How To Treat Dry Throat | Home Remedies For Dry Throat

By Dr. Ritu Kumari Gupta on April 25, 2021

Dry throat is irritating. It disturbs your sleep during the night and makes it difficult for you to work during the day time.

Scratchy and dry throat is very common issue caused due to the inflammation of Pharynx. Pharynx is a tube that extends from the back of the nose to the mouth to the oesophagus that leads to stomach.

What Causes Dry Throat

Dry throat happens due to upper respiratory tract infection. It is common in winter season when the air is dry. It can also be a symptom of acid reflux, tonsillitis, cold and cough, allergy, hay fever, strep throat and mononucleosis. In some of the cases a dry throat can only be a sign of minor issues such as dehydration, exposure to pollutants, excessive talking and sleeping with open mouth.

What Are The Symptoms Of Dry Throat

Dry throat is usually bad in the morning. It leads to scratchy throat and swollen glands. It causes difficulty in swallowing. The Symptoms may also be accompanied with fever, body ache, headache and general fatigue if the cause behind is infection.

There are effective home remedies that can ease the symptoms of dry throat and help you get rid of the irritating symptoms.

Home Remedies For Dry Throat

#1. Salt Water Gargle

It is the most effective and simplest way to get rid of dry throat. Salt has antimicrobial and antiseptic properties that restricts the growth of bacteria and kills microbial infections. It also helps to draw out phlegm from the throat and keep the mouth hydrated.

To a glass of water, add 1/4 teaspoon lukewarm water. Mix well so that the salt is dissolved. Gargle with salt solution for a few second and then spit it out. Repeat this at regular intervals or at least three to four times in a day to get relief from the dry throat.

*If you suffer from blood pressure better avoid it.

#2. Honey

Honey has hydrating, moisturizer and humectant properties. It can relieve the dry throat symptoms. It is antiseptic, antimicrobial and antibacterial and fights infection causing microbes.

Honey also act as hypertonic osmotic. It draws out water from inflamed tissue and reduce swelling.

To a cup of steaming water at a table raw and organic honey. Mix well and bring it warm two to three times in a day. You may also add a teaspoon lemon it for taste.

#3. Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper effectively relieves the dry throat. It is rich in capsaicin, which is anti-inflammatory and antibacterial. It reduces the swelling in throat and treats the underlying infection.

Cayenne Pepper

To one fourth cup cayenne pepper, add a tablespoon honey. Consume a half teaspoon of this mixture four times in a day. Do not drink water immediately after taking this mixture.

#4. Liquorice Root

Liquorice root is anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal and reduces throat irritation.

To a cup of steaming water, add a tablespoon liquorice powder. Let it steep for a few minutes and then strain and drink the concoction two to three times in a day. You may also add ahalf-teaspoon honey for taste.

#5. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar alkalizes the body and helps to fight infection. Due to antibacterial properties, it fights microbes. It maintains the pH level in the mouth and keeps the mouth and throat well moisturized.

Add a tablespoon unfiltered apple cider vinegar to a cup of warm water. Gargle with it two times in a day.

#6. Slippery Elm

Slippery elm contains a gel like mucilage that coats the throat and reduces irritation and soreness. All this in turn reduces dryness. Silppery elm stimulates the production of saliva and fights dry throat.

To two cups boiling water, add a teaspoon inner bark of slippery elm. Steep for a few minutes and strain the solution. Add a little honey and drink the concoction slowly. Drink it for at least 2-3 times in a day.

#7. Chewing Gum

Eat a piece of sugar free chewing gum to stimulate the flow of saliva in your mouth and throat. When saliva production is increased, it keeps your throat moist and relieves dryness.

Additional Tips To Relieve Dry Throat

Take hot shower. Breathing the steam while taking hot shower provides you temporary relief from the dry throat.

Take enough rest if you suffer from dry throat.

Keep sipping warm juices and herbal teas to keep your throat hydrated.

Avoid smoking and other tobacco products.

If you are allergic then during the peak of allergy season better stay in doors with windows closed.

If you are getting dry throat due to acid reflux raise the head of your bed to prevent acid reflux. Also, avoid eating foods that cause heartburn such as alcohol,caffeine, onion, garlic, mint and other spicy and fatty foods.

If the above home remedies do not help and you suffer from fever,cold, chills and body ache see your doctor.

Dr. Ritu Kumari Gupta: Professionally a homeopathic doctor and a dietician Dr. Ritu Kumari Gupta is passionate about writing health and parenting blogs. She believes in holistic approach towards health and well being.