Dry Throat: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Dry throat, also known as pharyngitis or xerostomia, refers to a condition characterized by an abnormally dry and irritated throat, often accompanied by a persistent cough and hoarseness.

The causes of dry throat can be attributed to environmental factors such as dry air, excessive screaming or talking, and consumption of hot beverages, as well as underlying health conditions like diabetes, sinus infections, and thyroid disorders. Prolonged dry throat can lead to complications such as vocal cord strain, throat ulcers, and increased susceptibility to respiratory infections.

To alleviate dry throat, herbal remedies like slippery elm, marshmallow root, and licorice root can be used to soothe and moisturize the throat. These herbs can be consumed as teas or added to warm water to create a soothing drink. However, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional before using medicinal herbs, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or allergies.

Furthermore, individuals with high blood pressure or kidney disease should exercise caution when consuming licorice root, as it may interact with medications or exacerbate existing conditions.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of dry throat, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of dry throat?

The main causes of dry throat are dehydration, which can be caused by inadequate water intake or excessive sweating, often due to physical activity or hot weather.

Infections such as a cold, flu, or sinusitis can also contribute to dryness in the throat, as they can cause inflammation and mucus production. Other factors include allergies, smoking, and exposure to pollutants like dust, smoke, and chemicals, which can dry out the mucous membranes in the throat. Additionally, certain medications like decongestants, antihistamines, and pain relievers can dry out the throat as a side effect.

Furthermore, a lack of humidity in the air, often in air-conditioned spaces, can also contribute to dry throat.

• Dehydration: Dehydration is the most common cause of dry throat due to the insufficient amount of water in the body, which leads to a decrease in saliva production and a dryness in the throat.
• Allergies: Allergies are a common cause of dry throat as they trigger the production of excess mucus, which can cause the throat to feel dry and irritated.
• Air pollution: Air pollution is a common cause of dry throat due to the presence of airborne particles and chemicals that can dry out the mucous membranes in the throat.
• Smoking: Smoking is a common cause of dry throat due to the chemicals and tar in cigarette smoke that can dry out the mucous membranes in the throat and reduce saliva production.
• Acid reflux: Acid reflux is a common cause of dry throat as the stomach acid that flows up into the throat can cause irritation and dryness.
• Medications: Medications such as decongestants, antihistamines, and blood pressure medications can cause dry mouth and dry throat as a side effect.
• Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes during menopause, pregnancy, or thyroid disorders can cause dry mouth and dry throat due to changes in saliva production.
• Anxiety and stress: Anxiety and stress can cause dry mouth and dry throat due to the increased production of stress hormones that can reduce saliva production.
• Asthma: Asthma is a common cause of dry throat due to the inflammation and irritation of the airways that can cause the throat to feel dry and irritated.
• Colds and flu: Colds and flu are common causes of dry throat due to the inflammation and irritation of the mucous membranes in the throat caused by viral infections.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for dry throat?

The main medicinal herbs used for dry throat are Glycyrrhiza glabra, Echinacea purpurea, Thymus vulgaris, Eucalyptus globulus, Zingiber officinale, Ulmus rubra, Mentha x piperita, Althaea officinalis, Sambucus nigra, Lavandula angustifolia.

Glycyrrhiza glabra's glycyrrhizin soothes and protects mucous membranes, while Echinacea purpurea's immunomodulatory properties help combat underlying infections. Thymus vulgaris, Eucalyptus globulus, and Lavandula angustifolia's essential oils exhibit expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties, relieving congestion and soothing the throat. Zingiber officinale's gingerols and Ulmus rubra's salicin exhibit anti-inflammatory properties, reducing swelling and pain.

Althaea officinalis's mucilages and Mentha x piperita's menthol help to moisturize and calm the mucous membranes, providing quick relief from dry throat symptoms.

• Glycyrrhiza glabra: Glycyrrhiza glabra helps with dry throat due to its anti-inflammatory properties and the ability of its glycosides to soothe and protect the mucous membranes.
• Echinacea purpurea: Echinacea purpurea has anti-inflammatory properties and immunomodulatory effects that help reduce swelling and promote healing in the throat, alleviating dryness.
• Thymus vulgaris: Thymus vulgaris helps with dry throat through its antimicrobial properties, which reduce the severity of infections and promote a healthy environment for the mucous membranes.
• Eucalyptus globulus: Eucalyptus globulus helps with dry throat due to its decongestant and expectorant properties, which help to loosen and clear mucus, reducing the dryness and discomfort.
• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale helps with dry throat through its anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to stimulate digestion and circulation, promoting a healthy environment for the mucous membranes.
• Ulmus rubra: Ulmus rubra has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help to soothe and protect the mucous membranes, reducing dryness and discomfort in the throat.
• Mentha x piperita: Mentha x piperita helps with dry throat due to its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce the severity of infections and promote a healthy environment for the mucous membranes.
• Althaea officinalis: Althaea officinalis helps with dry throat through its demulcent properties, which form a protective barrier on the mucous membranes, soothing and calming the throat.
• Sambucus nigra: Sambucus nigra has anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties that help to reduce the severity of infections and promote a healthy environment for the mucous membranes, alleviating dryness in the throat.
• Lavandula angustifolia: Lavandula angustifolia helps with dry throat through its calming and soothing effects, which reduce stress and promote relaxation, helping to alleviate dryness and discomfort in the throat.

What are the main herbal preparations used for dry throat?

The main herbal preparations used for dry throat are Lozenges, Decoction, Gargle, Tincture, Capsules, Tea, Salve, Syrup, Cream, Poultice.

Lozenges are used to temporarily soothe and moisturize the throat with ingredients like honey and slippery elm, while Decoction is a liquid preparation of dried herbs such as licorice root and marshmallow root that can be gargled or taken orally to provide anti-inflammatory and demulcent properties. Gargling with Tincture of Aloe Vera can reduce inflammation and provide immediate relief, while Capsules containing herbs like thyme and eucalyptus can be swallowed to provide antimicrobial and expectorant effects. Herbal Tea like Peppermint and Ginger can be consumed to provide antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, while Salve and Cream preparations can be applied topically to provide moisturizing and soothing effects on the skin and mucous membranes of the throat.

Poultice made from herbs like slippery elm and plantain can be applied externally to reduce inflammation and promote healing of the throat.

• Lozenges: Lozenges containing the demulcent properties of marshmallow root (Althaea officinalis) help to soothe and protect the mucous membranes in the throat, reducing inflammation and discomfort associated with dry throat.
• Decoction: A decoction of licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) helps to reduce inflammation and dryness in the throat by its anti-inflammatory and demulcent properties, providing relief from dryness and irritation.
• Gargle: A gargle made from the antimicrobial properties of sage (Salvia officinalis) helps to reduce bacterial load and soothe the throat, alleviating dryness and inflammation associated with dry throat.
• Tincture: A tincture of thyme (Thymus vulgaris) containing thymol, a natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory, helps to reduce inflammation and combat bacterial infections in the throat, alleviating dryness and discomfort.
• Capsules: Capsules containing the mucilage of slippery elm (Ulmus rubra) help to protect and soothe the mucous membranes in the throat, reducing inflammation and dryness associated with dry throat.
• Tea: A tea made from the demulcent properties of plantain (Plantago major) helps to soothe and protect the mucous membranes in the throat, reducing inflammation and discomfort associated with dry throat.
• Salve: A salve containing the anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) helps to reduce inflammation and combat bacterial infections in the throat, alleviating dryness and discomfort associated with dry throat.
• Syrup: A syrup made from the demulcent properties of marshmallow root (Althaea officinalis) and the soothing properties of honey helps to soothe and protect the mucous membranes in the throat, reducing inflammation and discomfort associated with dry throat.
• Cream: A cream containing the anti-inflammatory and soothing properties of aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) helps to reduce inflammation and soothe the mucous membranes in the throat, alleviating dryness and discomfort associated with dry throat.
• Poultice: A poultice made from the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of garlic (Allium sativum) helps to reduce bacterial load and combat infections in the throat, alleviating dryness and discomfort associated with dry throat.