How to Cure a Dry Throat

A dry throat can have many causes. These causes might include allergies, a dry environment, dehydration, talking for a long time or giving a speech, repeated yelling at a ball game, breathing through your mouth, being outside in cold winter weather and smoking. The problem can result in coughing, hoarseness, discomfort and a continual need to clear your throat. Different cures work better for different people, and you may need to try a few before you find one that works for you.

Things You'll Need

• Water
• Herbal tea
• Honey
• Fruit juice
• Ice
• Humidifier or vaporizer
• Sugar-free gum
• Cough drops
• Throat lozenges
• Hard candy

Instructions

1. Drink at least 6 cups of water a day, and sip it throughout the day. You might be a bit dehydrated and not even feel thirsty.

2. Drink herbal tea with honey to soothe the throat. Try herbal teas that include ginger, eucalyptus, chamomile or lemon.

3. Drink fruit juice on ice if warm tea doesn't do the trick. As with the water, sip it slowly to soothe your dry throat.

4. Add moisture to your home with a humidifier or vaporizer, especially if you live in a dry desert climate, or if you're running the furnace or woodstove.

5. Chew sugar-free gum, because gum promotes saliva flow, which will ease your dry throat.

6. Suck on cough drops, throat lozenges or hard candy. These also stimulate saliva production. If you prefer cough drops or candy with sugar, make sure to rinse your mouth with water afterward or brush your teeth as soon as you can.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid caffeinated and alcoholic beverages, because they are dehydrating.

• Avoid salty foods, because salt dries out the mouth and throat.

References

• Vocal Problems in Teachers

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish