Remedies for itchy throat

Posted by Master, Doctor Mai Vien Phuong - Department of Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital

An itchy throat can be caused by a bacterial or viral infection, but it's mostly a sign of allergies. To be sure of the cause of your itchy throat, see your doctor for advice and treatment. There are many popular home remedies for itchy throat. If you want to try it, talk to your doctor first for safety recommendations.

Main causes of itchy throat:
Allergic rhinitis Food allergies Drug allergies Infections (bacterial or viral) Dehydration Acid reflux Drug side effects

Here are seven popular home remedies suggested by natural medicine advocates that may be helpful for an itchy throat. Note, however, that herbal treatments are not subject to US FDA regulation, so they have not been tested in an FDA-approved clinical trial. Always check with your doctor before starting any alternative treatments.
Gargle with salt water:
Mix 1/2 teaspoon of salt with 250ml of warm water. Swish and gargle for 10 seconds. Spit out the water just rinsed, do not swallow it. Repeat 2 to 3 times a day. You must mix the salt water properly to ensure just the right concentration. Mixing too much salt water can cause damage to the oropharyngeal mucosa when gargling.

Eat honey:
Eat a spoonful of honey - preferably raw honey - in the morning,
Drink hot ginger tea with lemon and honey:
Put 1 teaspoon of honey in a cup. Fill with hot water. Squeeze the juice from 2 lemons. Grate some fresh ginger. Stir the beverage well. Drink slowly. Repeat 2 to 3 times a day. Drink apple cider vinegar:
Mix 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in 8 ounces of hot water. Once cool enough to drink, sip it slowly. To improve the taste, try adding a tablespoon of maple syrup or a teaspoon of honey.
Drink milk and turmeric:
Over medium heat, in a small saucepan, mix 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder with 8 ounces of milk. Boil. Pour the mixture into the cup. Let the mixture cool to a comfortable temperature and drink gradually. Repeat every evening until the sore throat is gone. Drink Horseradish Tea:
Mix together 1 tablespoon horseradish (natural horseradish root, not sauce), 1 teaspoon ground cloves, and 1 teaspoon honey in a cup. Fill with hot water and stir to mix well. Drink slowly. Drink herbal teas:
Many herbal teas are said to soothe an itchy throat, including:
Stinging Nettle Ginkgo Red Clover Chamomile Slippery Elm Milk Thistle Out To relieve the symptoms of an itchy throat, you can use over-the-counter (OTC) allergy medications, lozenges and nasal sprays, as well as over-the-counter cold medicines.

It's time to see a doctor if your itchy throat persists or is accompanied by symptoms such as:
Severe sore throat Fever Difficulty swallowing Shortness of breath Wheezing Rash Swelling of the face

If you have frequent sore throats, you can make lifestyle changes to reduce the number of incidents and how long this discomfort lasts. This includes:
Quit smoking Avoid dehydration Limit or avoid caffeine Limit or avoid alcohol Limit or avoid opening windows or going outside during allergy season Wash your hands often Conclusion
If you are experiencing an itchy neck throat, there are several popular home remedies recommended by advocates of natural healing. Remember to always check with your doctor before starting any alternative medicine.
If self-care is not working for you, see your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.