Ask Ayurveda

/
/
/
What are the best Ayurvedic antibiotics for throat infection?
FREE! Ask an Ayurvedic Doctor — 24/7
Connect with Ayurvedic doctors 24/7. Ask anything, get expert help today.
Ear, Nose, and Throat Disorders
Question #16593
175 days ago
263

What are the best Ayurvedic antibiotics for throat infection? - #16593

Brooklyn

For the past few weeks, I’ve been dealing with a throat infection that just won’t go away. It started as a mild sore throat, but then my tonsils got swollen, and I had difficulty swallowing. I even got a mild fever for a couple of days, and my voice became hoarse. I took regular antibiotics prescribed by my doctor, but the infection came back within two weeks. This keeps happening to me every few months. Every time I take antibiotics, it goes away temporarily, but then after a while, my throat feels scratchy and inflamed again. I’m starting to think that taking antibiotics over and over again is making my immune system weaker instead of solving the actual issue. I know that Ayurveda has natural antibiotics for throat infections, but I don’t know which ones work best. Are there specific herbs or home remedies that can fight throat infections without damaging gut health? I’ve heard about things like turmeric, mulethi (licorice), and tulsi, but I don’t know how to use them correctly. Also, could my recurring throat infections be related to excess Kapha dosha? I’ve noticed that I get a lot of mucus buildup in my throat, especially in the morning. If that’s the case, how can I balance it naturally? Should I change my diet or avoid certain foods to prevent these constant infections? I really don’t want to keep taking antibiotics again and again. If there’s a natural Ayurvedic approach to boosting immunity and preventing throat infections, I’d love to know. Any advice would be really helpful!

FREE
Question is closed
FREE! Ask an Ayurvedic Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymous
Get expert answers anytime,
completely confidential.
No sign-up needed.
CTA image

Doctors’ responses

Recurring throat infections are often linked to low immunity, chronic inflammation, and an imbalance in Kapha and Pitta doshas in Ayurveda. Kapha dosha causes mucus buildup, congestion, and heaviness in the throat, while Pitta dosha can lead to inflammation, redness, and burning sensations. Since antibiotics provide only temporary relief and disrupt gut health, a holistic Ayurvedic approach focuses on boosting immunity, reducing inflammation, and balancing Kapha naturally to prevent future infections.

Several Ayurvedic remedies can help fight throat infections effectively. Turmeric (Haldi) with warm milk or honey has strong antimicrobial properties to soothe the throat and reduce inflammation. Mulethi (licorice root) tea or powder mixed with honey helps coat and heal the throat while acting as a natural expectorant to clear mucus. Tulsi (holy basil) tea is excellent for strengthening the respiratory system and preventing recurrent infections. Additionally, gargling with warm salt water or a decoction of Triphala or Yashtimadhu (licorice) can help reduce swelling and kill bacteria in the throat. Steam inhalation with eucalyptus or ajwain (carom seeds) can also clear excess mucus.

To prevent frequent throat infections, Ayurveda recommends dietary and lifestyle modifications. Avoid cold, dairy-heavy, or excessively sweet foods, as they increase Kapha and mucus buildup. Instead, focus on warm, easily digestible foods like soups, herbal teas, and light grains. Drinking hot water with ginger and honey can help keep the throat clear. Strengthening immunity is key—taking Chyawanprash (an Ayurvedic immunity booster), Ashwagandha, or Guduchi (Giloy) can enhance the body’s resistance to infections. Regular Pranayama (breathing exercises like Bhastrika and Anulom Vilom) helps clear congestion and improve lung function. Making these adjustments can gradually reduce dependency on antibiotics and prevent future throat infections naturally.

11913 answered questions
78% best answers
Accepted response

0 replies

Ah, isn’t it annoying when the throat just doesn’t want to calm down? From an Ayurvedic standpoint, you’re onto something by suspecting that an imbalance in the Kapha dosha could be playing a role here. When Kapha gets aggravated, you often see those symptoms like mucus buildup, and infections can pop up, you know? You’re tackling this in the right way by trying to move away from antibiotics and towards something more natural.

Now, let’s talk herbs. Turmeric, for instance, is a real gem here. It’s known for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. You could try a simple turmeric gargle - just mix 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric with a pinch of salt in a glass of warm water, and gargle this a couple of times a day. And, yes, the old trusty mulethi (licorice) is another hero. A tea using licorice root might help ease that discomfort. But be careful if you have high blood pressure as too much mulethi isn’t the best in that case.

Tulsi (holy basil) is another excellent choice. You could just brew some fresh or dry tulsi leaves in hot water and sip it slowly during the day. It works not only for the throat but is good for boosting immunity as well.

Now about that Kapha dosha, since it might need some balancing. It’s usually a good idea to avoid cold or heavy foods, you know, dairy, or anything that’s too oily or raw. Instead, choosing warm foods, and spicy things like ginger could really help. Ginger tea before meals could stimulate digestion and balance Kapha.

Besides, make sure that you’re staying hydrated with warm water rather than cold. And, try to include more of a variety of vegetables and some pungent spices in your diet.

Oh, let me not forget to talk about the immunity part. Ayurveda says a lot about strengthening your “ojas” - that vital essence which improves immunity. Eating amla or Indian gooseberry can be beneficial here, it’s loaded with vitamin C!

Lastly, if these infections keep recurring, you might want to check your lifestyle habits. Proper rest, reducing stress levels, and maybe even practicing yoga or pranayama could be helpful. But, if things seem to worsen, do make sure to also consult with your healthcare provider. Having an integrated approach can never hurt, huh?

1742 answered questions
27% best answers

0 replies
Speech bubble
FREE! Ask an Ayurvedic doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymous

600+ certified Ayurvedic experts. No sign-up.

About our doctors

Only qualified ayurvedic doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.


Related questions

Doctors online

Dr. Kanchana
I am an Ayurvedic Gynaecologist working mostly with women who’ve been struggling silently with their cycles, hormonal issues or other chronic things that they feel just aren’t getting solved with regular meds. I focus on using classical Ayurvedic medicine — not some generic formula, but stuff that’s really matched to their dosha, lifestyle, history etc. Honestly, many of them come to me after trying everything else n still not feeling right... and I totally get that frustration. My main area is managing gynaecological problems like PCOS, irregular periods, heavy bleeding, painful cycles, white discharge, infertility, and even menopause-related discomfort — all through an Ayurvedic lens. I don’t just treat the symptom n send them off... I look at the root cause. Sometimes it’s digestion, sometimes stress, sometimes a history of long medication use — every case is different. I use a mix of Shamana Aushadhi (internal palliative meds), rasayana support, and if needed, Panchakarma therapies (like uttar basti for chronic cases). Lot of people don’t realise how deep Ayurveda can go in women’s health. It’s not just oil massage n detox — it’s a full system that can restore balance when applied right. I work closely with each patient — listen fully, go through their history, explain what’s going on, then offer a practical plan that’s doable even if they’re busy or tired or scared things won’t change. I'm here for women who feel dismissed or unheard... whether it's teenage hormonal acne, repeated UTIs, or things like ovarian cysts or thin endometrium. If your cycle or your system feel "off" but no one's really connecting the dots — that’s where Ayurveda really shines. And I’m happy to help bridge that gap.
0 reviews
Dr. Deepali Goswami
I am Dr. Deepali Goswami, BAMS graduate n working mainly around women's health. Right now m running my own clinic where i treat all kind of gyne problems—from irregular periods to PCOD, white discharge, fertility-related issues, menopausal symptoms n lot more that affects everyday life of females. I usually try to keep the language simple while dealing with patients cause honestly half of them come already confused or like really scared of what's happening inside their body... and if I use too much technical terms it just make it worse. I’ve been practicing in this space for couple of years now—don’t remember the exact month, maybe two or three year back? but anyway, what matters is I’ve seen how many of these problems get ignored till they turn serious. That’s something I feel strongly about. My goal is to help women understand their symptoms early and explain how Ayurveda can help gently but properly, whether it’s hormonal stuff or pain or cycle issues. I use classic Ayurvedic concepts like dosha analysis, ritucharya, n yoni vyapad chikitsa wherever it fits, but sometimes modern lifestyle really needs to be factored in too. Like if someone working night shift, no point telling them to wake up at 5am and do abhyanga daily—it won’t work. I’m practical about it. Anyway, I try my best to create a space where women feel heard. Lot of them said nobody actually explained them what’s going on before. And that’s like the saddest part. I feel my biggest strength is really just listening n tailoring the treatment to her routine, diet n stress pattern. Some cases are harder of course... things don’t always go fast, esp when it’s been neglected for yrs. But then Ayurveda’s not magic. It takes a little time—but results feel real n lasting when done right.
5
16 reviews
Dr. Ayush Varma
Graduating with an MD in Ayurvedic Medicine from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in 2008, he brings over 15 years of expertise in integrative healthcare. Specializing in complex chronic conditions, including autoimmune disorders, metabolic syndromes, and digestive health, he uses a patient-centered approach that focuses on root causes. Certified in Panchakarma Therapy and Rasayana (rejuvenation), he is known for combining traditional Ayurvedic practices with modern diagnostics. Actively involved in research, he has contributed to studies on Ayurveda’s role in managing diabetes, stress, and immunity. A sought-after speaker at wellness conferences, he practices at a reputable Ayurvedic wellness center, dedicated to advancing Ayurveda’s role in holistic health and preventive care.
4.95
20 reviews
Dr. Kirankumari Rathod
I am someone who kinda grew into Panchakarma without planning it much at first... just knew I wanted to understand the deeper layers of Ayurveda, not just the surface stuff. I did both my graduation and post-grad from Govt. Ayurveda Medical College & Hospital in Bangalore — honestly that place shaped a lot of how I think about healing, especially long-term healing. After my PG, I started working right away as an Assistant Professor & consultant in the Panchakarma dept at a private Ayurveda college. Teaching kinda made me realise how much we ourselves learn by explaining things to others... and watching patients go through their detox journeys—real raw healing—was where I got hooked. Now, with around 6 years of clinical exp in Panchakarma practice, I'm working as an Associate Professor, still in the same dept., still learning, still teaching. I focus a lot on individualised protocols—Ayurveda isn't one-size-fits-all and honestly, that’s what makes it tricky but also beautiful. Right now I’m also doing my PhD, it’s on female infertility—a topic I feel not just academically drawn to but personally invested in, cause I see how complex and layered it gets for many women. Managing that along with academics and patient care isn’t super easy, I won’t lie, but it kinda fuels each other. The classroom work helps my clinical thinking, and my clinical work makes me question things in research more sharply. There's a lot I still wanna explore—especially in how we explain Panchakarma better to newer patients. Many people still think it's just oil massage or some spa thing but the depth is wayyy beyond that. I guess I keep hoping to make that clarity come through—whether it’s in class or during a consult or even during a quick OPD chat.
5
8 reviews
Dr. Nisha Bisht
I am an Ayurvedic physician with over 10 years of real, everyday experience—both in the clinical side and in managing systems behind the scenes. My journey started at Jiva Ayurveda in Faridabad, where I spent around 3 years juggling in-clinic and telemedicine consultations. That time taught me how different patient care can look when it’s just you, the person’s voice, and classical texts. No fancy setups—just your grasp on nidan and your ability to *listen properly*. Then I moved into a Medical Officer role at Uttaranchal Ayurved College in Dehradun, where I stayed for 7 years. It was more than just outpatient care—I was also involved in academic work, teaching students while continuing to treat patients. That phase really pushed me to re-read things with new eyes. You explain something to students one day and then end up applying it differently the next day on a patient. The loop between theory and practice became sharper there. Right now, I’m working as Deputy Medical Superintendent at Shivalik Hospital (part of the Shivalik Ayurved Institute in Dehradun). It’s a dual role—consulting patients *and* making sure the hospital ops run smooth. I get to ensure that the Ayurvedic care we deliver is both clinically sound and logistically strong. From patient case planning to supporting clinical staff and overseeing treatment quality—I keep an eye on all of it. Across all these years, my focus hasn’t changed much—I still work to blend classical Ayurved with today’s healthcare structure in a way that feels practical, safe and real. I don’t believe in overloading patients or selling “quick detox” ideas. I work on balancing doshas, rebuilding agni, planning proper chikitsa based on the person’s condition and constitution. Whether it’s lifestyle disorders, seasonal issues, chronic cases, or plain unexplained fatigue—I try to reach the cause before anything else. I still believe that Ayurved works best when it’s applied with clarity and humility—not overcomplicated or oversold. That’s the approach I carry into every patient room and every team meeting. It’s a long road, but it’s one I’m fully walking.
5
227 reviews
Dr. Khushboo
I am someone who kinda started out in both worlds—Ayurveda and allopathy—and that mix really shaped how I see health today. My clinical journey began with 6 months of hands-on allopathic exposure at District Hospital Sitapur. Honestly, that place was intense. Fast-paced, high patient flow, constant cases of chronic and acute illnesses coming through. That taught me a lot about how to see disease. Not just treat it, but like… notice the patterns, get better at real-time diagnosis, really listen to what the patient isn’t saying out loud sometimes. It gave me this sharper sense of clinical grounding which I think still stays with me. Then I moved more deeply into Ayurveda and spent another 6 months diving into clinical training focused on Panchakarma therapies. Stuff like Abhyanga, Basti, Shirodhara—learned those not just as a list of techniques, but how and when to use 'em, especially for detox and deep healing. Every case felt like a different puzzle. There wasn’t always one right answer, you know? And that’s where I found I loved adapting protocols based on what the person actually needed, not just what the textbook says. Alongside that, I got certified in Garbha Sanskar through structured training. That really pulled me closer to maternal health. Pregnancy support through Ayurveda isn’t just about herbs or massage, it’s like this entire way of guiding a mother-to-be toward nourishing the baby right from conception—emotionally, physically, all of it. That part stuck with me hard. My overall approach? It’s kinda fluid. I believe in balancing natural therapies and evidence-based thinking. Whether it's seasonal imbalance, hormonal issues, Panchakarma detox plans, or just guiding someone on long-term wellness—I like making people feel safe, heard, and actually understood. I’m not into rushing plans or masking symptoms. I’d rather work together with someone to build something sustainable that really suits their body and where they’re at. In a way, I’m still learning every day. But my focus stays the same—use Ayurvedic wisdom practically, compassionately, and in a way that just... makes sense in real life.
5
78 reviews
Dr. Anirudh Deshmukh
I am Dr Anurag Sharma, done with BAMS and also PGDHCM from IMS BHU, which honestly shaped a lot of how I approach things now in clinic. Working as a physician and also as an anorectal surgeon, I’ve got around 2 to 3 years of solid experience—tho like, every day still teaches me something new. I mainly focus on anorectal care (like piles, fissure, fistula stuff), plus I work with chronic pain cases too. Pain management is something I feel really invested in—seeing someone walk in barely managing and then leave with actual relief, that hits different. I’m not really the fancy talk type, but I try to keep my patients super informed, not just hand out meds n move on. Each case needs a bit of thinking—some need Ksharasutra or minor para surgical stuff, while others are just lifestyle tweaks and herbal meds. I like mixing the Ayurved principles with modern insights when I can, coz both sides got value really. It’s like—knowing when to go gentle and when to be precise. Right now I’m working hard on getting even better with surgical skills, but also want to help people get to me before surgery's the only option. Had few complicated cases where patience n consistency paid off—no shortcuts but yeah, worth it. The whole point for me is to actually listen first, like proper listen. People talk about symptoms but also say what they feel—and that helps in understanding more than any lab report sometimes. I just want to stay grounded in my work, and keep growing while doing what I can to make someone's pain bit less every day.
0 reviews
Dr. Prasad Pentakota
ChatGPT said: I am Dr. P. Prasad, and I’ve been in this field for 20+ years now, working kinda across the board—General Medicine, Neurology, Dermatology, Cardiology—you name it. Didn’t start out thinking I’d end up spanning that wide, but over time, each area sort of pulled me in deeper. And honestly, I like that mix. It lets me look at a patient not just through one lens but a whole system-wide view... makes more sense when treating something that won’t fit neatly in one category. I’ve handled everything from day-to-day stuff like hypertension, diabetes, or skin infections to more serious neuro and cardiac problems. Some cases are quick—diagnose, treat, done. Others take time, repeated check-ins, figuring out what’s really going on beneath those usual symptoms. And that’s where the detail matters. I’m pretty big on thorough diagnosis and patient education—because half the problem is ppl just not knowing what’s happening inside their own body. What’s changed for me over years isn’t just knowledge, it’s how much I lean on listening. If you miss what someone didn’t say, you might also miss their actual illness. And idk, after seeing it play out so many times, I do believe combining updated medical practice with basic empathy really shifts outcomes. Doesn’t have to be complicated... it just has to be consistent. I keep up with research too—new drugs, diagnostics, cross-specialty updates etc., not because it’s trendy, but cuz it’s necessary. Patients come in better read now than ever. You can’t afford to fall behind. The end goal’s the same tho—help them heal right, not just fast. Ethical practice, evidence-based, and sometimes just being there to explain what’s going on. That’s what I stick to.
5
290 reviews
Dr. Snehal Vidhate
I am Dr. Snehal Vidhate, an Ayurvedic physician from Maharashtra, committed to promoting authentic and effective Ayurvedic healing. I completed my BAMS from YMT Ayurvedic Medical College, Kharghar, where I built a strong foundation in classical Ayurvedic science. After graduation, I was fortunate to be selected for the prestigious Certificate Course of Rashtriya Ayurveda Vidyapeeth, Delhi. Through this program, I had the unique opportunity to learn traditional and authentic Kerala Ayurveda under the mentorship of my Guru, Prof. Dr. G.G. Gangadharan, a highly respected name in the field. Currently, I am pursuing my MD in Panchakarma from the renowned Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara (SDM) Ayurveda College, Bangalore. This advanced training is enhancing my understanding of specialized Ayurvedic detoxification and rejuvenation therapies, allowing me to integrate classical Panchakarma techniques into modern clinical practice effectively. My clinical approach combines deep-rooted traditional knowledge with scientific understanding to offer personalized care for a variety of chronic and lifestyle disorders. I am passionate about utilizing Ayurveda not just for disease management but also for preventive healthcare and wellness promotion. I am dedicated to helping my patients achieve sustainable health by addressing the root cause of ailments through holistic treatments, Panchakarma therapies, lifestyle counseling, and dietetics.
5
50 reviews
Dr. Ravi Chandra Rushi
I am working right now as a Consultant Ayurvedic Ano-Rectal Surgeon at Bhrigu Maharishi Ayurvedic Hospital in Nalgonda—and yeah, that name’s quite something, but what really keeps me here is the kind of cases we get. My main focus is managing ano-rectal disorders like piles (Arsha), fistula-in-ano (Bhagandara), fissure-in-ano (Parikartika), pilonidal sinus, and rectal polyps. These are often more complex than they look at first, and they get misdiagnosed or overtreated in a lotta places. That’s where our classical tools come in—Ksharasutra therapy, Agnikarma, and a few other para-surgical techniques we follow from the Samhitas...they’ve been lifesavers honestly. My work here pushes me to keep refining surgical precision while also sticking to the Ayurvedic core. I do rely on modern diagnostics when needed, but I won’t replace the value of a well-done Nadi Pariksha or assessing dosha-vikruti in depth. Most of my patients come with pain, fear, and usually after a couple of rounds of either incomplete surgeries or just being fed painkillers n antibiotics. And I totally get that frustration. That’s why I combine surgery with a whole support plan—Ayurvedic meds, diet changes, lifestyle tweaks that actually match their prakriti. Not generic stuff off a handout. Over time, I’ve seen that when people follow the whole protocol, not just the procedure part, the recurrence drops a lot. I’m quite particular about follow-up and wound care too, ‘cause we’re dealing with delicate areas here and ignoring post-op can ruin outcomes. Oh and yeah—I care a lot about educating folks too. I talk to patients in OPD, sometimes give community talks, just to tell people they do have safer options than cutting everything out under GA! I still study Shalya Tantra like it’s a living document. I try to stay updated with whatever credible advancements are happening in Ayurvedic surgery, but I filter what’s fluff and what’s actually useful. At the end of the day, my aim is to offer respectful, outcome-based care that lets patients walk out without shame or fear. That’s really what keeps me grounded in this field.
5
10 reviews
Dr. Keerthana PV
I am an Ayurvedic doctor who kinda grew into this path naturally—my roots are in Kerala, and I did my internship at VPSV Ayurveda College in Kottakkal, which honestly was one of the most eye-opening stages of my life. That place isn’t just a college, it’s a deep well of real Ayurveda. The kind that’s lived, not just studied. During my time there, I didn’t just observe—I *practiced*. Diagnosing, treating, understanding the patient beyond their symptoms, all that hands-on stuff that textbooks don’t really teach. It’s where I learned the rhythm of classical Kerala Ayurveda, the art of pulse reading, and how Panchakarma ain’t just about detox but more about deep repair. I work closely with patients—always felt more like a guide than just a doctor tbh. Whether it's about fixing a chronic issue or preventing one from happening, I focus on the full picture. I give a lot of attention to diet (pathya), routine, mental clutter, and stress stuff. Counseling on these isn’t an ‘extra’—I see it as a part of healing. And not the preachy kind either, more like what works *for you*, your lifestyle, your space. Also yeah—I’m a certified Smrithi Meditation Consultant from Kottakkal Ayurveda School of Excellence. This kinda allowed me to mix mindfulness with medicine, which I find super important, especially in today’s distracted world. I integrate meditation where needed—some patients need a virechana, some just need to breathe better before they sleep. There’s no one-size-fits-all and I kinda like that part of my job the most. I don’t claim to know it all, but I listen deeply, treat with care, and stay true to the Ayurvedic principles I was trained in. My role feels less about ‘curing’ and more about nudging people back to their natural balance... it’s not quick or flashy, but it feels right.
5
100 reviews

Latest reviews

Samuel
2 hours ago
Thanks a ton, doc! Your suggestion for Takradhara was super helpful. Didnt know where to start otherwise. Appreciate it!
Thanks a ton, doc! Your suggestion for Takradhara was super helpful. Didnt know where to start otherwise. Appreciate it!
Jaxon
7 hours ago
Thanks, doc! Your advice was comforting. I appreciate the clear steps on diet and lifestyle. Definitely gonna try the turmeric tip!
Thanks, doc! Your advice was comforting. I appreciate the clear steps on diet and lifestyle. Definitely gonna try the turmeric tip!
Olivia
7 hours ago
Thanks a lot for the reassurance. Your advice to consult locally makes a lot of sense and definitely calms my nerves. Appreciate it!
Thanks a lot for the reassurance. Your advice to consult locally makes a lot of sense and definitely calms my nerves. Appreciate it!
Samuel
7 hours ago
Thank you so much for the advice! Feeling relieved knowing what steps to take for my son. The clear explanation really helps. 👍🏽
Thank you so much for the advice! Feeling relieved knowing what steps to take for my son. The clear explanation really helps. 👍🏽