Sore Throat

A sore throat is caused by irritation and inflammation of the throat. This condition is generally quite easy to remedy using Ayurvedic methods.

GARGLE. Perhaps the simplest remedy, and one that is quite effective, is gargling. Ayurveda recommends using 1 cup of hot water (not so hot that it might burn your throat) with ½ teaspoon turmeric and ½ teaspoon salt mixed in. Gargle with this mixture morning and evening.

TURMERIC MILK. Drinking 1 cup of hot milk boiled with ½ teaspoon turmeric is also helpful for sore throat.

SOOTHING HERBAL TEA. Another remedy that works well is ginger-cinnamon-licorice tea in the following proportions:

ginger 2 parts
cinnamon 2 parts
licorice 3 parts

Steep 1 teaspoon of the herbal mixture in water for 5 to 10 minutes, and drink up to 3 times a day.

TIME TO SEE THE DOCTOR

If your sore throat persists for more than a few days even though you are trying these remedies, see a medical professional.

FOODS TO AVOID. When you have a sore throat, it is important not to eat dairy products such as cheese, yogurt, and ice cream. Also avoid fermented foods.

NOTE: A cup of warm turmeric milk, as recommended above, is an exception. Do stay away from chilled dairy products, which are mucus-forming and will exacerbate your sore throat.

YOGA POSTURES. The yoga posture known as the Lion pose is traditionally recommended for sore throats. The Yoga Mudra is also effective. (See yoga illustrations in appendix 4.)

BREATHING EXERCISE. You can also practice bhramari (Humming Breath), which is described in chapter 6.