Turmeric for Sore Throat: 9 Home Remedies For Throat Infection

Turmeric is a spice commonly used in Asian food. Mainly used in curry, turmeric tastes a little warm and bitter. The root of the turmeric is widely used for preparing medicines. 

Turmeric can also be applied to the skin for pain, bruising, insect bites, soreness in the mouth, infected wounds, and gum disease. 

Other health benefits of turmeric includes- arthritis, heartburn, joint pain, stomach pain, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, hemorrhage, diarrhea, bloating, loss of appetite, jaundice, irritable bowel syndrome, gallbladder infection, skin condition or inflammation, and fatigue. 

How does Turmeric work for throat infection?

Turmeric is rich in an active ingredient- curcumin. Curcumin is rich in anti-inflammatory benefits that can reduce swelling and inflammation. Hence, it can help in getting relief from medical infections that involve inflammation. 

How to use turmeric for a sore throat?

Here are 4 ways in which you can take turmeric for treating sore throat-

• Gargle with turmeric

After gargling with a mixture of salt and turmeric, a coating of turmeric forms in the throat of turmeric. This helps to wash away the bacteria or other infectious agents responsible for sore throat. Over time, gargling with turmeric ultimately helps in clearing the throat and getting relief. You should use the mixture to gargle first thing in the morning. For effective results, avoid drinking or eating anything for 30 minutes after gargling.

• Drink turmeric milk

To treat not only sore throat but also cough and cold, this is a widely used remedy. Both milk and turmeric are rich in various medicinal benefits. Owing to the anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric, turmeric milk cures the infection in the throat and alleviates soreness in the throat. Make sure to drink turmeric milk twice a day-once in the morning and once in the evening- to reap the benefits.

• Add some turmeric in tea

A hot cup of tea with lemon juice and honey is a great remedy for treating sore throat. Adding turmeric to the mixture increases its potency. Strain the tea and mix it with lemon juice and honey. Drink it when it’s still warm to get almost instantaneous relief. 

• Mix a pinch of turmeric in soup

While making soup, you add various ingredients such as ginger, pepper, basil leaves, honey and garlic which are rich in anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits. Hence, add a pinch of turmeric to make the soup more effective. Brew all these ingredients in water for 20 minutes and strain it. Drink it hot to get relief from, sore throat, and prevent future infections. 

Read More: Benefits of drinking Turmeric Water

9 Home Remedies That Can Treat Throat Infection

1. Gargle with saltwater
   

   
   Known for its anti-bacterial properties, gargling with salt water can cure a bacterial infection in the throat. This is one of the most ancient and easiest home remedies to treat an infection.

2. Herbal tea
   

   
   Herbal tea is another effective remedy that can ease out a sore throat. Drinking herbal tea alleviates pain, reduces inflammation or fights off bacteria. Some of the herbal teas to try are-
   -Peppermint tea
   -Raspberry tea
   -Chamomile tea
   -Green tea
   -Clove tea

3. Apple cider vinegar
   

   
   Apple cider vinegar offers various therapeutic benefits. The vinegar is acidic in nature and can kill various microorganisms responsible for infection in the throat. In addition to curing sore throat, it can also help in soothing out cold symptoms developed due to excessive mucus build-up. For instant relief, gargle with some apple cider vinegar.
   

4. Garlic
   

   
   Known for its antimicrobial properties, garlic can fight off germs that may have caused the infection. This works as it contains a compound known as allicin that helps in keeping off germs. You can take garlic in two ways- adding it in your meal or just chewing them raw.
   

5. Baking soda
   

   
   Baking soda prevents the growth of yeast and fungi in addition to bacteria. For best results, you can gargle with a combination of 1 cup warm water with little baking soda and a pinch of salt.

6. Lemon juice
   

   
   Works as a pain reliever, lemon juice can also break up the mucus. In addition to this, lemons are rich in vitamin C providing the required boost to the immune system to fight off infections. Drink 8 ounces of warm water with one teaspoon of lemon juice mixed.
   

7. Humidifier
   

   
   Breathe in moist air as the dryness can make a sore throat worse. Dryness of the throat can cause more irritation and discomfort in the throat. Therefore, place a humidifier to breathe in moist air to get some relief.
   

8. Licorice root
   

   
   In addition to curing a sore throat, licorice root can also reduce coughing. Hence, mix licorice root with water and gargle with this decoction.
   

9. Essential oils
   

   
   Essential oils such as nutmeg, bergamot, and cypress contain an ingredient known as camphene that provides a cooling, refreshing effect on the throat.

Takeaway 

Turmeric can be used for effectively curing sore throat.  If none of the above-mentioned remedies are not providing you effective relief then get in touch with an ENT specialist who can prescribe antibiotics. 

Read More:

• Honey for sore throat
• Ginger for sore throat
• Healing foods for sore throat