An itchy throat can present itself as a mild tickle or a full-fledged discomfort that feels like a mosquito bite to the throat. In most cases, the condition is linked to infections, allergies or environmental irritation. Using home remedies for itchy throat is safer and healthier than over the counter medications. Moreover, natural remedies can get to the underlying issue that is why you must consider the below 12 home remedies for itchy throat.
Try our home remedies for itchy throat and find relief fast
1. Salt Water
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A thorough gargle with salt water has been used for ages and is proven to be one of the most effective home remedies for itchy throat. The fact is that, like a good scratch is meant to expel the irritant, this remedy can remove irritants and microbes.
Instructions
- Bring water in a pot to a boil.
- Allow the water to cool until it reaches drinking temperature.
- Pour 8 ounces water into a glass.
- Add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon salt and mix well.
- Gargle for 15 to 30 seconds at a time until all of the water is gone.
- Be sure to spit after each gargle and do not swallow.
- Rinse your mouth thoroughly.
- Repeat every 2 to 3 hours until symptoms subside.
2. Garlic and Lemon Juice
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Most popular for its culinary uses, garlic has some promising medicinal properties. One study found garlic to be more effective against streptococcus than honey, ginger, and lemon, proving its powerful antimicrobial benefits. Additionally, it works even better in conjunction with lemon. Also, to maintain all the antimicrobial properties, they should both be consumed raw.
Instructions
- Finely grate 1 to 2 cloves of garlic.
- Squeeze the juice of 1 or 2 lemons in a small glass.
- Mix the garlic and lemon juice together.
- Sip the mixture slowly until it’s gone.
3. Honey and Lemon Tea
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One of the tastiest home remedies for itchy throat is a soothing cup of honey and lemon tea. The honey works as a soothing anti-microbial while the lemon works to detox the body of waste, toxins and harmful microbes. It’s best to use raw, local or manuka honey for faster relief.
Instructions
- Boil a cup of water.
- Mix together 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and 2 tablespoons of raw honey in a mug.
- Pour a cup of water into the mug.
- Stir until the mixture is unified.
- Repeat every 3 to 6 hours.
4. Ginger Tea
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Traditional uses of ginger include soothing the stomach, increasing blood flow and aiding in detoxification. Recently, a study that analyzed the health benefits of ginger found it to also have immune strengthening and anti-inflammatory properties. You can purchase ginger tea bags and steep them at home or you can easily make it entirely by hand.
Instructions
- Clean the fresh ginger root.
- Grate a small portion of the ginger until you have 1 tablespoon.
- Boil in 2 to 3 cups of water and let it steep for at least an hour.
- Use a strainer to separate the solids from the liquid.
- Add sweetener to taste.
- Consume it daily.
5. Castor Oil
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Perhaps one of the least known home remedies for itchy throat is castor oil. Its traditional uses include reducing inflammation, relieving constipation and dissolving tumors and other growths. That is why it is recommended it to use it if you suffer from a sebaceous cyst. What makes castor oil great for relieving an itchy throat is its impressive ability to penetrate the skin and treat what’s beneath the skin, including the organs. Therefore, when applied to the neck, its anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties can easily penetrate the surface of the skin and promote relief.
Instructions
- Soak a flannel cloth in castor oil.
- Apply the soaked flannel to the front of the neck.
- Cover with plastic.
- Place a heating pad or hot water bottle over the plastic.
- Remove after 30 minutes.
6. Steam
In some cases, an itchy throat is caused by dryness or dehydration. For example, indoor heating can cause dry air. Also, dry air can further irritate your throat if it was already itchy. Steam can be used to hydrate and soothe your throat.
Instructions
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- Fill a large pot or bowl with 6 to 8 cups of hot (not boiling) water.
- Add a few drops of peppermint or eucalyptus essential oil to help open airways (optional).
- Place the bowl on a steady surface, and hover over the bowl.
- Cover the bowl and your head with a large towel to trap the steam.
- Inhale and exhale for 8 to 10 minutes.
7. Turmeric
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This golden spice has treated all sorts of ailments for thousands of years. Moreover, it also has the ability to decrease pathogens, assist with digestive disorders, and reduce inflammation. Therefore, it can be used in treating acid reflux. This remedy can help reduce inflammation that often occurs with a scratchy throat and also kill foreign organisms that may be the cause. In addition, the heat will soothe the throat and reduce inflammation.
Instructions
- Bring 2 cups of non-dairy milk to a boil.
- Pour in 1 tablespoon of powdered turmeric.
- Let the mixture cool before pouring into a mug.
- Drink 1 cup 1 to 2 times a day.
8. Apple Cider Vinegar
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Apple cider vinegar is one of the easiest to make home remedies for itchy throat since it’s in virtually every household cupboard. It works by balancing the throat’s pH. In fact, ailments are often linked to acidic environments, and apple cider vinegar, though it tastes acidic, has an alkalizing effect once consumed. Furthermore, one study authenticates its strong antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Though the taste is pungent, it definitely worth a try.
Instructions
- Mix 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar with 1 cup of water.
- Use ACV with the mother, which includes beneficial bacteria,
- Drink twice daily.
9. Hydrogen Peroxide
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Hydrogen peroxide is one of the go-to remedies for skin abrasions for its ability to break down the cell walls of microbes, thus preventing infections. It’s an effective way to prevent infections of the ears, nose, and throat, that is why it is present on our list of home remedies for earache. It is safe to use food grade peroxide, but over-the-counter H2o2 solutions contain harmful additives.
Instructions
Remedy 1
- Lie on one side and use a dropper to insert 3% food grade hydrogen peroxide.
- Let the ear drain when the fizzing stops.
- Turn and repeat on the other side.
Remedy 2
- Gargle with 1/2 cup of 3% food grade hydrogen peroxide.
- Try not to swallow the substance.
- Repeat morning and night.
10. Vitamin C with Grapefruit and Orange
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Out of all the home remedies for itchy throat, vitamin C is one of the fastest cures if taken in adequate quantities. Specialists state that the daily recommendation is 75 mg for women and 90 mg for men. However, when it comes to an itchy throat, increasing the dosage to 2,000 mg (stated to be the maximum to avoid digestive side-effects) will lead to speedy recovery. The best way to absorb vitamin C supplements is to take them with citrus fruits such as grapefruits or oranges.
Instructions
- Add the flesh of 1 grapefruit and 2 oranges to a blender.
- Adding the peel is optional, and will boost the health benefits.
- Add 1500 to 2,000 mg of vitamin C supplement (preferably powder).
- Add non-dairy milk.
- Blend until smooth.
- Repeat each day until the itchiness stops.
11. Coconut Oil
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Coconut oil has gained notoriety for its antibacterial properties. This multipurpose oil can be used to moisturize and clean the hair and skin, as well as oil pulling and cooking. If you have dry skin you can also use it periodically. Meanwhile, gargling with coconut oil can yield benefits by eradicating microbes in the throat.
Instructions
- Measure a tablespoon of cold pressed, organic coconut oil.
- Gargle for as long as possible without swallowing.
- Repeat as needed.
12. Vapor Rub
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Last on the list of home remedies for itchy throat is the tried and true vapor rub. Most vapor rubs contain camphor, a substance made from tree bark. Camphor is a substance that reduces itching and pain and increases blood flow. Vapor rub can be used to reduce itching through inhalation or applying it topically to the neck. Do not take internally since camphor can be toxic.
Instructions
- Apply a warm cloth to the neck for 5 minutes.
- Rub vapor rub onto the front of the neck in circular motions.
- Repeat when needed.
Conclusion
As you can see, home remedies for itchy throat are easy to find in the comfort of your own home. Whichever remedy you choose, symptoms should subside within a week. You may also want to try more than one of the listed remedies to increase your likelihood of seeing results within a shorter time frame. If your itchy throat still persists after a week, please seek advice from a medical professional. Which one of the above worked for you?
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