Reviewed by medical experts • For informational purposes only
Sore throat correlates with Ayurvedic Kantha Roga including conditions like Galagraha and Rohini characterized by inflammation and pain in the throat. It arises when vitiated Doshas particularly Kapha and Pitta affect the flesh and blood in the throat region often due to consuming incompatible foods like fish with milk or curd and day sleep. Symptoms include difficulty swallowing swelling and intense irritation. Management emphasizes local therapies like Gandusha or gargling with medicated decoctions and sucking on Khadiradi Gutika to soothe the tract. Nasya therapy is beneficial for clearing accumulated Kapha. Treatment also involves avoiding heavy sour foods and adopting a light diet to restore digestive fire and pacify the aggravated Doshas.
Sore Throat is a common condition characterized by pain, irritation, or scratchiness in the throat, often worsened by swallowing. In Ayurveda, throat disorders fall under the category of Kantha Roga (Diseases of the Throat) or Mukha Roga (Diseases of the Oral Cavity). A specific and severe form of throat inflammation described in classical texts is Rohini, which involves painful fleshy growths or inflammation in the throat. General throat pain is also referred to as Kantha Shula.
Modern Definition: Inflammation of the (pharyngitis) or () causing pain and difficulty in swallowing. A condition where the (bio-energies) vitiate the flesh and blood in the throat, producing fleshy sprouts, swelling, and intense pain that can obstruct the passage of food and air.
The Madhava Nidana outlines specific dietary and lifestyle factors that lead to diseases of the mouth and throat.
The symptoms vary based on the specific type of throat disorder:
Madhava Nidana classifies throat diseases (Kantha Roga) into 18 types, including:
Management involves Shodhana (purification) and local treatments like gargling.
WHO – Upper Respiratory Tract Infections
🔗 https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/WHO-IMCI-2014.2
WHO guidance where sore throat is discussed under URTIs.
WHO – Antibiotic Use in Respiratory Infections
🔗 https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/WHO-EMP-IAU-2017.11
Guidelines for rational antibiotic use in throat infections.
Mayo Clinic – Sore Throat
🔗 https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/sore-throat/basics/definition/sym-20050641
Trusted medical explanation.
The Lancet – Acute Pharyngitis
🔗 https://www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/article/PIIS1473-3099(11)70147-1/fulltext
Evidence-based review.
NHP India – गले में खराश
🔗 https://www.nhp.gov.in/disease/ear-nose-throat/sore-throat
Government of India health portal (Hindi & English).
AIIMS – गले का संक्रमण
🔗 https://www.aiims.edu/aiims/healthinfo/throat.htm
Simple Hindi explanation for patients.
Q: Is curd (yogurt) bad for a sore throat?
A: Yes. According to Madhava Nidana, excessive consumption of Dadhi (curd) is explicitly listed as a causative factor (Nidana) for throat and mouth diseases (Mukha Roga) because it increases Kapha and Pitta.
Q: What is the best Ayurvedic pill for sore throat?
A: Khadiradi Gutika is a classical formulation widely prescribed for throat diseases, dental issues, and mouth ulcers. It is kept in the mouth and slowly dissolved.
Q: Can sleeping during the day cause throat problems?
A: Yes. Divaswapna (sleeping during the day) is mentioned as a lifestyle cause for throat disorders as it aggravates the Kapha dosha, leading to congestion and swelling in the throat region.
Q: What is "Rohini" in Ayurveda?
A: Rohini is a severe type of throat disease characterized by painful fleshy growths or severe inflammation that can obstruct the throat. It is often correlated with Diphtheria or severe bacterial pharyngitis/tonsillitis. If it involves all three doshas, it is considered incurable.
Written By
Sathyaprek
BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Varun Gupta
MD Pharmacology, MBBS
Last updated on
Apr 7, 2026 • 06:23 PM (IST)
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