The throat is the gateway to the lungs and the passage for respiration. Traditional Chinese Medicine posits that when external pathogenic dryness invades the lungs, it consumes the body's fluids, leading to a loss of lung moisture and impaired function. This results in symptoms such as a dry, sore throat and an itchy throat. Therefore, treating a dry, itchy throat should focus on nourishing the lung yin and expelling pathogenic dryness. For daily prevention, one can choose certain beverages to protect the throat and alleviate soreness. Below are several simple herbal drinks that can easily resolve a dry, itchy throat at home.
◆Luo Han Guo Tea: Preparation: Soak one Luo Han Guo fruit in hot water. Luo Han Guo has the effects of clearing the lungs, moistening the throat, and relieving constipation. It is very effective for a sore throat and dry, itchy throat. However, it is important to note that this product has a laxative effect. For those with a dry, itchy throat accompanied by constipation, it is a good daily drink. But for those who are prone to diarrhea, it is best to take it as little as possible.
◆Water Chestnut and Pear Soup: Preparation: Use 10 water chestnuts, washed and peeled, and 2 pears, peeled, cored, and cut into pieces. Add an appropriate amount of water and bring to a boil. A little rock sugar can be added. Drink it all at once or in multiple portions. Water chestnuts can quench thirst and detoxify, while also warming the middle and replenishing qi. When used with pears, it prevents the cold nature of pears from damaging the stomach. In fact, mashing the water chestnuts to extract the juice and drinking it directly can also treat acute and chronic throat discomfort.
◆Platycodon Root Tea: Preparation: Soak 15 grams of Platycodon root and 30 grams of licorice in hot water. Platycodon root helps to ventilate the lungs, expel phlegm, and drain pus, while licorice has the effect of clearing heat and detoxifying. Licorice extinguishes fire, and Platycodon root ventilates the lungs. When heat is expelled and the lung's orifices are cleared, the symptoms of a dry, itchy, and sore throat will naturally subside.
◆Fresh Ginger and Radish Juice: Preparation: Take 100 grams of white radish and 50 grams of fresh ginger. Wash and blend them to extract the juice, then mix and hold in the mouth before swallowing. White radish can reduce heat and stop coughing, while fresh ginger can regulate qi, stop nausea, and resolve phlegm and expel cold. When used together, they can help resolve phlegm and quench thirst. The fresh juice can also moisten dryness, so this remedy can treat acute and chronic sore throat and hoarseness.