Dry throat is very common during the winter or spring season. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), dry throat is a condition marked by irritation, dryness, and/or itchiness felt at the back of the tongue, which is the area of pharynx.This condition sometimes leads to a change in taste or difficulty in swallowing. Most of the times, the cause of dry throat is a viral infection or dry air although breathing via mouth while sleeping and smoke can also be the causes.
Luckily, dry throat is not a serious condition and anybody can treat it just by trying some effective home remedies. These remedies can reduce the intensity as well as the frequency of the dry throat symptoms without any medical advice. However, if you get fever or observe lasting symptoms even after trying these remedies, it is better to go for a medical advice by visiting your doctor. Here are some home remedies for dry throat that you can try.
Remedies For Dry Throat
Try Gargling
Gargling a few times a day can relieve a sore, as it moisturizes the tissue as well as increases the supply of blood to the affected area. Therefore, experts prefer gargling at least twice a day with warm water in which a spoon of salt is mixed. However, do not swallow this water.Salt is rich in antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties that tend to cleanse the mouth as well as the throat for reducing the symptoms of dry throat. The UMMC recommends gargling for up to 30 to 60 seconds before spitting out the salty water. Alternatively, you can gargle with the juice of aloe vera directly.
Have Honey
This one is a great remedy that can help relieving your throat. According to many health experts, honey is full of natural healing enzymes as well as anti-bacterial and throat-soothing properties that not only lubricate your throat but also put off the tickle that triggers coughing. For the best results, it is advisable to have it straightaway.Alternatively, you can add a squeeze of lemon juice to honey and take one spoon whenever required. Recall that lemon juice is rich in Vitamin C, which is also full of anti-microbial properties. In absence of lemon juice, you can consider adding apple cider vinegar. You can also think of mixing honey in your milk or hot tea.
Imbibe Lozenges
By swallowing throat lozenges and hard-flavored candies, a soothing effect is triggered in the throat. During this process of swallowing, the salivary glands get stimulated and more saliva is secreted. This, in turn, reduces the dryness as well as discards germs from the throat, as observed by the UMMC.
Sip Herbal Tea
Herbal tea is one of the most ancient remedies for dry throat. This tea is rich in natural healing enzymes that relieve your throat from dryness. When you sip the hot tea, the heat from the concoction enables these enzymes to enter profoundly into the airways.In order to prepare this tea, take a heat-resistant mug, add hot water to it, and let the mixture steep for 60 seconds. Now, just pour some honey and a squeeze of lemon juice. Honey is full of antiseptic properties that coat the throat for reducing irritation. You can now drink this tea slowly. In some time, you will experience that your throat has been moisturized well and dryness has just vanished.
Enjoy Sugar Elixir
This is a drink that restores electrolytes as well as hydrates a dry mouth. Mix one spoon of salt, one spoon of sugar, half spoon of baking soda, and some lemon or orange juice for flavor in a glass of water. Discovery Health suggests this drink against more expensive drinks available in stores for hydrating your throat.
Have Soups Frequently
Just like sugar elixir, soups work as a remedy by hydrating the mouth and balancing the level of electrolytes. A dry throat can be a sign of dehydration, which means the body receives frequent signals of drinking more fluids.Therefore, having vegetable soups that are rich in vitamins and minerals are recommended by the experts. Moreover, sipping fruit juices rich in vitamins B and C also relieve the symptoms of dry throat, as they heal the throat surface, generate defensive mucus covering, and strengthen the immune system.
Humidifiers
Dry throat can be the result of residing in a dry climate or inhaling air from air-conditioners or heaters. Therefore, a humidifier is an effective remedy. It moistens the air as well as reduces dryness in the membranes around the throat. Alternatively, steaming the residing area with a vessel of hot water is also relieving.