Turmeric The staple spice found in every Indian household is packed with myriad medicinal properties. The presence of wide range of vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber and proteins makes it a powerful anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, expectorant, antifungal, antiseptic, carminative and anti-carcinogenic agent -- just perfect to relieve that annoying sore throat.
Here's how it works:
Turmeric is composed of three key compounds namely curcumin, desmethoxycurcumin and bis-desmethoxycurcumin, which are collectively termed as curcuminoids. Apart from that the root also has several essential oils, that impart it it's healing properties. Turmeric works against a sore throat by inhibiting inflammation and provides relief symptoms like burning, itching (or that scratchy feeling), pain and swelling within the throat.
Gargle: This method actually works by coating your throat with a layer of haldi, and helps to wash out bacteria and other material that could be causing your sore throat. With time, the symptoms usually clear up and help bring relief. To use this remedy, take about half cup of warm water; add around half a spoon of salt and one-fourth spoon of turmeric powder to the water. Use this mixture to gargle first thing in the morning. Avoid drinking or eating anything for around 30 minutes after you gargle for effective results.
Haldi doodh: One of the best and most widely used turmeric remedy to treat cough, cold and a sore throat, haldi doodh helps by bringing the anti-inflammatory action of turmeric with the plethora of health benefits of milk together. To use this remedy, take half a spoon of turmeric and coarsely grounded black pepper and add it to a glass of boiling milk. Drink this mixture twice in a day (in the morning and evening) to find relief from a sore throat.
Turmeric tea: The warm water combined with honey and lemon juice makes a great remedy for a sore throat. When turmeric is added to the mix, it only adds to the potency of this decoction. To use this remedy, add one tablespoon of turmeric powder to 4 cups of boiling water and let it boil for few more minutes. Strain (if required) and mix with lemon juice and honey. Drink the tea when it is still warm to find quick relief from a sore throat.
Soup: This remedy utilises the anti bacterial and anti inflammatory properties of ingredients like ginger, pepper, tulsi, honey and garlic. Known as kashayam this remedy has been a staple remedy for a sore throat for centuries. Here is how you can use it. Adding some ginger, pepper, tulsi leaves, honey and garlic along with turmeric to some water, and allow it to boil for 20 minutes (or till the water reduces to half its original quantity). Strain and drink the fluid to get relief from sore throat and prevent the onset of a cough.
Tip: Try drinking hot or slightly warm liquids as the heat helps dislodging mucus present around the throat and reduces inflammation in the throat -- providing quick relief.
References:
You may like to read
Gargeyi Pavuluri et al. Curcumin - The spice for life. International Journal of Pharmaceutical, Chemical and Biological Sciences.
Home Remedies for Sore Throat
Sore Throat Home Remedies
H.K.Bakhru. Healing Through Natural Foods
RA Rosenbloom - Medicinal composition and method of using it
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Turmeric The staple spice found in every Indian household is packed with myriad medicinal properties. The presence of wide range of vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber and proteins makes it a powerful anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, expectorant, antifungal, antiseptic, carminative and anti-carcinogenic agent -- just perfect to relieve that annoying sore throat.