With the air quality dipping every winter, respiratory problems like cough, throat irritation, and dryness have become increasingly common. Pollution, packed with microscopic dust and toxins, irritates the throat’s delicate lining and leads to itching or pain. Instead of relying solely on over-the-counter syrups, you can turn to traditional home remedies that have been trusted for generations.
Here are six effective remedies to help you find lasting relief from pollution-induced throat irritation.
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1. Warm Turmeric Milk
Turmeric milk has been an ancient Ayurvedic remedy for respiratory and throat issues. Turmeric’s active compound, curcumin, acts as a natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agent that soothes the irritated throat and reduces swelling. Heat a glass of milk and add half a teaspoon of turmeric along with a pinch of black pepper. The pepper helps enhance curcumin absorption in the body. Regular intake also helps boost immunity, protecting the respiratory system from pollution-related infections.
2. Honey And Ginger Mix
Honey and ginger together make a potent throat healer. Ginger contains anti-inflammatory compounds like gingerol, which reduce swelling and irritation, while honey coats the throat, providing a soothing layer that eases the scratchy feeling. Grate a small piece of fresh ginger, extract its juice, and mix it with a teaspoon of pure honey. Consume this mix twice a day for quick relief. You can also add the mix to warm water or herbal tea.
3. Saltwater Gargle
Saltwater gargle is a classic remedy that remains one of the most effective ways to reduce that throat discomfort. Gargling with warm saltwater helps clear mucus, kill bacteria, and relieve inflammation. Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and gargle for 30 seconds, 3–4 times a day. The saline solution draws out irritants from the throat lining and helps calm the itching sensation. It’s a quick, safe, and effective way to maintain throat hygiene.
4. Tulsi And Mulethi Tea
Tulsi and mulethi are two powerful Ayurvedic ingredients known for their medicinal properties. Tulsi helps purify the airways, while mulethi acts as a natural demulcent that soothes the throat lining. To prepare the tea, boil a few tulsi leaves and a small stick of mulethi in water for 10 minutes. Strain and sip it warm with a spoon of honey. Drink it twice daily to strengthen your lungs and immunity.
5. Herbal Kadha With Spices
A warm ad spiced kadha made from Indian kitchen staples can work wonders for pollution-related throat irritation. Combine ingredients like black pepper, cinnamon, cardamom, tulsi, and cloves in water and boil for 10–15 minutes. Strain, add honey or jaggery, and drink it warm. Each spice adds its own therapeutic value in this kadha. Pepper opens the sinuses, cloves numb throat pain, and cinnamon reduces inflammation.
6. Jaggery And Black Pepper Concoction
This traditional Indian home remedy has been used for generations to ease cough and throat irritation naturally. Jaggery acts as a natural cleanser that removes toxins from the body, while black pepper contains piperine, which enhances circulation and clears the respiratory tract. To make this soothing drink, boil a small piece of jaggery with crushed black pepper in water until it reduces slightly. Sip it warm before bedtime. This blend not only soothes an itchy throat but also helps relieve mild cough and congestion triggered by polluted air.
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