can cause pain when swallowing, severe sore throat, and difficulty breathing.
- Laryngitis
It occurs in the larynx. Common causes of laryngitis include parainfluenza virus, rhinovirus, influenza virus, and adenovirus.
- Tonsillitis
Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils. Signs and symptoms of tonsillitis include swollen tonsils, sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and tender lymph nodes on the sides of the neck.
Depending on the location of the pain, sore throat is named Pharyngitis, Epiglottitis, Laryngitis, and Tonsillitis.
Symptoms Of Sore Throat
The symptoms of a sore throat can vary depending on the cause. Some common symptoms of sore throat include:
- A painful or a scratchy feeling in the throat, that worsens with swallowing or talking.
- Difficulty in swallowing food or liquids.
- Presence of swollen glands in the neck or jaw.
- Swelling and redness of the tonsils.
- Presence of white patches due to pus in the tonsils.
- Hoarseness of voice.
Causes Of Sore Throat
The general causes are:
- Cold, flu, and other viral infections.
- Bacterial infections.
- Fungal infections.
- Dry climate.
- Smoking.
- Chemicals, and other irritants.
- Shouting.
- Allergies.
- Any injury, such as a hit or cut to the neck, can cause pain in the throat.
Ayurvedic Treatment For Sore Throat
The main Ayurveda therapies to cure Sore Throat are the following:
- Kavala and gandusha
Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic gargling technique that involves swishing a tablespoon of oil in your mouth on an empty stomach for around 20 minutes. It helps to eliminate toxins in your body, primarily to improve oral health and improve overall health. It reduces redness, swelling, foul odor and relieves dryness.
- Steam Inhalation
Steam inhalation or vapor inhalation is also known as steam therapy and is widely used to relieve nose and throat-related problems. It soothes the airways, reduces infection, and loosens phlegm in the throat.
- Paste Application or Pratisarana
Pratisarana is the process of applying herbs to the mouth with a finger. It is of three kinds like Kalka-in the form of paste, Rasakriya-Solidified decoction, and churna-in the form of powder. Herbs like amla, turmeric, neem, and ginger are made into a paste and applied locally to relieve pain, swelling, and inflammation.
Ayurveda can treat Sore Throat through Ayurvedic therapies like Kavala and Gundusha, Steam Inhalation, and Paste Application.
Ayurvedic Home Remedies To Relieve Sore Throat
Some of the remedies that can effectively treat sore throat at home are:
- Gargle with Saltwater
Gargle with warm water after dissolving half a teaspoon of rock salt. It relieves throat swelling and aids in the loosening and flushing of mucus.
- Cardamom powder
Dissolve the powder in water, strain, and gargle.
- Fenugreek seeds
Bring fenugreek seeds to a boil in water, strain, and gargle.
- Turmeric water
Turmeric is an excellent antioxidant. Mix ½ tsp of turmeric powder in hot water along with ½ tsp of salt. Gargle every 2 hours.
- Basil water
Boil water with tulsi leaves. You can either drink this mixture after straining it or gargle with it.
- Drink lemon or ginger water
Add a spoon of honey and lemon juice to warm water and drink it. Honey can help relieve the pain of a sore throat.
- Drink warm liquids
We could get good relief from sore throat with the use of Warm fluids. It will help to moisten your throat, preventing a dry throat and dehydration. Tea with ginger and honey is a popular Ayurvedic medicine that soothes the inflamed throat. Sip some warm water from time to time to keep you hydrated and moist in the throat. .
- Meditation
Meditation helps you to relax your body and mind. It energizes you and strengthens the immune system. The yoga asanas and pranayama acts as effective preventive and curative mechanisms for sore throats.
- Chew cloves
It is an effective home remedy for sore throats. You may bite the clove leaves from time to time to release the oils in them. Their numbing properties prove an effective home remedy for sore throats. .
- Chew betel leaves
Betel leaves are an ancient and traditional folklore medicine that can help ease your sore throat. You can also boil betel leaves and basil leaves in water till it reduces to about half the content. Strain and drink the liquid. You may add honey or salt to it as per your taste.
- Triphala and Yashtimadhu decoctions
Add 1 tsp of Yashtimadhu (licorice roots) to 2 cups of water and boil the mixture for 5-10 minutes. Drink this decoction 2-3 times a day. You may also add some honey to it.
Mix ¼ tsp of Triphala powder in water and leave it covered overnight. Drink the clear water in the morning. Triphala has high levels of Vitamin C and clears mucus from the body. It is also an effective detoxifying agent.
Preventive Methods For Sore Throat
Here are some ways to avoid sore throat:
- Avoid Smoking. Nonsmokers should avoid secondhand smoke.
- Avoid the chances of cold and flu which often bring on sore throats.
- Stay away from people who are sick.
- Wash your hands with warm water and soap throughout the day.
- Don’t share food, drink, or utensils.
- Keep your hands away from your eyes and face.
- Eat a healthy diet.
- Get plenty of rest.
- Drink lots of fluids.
Diet Recommendations And Lifestyle Changes As Per Ayurveda
Ayurveda recommends following these Aahar helps to cure the symptoms of Sore Throat:
- Avoid dairy, sugar, grain, and animal products for a week.
- Avoid spicy food because it will irritate your throat.
- Avoid sour substances like curds, buttermilk, and fried foods.
- Avoid curd at night.
- Drink a lot of warm fluids, such as hot water, soups, and teas.
- Ayurvedic herbs like Lemon and ginger juice with honey, cider vinegar, herbal teas, ginger juice, carrot juice, apple juice, etc are effective during infection and help improve immunity and sore throat.
- Chewing on Mulethi sticks may help soothe the throat.
- Nasya karma may be beneficial.
Lifestyle Changes (Vihar)
- Give plenty of rest to your throat and try not to talk.
- Avoid day sleep because it may lead to Kapha build-up.
- Avoid exposure to cold breeze and water.
- Maintain good oral hygiene.
- Gargle with rock salt every few hours.
- Avoid frequent head baths and rain showers.
- Avoid passive cigarette smoking and atmospheric pollution.
Ayurvedic Herbs For Sore Throat
- Tulsi
Tulsi leaves have potent antiviral and antibacterial properties. So it is a good remedy for strep throat. It stops the growth of bacteria and reduces symptoms of sore throat.
- Ginger
Ginger has anti-inflammatory effects. The anti-inflammatory effects of ginger can help soothe a sore throat by relieving inflammation.
- Chamomile tea
Chamomile tea has long been used to treat ailments such as sore throats. Its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and astringent properties make it popular. It can help relieve cold symptoms such as a sore throat.
- Fennel Seeds (Saunf)
It is an effective Ayurveda herb to treat sore throat. Fennel seeds also have antibacterial and antiviral characteristics, which help fight off bacterial and viral infections. Fennel seeds also have a soothing effect and reduce throat irritation.
- Cinnamon
It is an effective ayurvedic remedy for the sore throat caused by the cold. It is rich in antioxidants, which give it mild analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. So Cinnamon-infused water has been a traditional remedy for healing cold, cough, flu, and sore throat.
- Belleric Myrobalan
It is used to protect the liver and to treat respiratory conditions, including respiratory tract infections, cough, and sore throat.
- Kantakari
Kantakari is a useful Ayurvedic herb that is used widely in the treatment of cough, cold, asthma, and other respiratory tract conditions. The Kantakari extract can be used as a gargle process to treat sore throats.
- Licorice
The herbs have potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects. It can boost the immune system, relieve pain and stress, and effectively heal a sore throat. Licorice root can also help fight viruses that can cause respiratory illnesses. Chewing a twig of licorice is an effective remedy for sore throat and hoarseness of voice.
The powerful ayurvedic herbs to get rid of the symptoms of sore throat are tulsi, ginger, Chamomile tea, fennel seeds, cinnamon, Belleric Myrobalan, Kantakari, and Licorice.
Conclusion
The above-mentioned information related to Sore Throat is taken from various Ayurvedic resources. Always take the advice of an Ayurvedic doctor before starting self-medication.
