How to stop itchy and scratchy throat?
Dry or irritated throat, lack of hydration, cold or allergies… several factors can lead to an itchy throat. It’s never pleasant because it tickles, and it often makes you cough! Do you want to put an end to this discomfort?
So here are our tips and tricks against an itchy throat.
Tips and tricks for itchy throat:
1. My throat is itchy, why?
There are several reasons why you have an itchy throat: allergies, cold, foreign body, dehydration, etc. Not to mention that it can also be caused by gastric reflux. Indeed, the acidic contents of the stomach which rises can lead in the long run to an irritation of the throat.
If you are prone to gastric reflux, it would be important to make changes to your diet:
- Avoid fatty and/or acidic foods.
- Eat several small meals throughout the day instead of 2 or 3 large meals.
- Reduce the consumption of coffee, soft drinks and alcohol, quit smoking, etc.
- Additionally, you could ask your doctor or pharmacist to suggest a medication to treat your reflux problem.
In time, your throat will finally be able to heal and you will see the tickling in the back of your throat disappear.
2. Drink water when it stings in your throat
If you have a tickling throat, it is very possible that it is because you have a scratchy throat from lack of hydration.
Drinking water is then one of the best things to do to stop your throat from stinging! Quick, simple and efficient.
Since some people don’t make enough saliva, they can develop this annoying symptom. Know that there are medications that help lubricate the mouth and throat. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
3. Itchy throat? Take a pill!
Irritated, scratchy or tickling throat? Whether it is caused by an allergic reaction, the onset of a cold or other, the lozenges will activate the production of saliva and you will have less itchy throat. Especially if they contain honey or eucalyptus, which will soothe your irritated throat.
If you suspect the onset of a cold, choose lozenges that also contain vitamin C and/or zinc to quickly relieve cold symptoms.
4. Homemade sore throat lozenge recipe
Prefer to make your own throat lozenges at home? It’s completely possible and easy to do with only 2 ingredients known for their softening effects.
You need to:
- Slippery elm powder
- Honey
Then in a small bowl:
- Add just enough honey to slippery elm powder to make a thick paste.
- With your hands, take some of this dough and roll it into a small ball the size of a lozenge found in the store.
- Place your balls on a cookie sheet covered with parchment paper, and put everything in the fridge to harden your pastilles.
- Once cooled, place your pastilles in an airtight jar that you will keep in the fridge.
5. Ice cubes for a tingly throat
When it tingles in the throat, it’s a good idea to suck on something cold like ice cubes or a popsicle.
Indeed, the cold will numb your throat and help it sting less since it will soothe the irritation.
6. A humidifier for a dry, itchy throat
In winter, the air in our homes is often very dry and this can cause certain symptoms, such as a dry, scratchy throat.
To counter the dry air in the house, and greatly help your throat, consider using a humidifier. It is a very effective solution for the dry, irritated and itchy throat on occasion..
7. Antihistamines for a tickling throat
If you suffer from seasonal allergies, you probably get itchy, itchy throats, right? Do not hesitate to take antihistamines to counter these symptoms, including that of an itchy throat.
Warning: To make sure this type of medicine is right for you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
8. An infusion of thyme for the itchy throat
If you have pain or simply an itchy throat at the start of a cold, you can treat these symptoms with an infusion of thyme. This will soften the throat as well as disinfect it. To do this:
- Infuse a tablespoon of dried thyme in a cup of boiling water for 5-10 minutes.
- Filter and then add a little honey and fresh lemon juice.
The lemon juice will give you a good dose of vitamin C, and the honey will help soothe your throat. Drink good infusions of thyme with honey and lemon, it is an excellent natural remedy.
Thyme is also effective against coughs! Come and read our tips and tricks on this subject: Calm a dry cough quickly.
9. Salt to soothe a scratchy, itchy throat
Salt water is effective in fighting bacteria in the throat. To relieve a sore, itchy throat, especially at the onset of a cold or flu, gargle with salt water 3 to 4 times a day.
It’s very simple to do, just dilute about a tablespoon of sea salt, or table salt, in a glass of water. Gargle with this solution, then spit it out. The salt water gargle is ideal against winter ailments.
10. Eat honey to soothe a scratchy throat
Enjoy the antibacterial properties of honey and its soothing effects on the throat. Indeed, honey is an excellent 100% natural antibiotic to try at home!
You can take a teaspoon as soon as the need arises, or add it to your hot or cold beverages.
Do you know which is better between heat and cold to soothe a sore throat? Here is an interesting article: Hot or cold for a sore throat?
Plants to relieve itchy throat
For those who prefer natural remedies, there is a panoply of plants that can relieve us when the back of the throat stings or tickles. Here are a few :
- Marshmallow
- Lavender
- slippery elm bark
- Sage
- Calendula
All these plants can be consumed in the form of an infusion that you can drink or use as a gargle, but beware, some are not suitable for everyone! Always seek advice before taking anything.
If you really have a sore throat then other remedies may help