Delhi Battles Post-Diwali Pollution: Gur, Turmeric Milk and Other Ways to Relieve a Sore Throat

Delhi’s Post-Diwali Pollution Takes a Toll on Health: Gur, Haldi Doodh and Home Remedies to Soothe a Sore Throat

The festive celebrations of Diwali may have ended, but Delhi residents continue to grapple with the consequences of deteriorating air quality. A thick layer of smog has engulfed the national capital, leaving many people complaining of throat irritation, persistent coughing, nasal discomfort and breathing difficulties.

Delhi’s air quality remained in the Very Poor category on Monday, November 9, 2026. According to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) readings recorded around 7 AM, the city’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 376. Several monitoring stations reported Severe air quality, including Sonia Vihar at 449, Burari Crossing at 445 and Vivek Vihar at 441.

The pollution situation worsened after Diwali celebrations, when firecracker emissions added to the existing burden of vehicular and industrial pollution. PM2.5 concentrations had already climbed to more than four times the national 24-hour permissible limit on Diwali evening.

Low wind speeds and unfavourable atmospheric conditions further contributed to the accumulation of pollutants near the ground. With forecasts indicating that air quality could remain in the Very Poor to Severe range for several days, residents have been advised to minimise exposure.

While wearing protective masks, staying indoors and using air purifiers can help reduce exposure, traditional Indian kitchen ingredients such as jaggery, turmeric, ginger and honey are commonly used to provide temporary relief from mild throat irritation.

These home remedies may help soothe discomfort, but they cannot reverse the effects of pollution or treat underlying respiratory problems.

Why Does Post-Diwali Smog Cause Throat Irritation?

Firecrackers release a mixture of harmful gases and particulate matter into the atmosphere. When combined with emissions from vehicles, industries and other sources, they contribute to a significant deterioration in air quality.

PM2.5 is particularly concerning because these microscopic particles have a diameter of 2.5 micrometres or less. They can penetrate deep into the respiratory system, irritate the airways and aggravate existing lung conditions.

Common symptoms associated with exposure to polluted air include:

• Dryness and irritation in the throat.
• Persistent coughing and sneezing.
• Burning or irritation in the eyes and nose.
• Chest discomfort and tightness.
• Wheezing and difficulty breathing.

Children, older adults and people with asthma or other respiratory illnesses may be particularly vulnerable.

Home Remedies to Soothe a Sore Throat During Pollution Season

Traditional Indian ingredients are often used to manage mild throat discomfort. Here are some familiar options that may provide temporary soothing relief.

1. Haldi Doodh (Turmeric Milk)

Turmeric has traditionally been valued for its anti-inflammatory properties. Adding a small quantity of turmeric to warm milk creates the familiar haldi doodh, a popular household drink during the winter months.

Drinking it warm may help soothe throat discomfort and provide a comforting effect. However, there is limited clinical evidence that turmeric milk can protect against pollution-related respiratory damage.

2. Ginger and Tulsi

Ginger and tulsi are widely used in Indian households to prepare herbal drinks for coughs and throat irritation.

Fresh ginger can be boiled in water to make a warm infusion, while tulsi leaves can be added to tea. A little honey may also be included to improve the taste and soothe coughing.

These preparations may offer temporary comfort, although they should not be considered substitutes for medical treatment.

3. Black Pepper, Mulethi and Ajwain

Black pepper, mulethi (licorice root) and ajwain (carom seeds) are commonly found in traditional Indian home remedies.

Black pepper: A small quantity added to warm water or a herbal drink is traditionally used during periods of congestion.

Mulethi: Licorice tea is traditionally consumed to soothe throat dryness and mild coughing. However, excessive consumption can cause high blood pressure and other complications, particularly in people with existing health conditions.

Ajwain: Ajwain-infused warm water is another traditional preparation used for mild congestion. Avoid steam inhalation over boiling water because of the risk of burns.

4. Gur (Jaggery)

Jaggery is a familiar ingredient in Indian winter diets and is often consumed to soothe throat discomfort.

A small piece of gur can be allowed to dissolve slowly in the mouth or mixed into warm water or milk. It can also be combined with ginger or turmeric to prepare a traditional warm drink.

Although jaggery may provide a soothing effect, there is no strong scientific evidence that it removes pollutants from the lungs or detoxifies the respiratory system. People with diabetes should also be mindful of its sugar content.

5. Honey and Warm Water

Honey is commonly used to ease coughing and soothe an irritated throat. Mixing a teaspoon of honey into lukewarm water can provide temporary relief from dryness and coughing.

It should not be given to children below one year of age because of the risk of infant botulism.

How to Protect Your Throat and Lungs From Delhi’s Pollution

Home remedies alone cannot protect the respiratory system from harmful pollutants. Reducing exposure remains the most effective precaution during periods of poor air quality.

Some important measures include:

Wear an N95 mask: Use a properly fitted N95 respirator whenever outdoor travel is unavoidable.

Avoid outdoor exercise: Running, cycling and strenuous physical activities can increase the amount of polluted air inhaled.

Use a HEPA air purifier: A properly sized air purifier can reduce indoor concentrations of airborne particles.

Keep windows closed: Restrict outdoor air entering the house when pollution levels are particularly high. Ventilate when outdoor air quality improves.

Avoid indoor smoke: Incense sticks, mosquito coils, candles and cigarette smoke can further deteriorate indoor air quality.

Stay hydrated: Drink enough water to prevent throat dryness and maintain normal hydration.

Extra precautions should be taken for children, senior citizens, pregnant women and individuals with existing respiratory conditions.

When Should You Consult a Doctor?

Throat irritation caused by exposure to polluted air may improve when exposure is reduced. However, symptoms should not be ignored if they persist or become more severe.

Consult a healthcare professional if you experience continuous coughing, worsening throat pain, wheezing, chest tightness or breathlessness.

Severe difficulty in breathing, chest pain or bluish discolouration of the lips requires immediate medical attention.

People with asthma, COPD and other chronic respiratory conditions should continue their prescribed medications and seek medical advice if their symptoms worsen.

As Delhi continues to battle post-Diwali smog, the priority should be reducing exposure to polluted air. Traditional remedies such as haldi doodh, ginger tea, honey and gur may offer some comfort, but masks, indoor air purification and limiting outdoor activities remain essential measures for protecting respiratory health.