Scratchy Throat Remedies

A scratchy throat is a common health problem and while suffering from it, you find your throat itchy, and suffer from constant coughing bouts. In extreme cases, you could also develop swollen throat and an inability to drink or eat properly.

Viral or bacterial infections, and allergies are the most common causes for a scratchy throat. Other reasons like smoking, straining your vocal folds, change in weather, and throat surgery also contribute to scratchy throat. In most cases, one can find relief with scratchy throat remedies that can be conjured at home, but with severe scratchy throat cases, medical attention is required.

Scratchy throat is generally a symptom associated with other throat diseases like sore throat. The symptoms of a sore throat are a scratchy and burning feeling in the throat. On several occasions, one experiences pain along with this scratchy and burning feeling. One might also suffer from fever, cough, discharge of mucus, and headache. In cases of strep throat, one might have trouble swallowing and develop fever. With strep throat, one might also experience swollen tonsils, burning in the throat, and headache. In some cases, one might experience sore throat on one side.

Scratchy Throat Remedies
While it maybe a symptom of other diseases, there are several home remedies for scratchy throat, that will give you relief. For scratchy throat treatment, read the following helpful scratchy throat remedies.

Gargling
I got my tonsils removed 5 years ago, but before that I suffered a lot, due to sore throat and swollen glands for which I used this remedy. Gargling with saline water is the best scratchy throat and swollen tonsils remedy. Boil 3 cups of water and add 4 tablespoons of salt. Wait till this solution becomes warm and then use it. Stand at a sink and gulp some water. Tilt your head back, and gargle by making air bubbles. Spit out the water and repeat with the rest of the solution. It will reduce the infection in your throat. You can repeat this 3 times a day for better results. This remedy is useful for both children and adults.

Cough Syrup
Cough syrups are also good scratchy throat remedies and provide instant relief. Many cough syrups make you feel drowsy, so take cough syrups before going to bed. Read the instructions on the syrup bottle and use it accordingly. There are many non-drowsy cough syrups available. Most cough syrups are available over-the-counter and can be taken by all age groups. If you are suffering from scratchy throat due to strep throat, you might need antibiotics for strep throat.

Ginger Tea
Drinking warm ginger and honey tea, helps in scratchy throat treatment. This is one of the good sore throat home remedies. To prepare this concoction, boil water and add tea. Add some freshly cut clean ginger root. Boil this for 2-3 minutes and strain it in a clean mug. Add honey and lemon juice to taste. Adults can have this tea, 2-3 times a day and for children, half-a-cup 2 times a day, should serve the purpose.

Turmeric & Milk
This is one of the best sore throat remedies and its herbal too. Take one cup of milk and add 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder. Boil the milk for 3-4 minutes. Drink this milk before going to sleep. This remedy for adults and children, helps in the treatment of bronchitis, sore throat, tonsillitis and other throat ailments.

Marshmallow Leaf
Marshmallow leaf is useful in throat ailments. It is anti-inflammatory and also helps to get rid of mucus. It comes in the form of capsules, which adults can take orally.

Lozenges
For instant sore throat cure, suck on some throat lozenges. They quickly help in relieving scratchy throat, but their effect is temporary.

Painkiller
For adults who are experiencing pain and burning along with scratchy throat, take a painkiller like ibuprofen or aspirin.

Garlic
Garlic has antibiotic and antifungal properties. To make a scratchy throat home remedy, crush 2-3 cloves of garlic and keep taking them daily, till your throat condition gets better. Garlic is very hot, and not suitable for people who can't digest hot food. If you are using this home remedy for a scratchy throat, then it would probably be a good idea to keep some breath mints handy.

Pineapple Juice
For a tasty scratchy throat remedy, blend pineapple juice with a piece of fresh ginger. Ginger and pineapple are anti-inflammatory, and will reduce the scratchy burning sensation in the throat.

Coltsfoot & Myrrh
If you want to opt for homeopathy. for a scratchy throat remedy, then you could make tea with Coltsfoot. Drink this tea 3 times a day, for 2 days. Another homeopathic scratchy throat remedy is the use of Myrrh. Gargle with Myrrh extract and warm water. Myrrh has a cleansing effect on the throat and reduces infection.

Vitamin C
In a scratchy sore throat, there will be infection in your throat. Have vitamin C, which will help in healing the throat and prevent further infection. Many flavored chewable tablets are available. I like the round orange flavored ones. Some vitamin C rich foods are black currants, Indian gooseberries (Amla), strawberries and lemon.

Honey & Pepper
For dry and scratchy throat you can also use this remedy. In a bowl take one tablespoon of organic honey and then sprinkle some black pepper in it. Mix both well. Then keep licking the mix slowly. Within few days you will see a difference in your condition. Follow this remedy everyday before going to bed, till you get better.

Chicken Soup
Here is another yummy remedy. When it comes to cold infection, chicken soup works wonders. They say 'feed the cold and starve the fever'. Many people get a sore or scratchy throat during or after a cold infection. Also, drinking something warm from time to time helps to soothe scratchy throat. So, make chicken soup using these basic ingredients. In a pan, add a little bit of olive oil and bay leaves, then add chopped onions, chopped garlic, chicken pieces and fry for a minute. Then add turmeric powder and mix well. Then add water to cook and finally add salt. Let the chicken cook properly and finally garnish with fresh parsley. Enjoy a cup of this simple soup 2-3 times a day.

Medical Attention
The above remedies help in most scratchy throat problems. But, it would be advisable to consult a doctor in the following situations.

• If you are running of a high fever.
• When you have been suffering from a scratchy throat for several days.
• When swallowing becomes very difficult.
• If you had a throat surgery recently.
• When you have blood in your phlegm or saliva.
• If you experience pain in your ears along with sore throat.

Avoid eating spicy, hot and oily food, when you have a scratchy throat problem. Drinking a lot of fluids when suffering from scratchy throat, helps to heal the throat faster. In most sore throat problems, gargling along with the above scratchy throat remedies, will give you good relief. If you are going out, then wear warm clothes and cover your neck with a scarf or stole to keep it warm.