"What are the most effective food remedies for treating a dry and hoarse throat?"
Food Therapy for Dry and Hoarse Throat
Food Therapy 1: Balloonflower Soup
Ingredients: 15g balloonflower, 30g licorice, soaked in boiling water. Balloonflower has the effects of promoting lung qi, removing phlegm, soothing the throat, and draining abscesses. Licorice clears heat and detoxifies. Together, licorice clears fire, balloonflower promotes lung qi, allowing heat to escape, and the throat passages to open, naturally alleviating dryness, itching, and pain.
Food Therapy 2: Siraitia grosvenorii Tea
Siraitia grosvenorii can be steeped in boiling water like tea. It clears the lungs, soothes the throat, and lubricates the intestines. It is effective for sore throats and dry, itchy throats. However, note that it has a mild laxative effect. Those prone to diarrhea should consume it in moderation.
Food Therapy 3: Water Chestnut and Pear Soup
Ingredients: 10 water chestnuts, peeled and cleaned, 2 pears, peeled, cored, and cubed. Add an appropriate amount of water, boil, and add a little rock sugar. Drink in one sitting or in several portions. Water chestnuts quench thirst, detoxify, warm the middle, and nourish qi. Combined with pear, it prevents the cold nature of pear from harming the stomach. Alternatively, water chestnuts can be crushed and juiced directly to treat acute or chronic throat discomfort.
Food Therapy 4: Fresh Ginger and Radish Juice
Ingredients: 100g white radish, 50g fresh ginger, washed, crushed, and juiced. Mix and hold in the mouth before swallowing. White radish dispels heat and stops coughs. Fresh ginger regulates qi, stops nausea, removes phlegm, and dispels cold. Together, they can dispel phlegm and stop coughing. The fresh juice also moistens dryness, making it suitable for treating acute or chronic throat pain, loss of voice, etc.
Drinking Water: The Most Effective Method for Dry and Hoarse Throat
After anger, colds, or prolonged speaking, the throat becomes dry and hoarse. Many choose to consume throat lozenges or loquat pastes for relief. In fact, drinking water is the most effective method. Throat lozenges and pastes only provide temporary relief, potentially delaying or masking the underlying issue, further damaging the vocal cords. Professor Tian Yuanchun from the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University advises that drinking water lubricates the vocal cords, reducing throat pain, itching, and dryness. Especially in dry winter, staying hydrated is crucial. Plain water is best, either warm or cold. Avoid sugary sports and amino acid drinks as they can irritate the throat. Drink small sips, allowing the water to fully moisten the throat before swallowing. Morning hydration is essential, and timely hydration between meals after vocal strain is important. Avoid diuretic drinks like strong tea and coffee, which promote water loss. Along with hydration, maintain a healthy diet: avoid spicy foods, alcohol, and smoking; moderate voice use; and refrain from coughing excessively to prevent vocal cord damage.
