11 Best Teas for Sore Throat that Provide Instant Relief
Changing climatic conditions always lead to several ailments that are common and contagious. This is especially true for rainy seasons when the weather patterns suddenly change from hot to cooler conditions. The body adapts to these conditions by an initial response like fever, cold or cough. In many cases, people suffer from sore throat during this time. It is a highly irritable and painful condition that can be managed by home remedies for sore throat. Many traditional medicinal recipes and teas for sore throat are popular to treat such ailments (1).
The scientific basis for home remedies has been established in many cases. The therapeutic efficacies of ingredients like ginger, turmeric, lemon and other herbs in managing the initial symptoms of fever and cold are well-known and have been incorporated in many formulations as well. Nutritionists support the use of herbal tea as a means to manage common ailments like fever, cold, sore throat, etc.
The chemical constituents of these herbs are known to have a positive effect on such conditions. They contain antioxidants, tannins and other anti-inflammatory agents that aid in the initial treatment of such disorders.
Best teas for sore throat
Because a majority of people prefer to drink tea to feel better, it is only natural that home remedies for many minor illnesses have been developed around tea recipes. Especially for conditions like sore throat, cough, cold and fever, herbal tea recipes are the most popular. Some of the most effective tea recipes for sore throat are outlined below:
1. Turmeric tea
Turmeric is another natural ingredient that is loaded with therapeutic properties. It is one of the oldest known remedies for several inflammatory conditions. Turmeric tea helps to fight the infection and soothes your sore throat (2).
Preparation
To the 4 cups of boiling water add 2 tbsp turmeric powder and simmer for 10 minutes. Strain the contents and allow them to cool.
Benefits
Turmeric has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties which are the most important factor in treating sore throat. The pain and swelling are managed due to these properties. Also, the curcumin content in turmeric has antioxidant properties helping in relieving irritation and redness. You can also try golden milk if you like adding milk to the tea.
Precautions
Generally, there are no marked side effects of turmeric tea. However, some people might experience stomach upset, nausea or dizziness.
Turmeric Tea
2. Chamomile tea
It is one of the most preferred types of flavored tea among the people. Being one of the oldest forms of herbal tea formulations, chamomile is easily available in places (3).
Preparation
Place 3 to 4 tbsp of chamomile tea powder or a tea bag in a cup and add 8 oz of boiling water. Allow to steep for 5 minutes and strain the contents.
Benefits
Research suggests that chamomile helps to lubricate the throat which reduces the hoarseness of voice and pain. Also, chamomile has anti-inflammatory properties which help to manage the swelling and redness in the sore throat.
The antioxidant property helps in enhancing tissue repair and supports the overall wellness of the body. It also has the antispasmodic property that will help in managing cough symptoms.
Precautions
In very large doses chamomile can cause drowsiness and vomiting. Some people might also experience allergic reactions.
3. Green tea
Green tea has been accepted in health circles as the best way to stay fit. Along with its effect on maintaining optimum calories, green tea is also known to flush out toxic substances from our bodies (4).
Preparation
Pour a glass of hot water in a cup. Add green tea leaves or green tea bags into the cup. Let it steep for about 3 minutes and then remove the tea bag or strain the liquid. Add honey or maple syrup for a taste.
Benefits
It is a well-known fact that green tea is loaded with antioxidants that helps to keep the immune system healthy. Added, the anti-inflammatory properties of green tea are great for relieving the swelling and pain in sore throats.
Precautions
Some people might experience mild headaches or irritability after taking green tea. Other side effects include diarrhea, confusion, nervousness, etc.
Green Tea
4. Licorice Root Tea
Many well-known health websites have supported the use of licorice tea in managing sore throat. The tea can either be taken as sips or used for gargling (5).
Preparation
The tea is prepared by adding the contents of the pack into boiling water as per the instructions in the pack. You can add honey or maple syrup for a taste. Consume after the tea cools down.
Benefits
It has both antiviral and antibacterial properties that help to manage throat infections.
Precautions
Those people suffering from cardiac conditions must consult a doctor before taking licorice tea as there are chances of effects like irregular heartbeats and can worsen congestive heart failure.
Further Reading:
Key Vitamins for Immune System
5. Horehound Tea
It has been accepted as a traditional remedy for sore throat for ages. It affects the cough expectorant also which helps to eliminate the excess mucus formed (6).
Preparation
Add horehound leaves in a container and pour boiling water over it. Cover and keep for 5 minutes. Strain the contents and serve warm.
Benefits
It helps to soothe the irritation of the throat.
Precautions
There are chances of lowering blood sugar levels and blood pressure. Patients taking medications for related conditions should be careful while taking horehound tea. It might also cause an irregular heartbeat.
6. Peppermint tea
One of the most smoothening flavors available for tea. Peppermint is an effective decongestant and has been used to relieve symptoms related to sore throat and cold since olden times.
Preparation
2 cups water and add peppermint tea into it. Cover the container and steep for 5 minutes. Strain the contents and allow it to cool.
Benefits
The menthol content in peppermint gives it the therapeutic value. It helps to break down the excess mucus and helps a person to breathe normally. The contents also soothe a sore throat and related pain. The peppermint has inbuilt antiviral, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help in the treatment of ailments like throat infection, cold, fever, etc.
Precautions
those suffering from GERD are advised to avoid peppermint tea as it might lead to worsening of the symptoms. It is also not recommended during pregnancy.
7. Slippery elm tea
It has been used as a herb to treat sore throat and related ailments for centuries (7) (8).
Preparation
Add 2 tbsp of powdered slippery elm bark to 2 cups of boiling water. Strain the contents and serve warm.
Benefits
Slippery elm is rich in mucilage content which turns into a gel-like substance when added to water. This gel coats the throat and relieves the pain and inflammation associated with a throat infection. It has a smoothening effect on the inflamed and swollen throat.
Precautions
The main side effect is diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome. The mucilage also interferes with the absorption of other medications from the gut.
8. Lemon tea
lemon is a well-known ingredient in many natural health remedies. It is added to many home remedies that are used in treating common diseases (9).
Preparation
Boil 2 cups of water and add tea leaves or tea bags. Pour 2 tsp lemon juice into the mix. Steep for 5 minutes and strain the contents.
Benefits
Lemon is rich in vitamin C which has an amazing effect in enhancing the immunity of a person. The immune system fights to keep infections at bay. It is also an antioxidant and maintains the body free from accumulated toxic substances.
Precautions
Though there are no known side effects of lemon tea, some people might experience gastric irritation after consuming high levels of lemon juice. Also, there is a chance for the erosion of tooth enamel due to the acid content in lemon which can be resolved by washing the mouth after drinking lemon tea.
9. Ginger tea
One of the most sought-after medicinal plants, ginger has proven therapeutic properties. The ingredients are easily available and can be added to daily requirements in a variety of food items. However, ginger tea is considered highly effective against sore throat (10).
Preparation
Add grated ginger to 2 cups boiling water and simmer for 5 minutes. Strain the liquid and add sugar or honey to the tea before serving.
Benefits
Ginger has immense anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help in fighting against the symptoms of throat infection. The pain and swelling can be managed by taking sips of warm ginger tea at certain intervals. It also helps to lower body temperature during fever.
Precautions
There are chances of increased insulin levels when ginger is taken at higher concentrations. This might be a problem for diabetic patients who are already on anti-diabetic drugs and might cause complications associated with low sugar.
10. Black tea
Most people prefer a cup of black tea when feeling ill. It has provided relief from many conditions including fever, cough, dysentery etc (11) (12).
Preparation
Boil 2 cups of water and add 1 tsp powdered tea leaves in it. boil for 5 minutes and allow it to cool. Add honey or sugar to taste.
Benefits
Tea is rich in substances called tannins that act as anti-inflammatory agents. This helps the body to resist the swelling, inflammation, and pain related to a sore throat. Gargling warm black tea also helps to manage the inflammation in the throat.
Precautions
Some of the common side effects of drinking too much black tea are jitteriness, blood pressure variations and sometimes seizures. These happen only in unprecedented quantities.
11. Marshmallow root tea
Marshmallow is not widely known for its effectiveness in treating sore throat. But there is a gradual increase in awareness regarding the same (13).
Preparation
Pour 2 cups boiling water over dried roots of marshmallow. Cover the container and steep for 5 to 10 minutes. Strain the liquid and add honey or sugar for taste.
Benefits
Similar to slippery elm, marshmallow is also rich in mucilage which forms a gel-like substance on the addition to water. This gel forms a protective layer over the sore throat and provides relief from inflammation and pain. It is a great soothing agent for throat irritation.
Precautions
In some people, marshmallow might cause an allergic reaction. It is recommended to conduct a patch test before consuming marshmallow root tea to avoid unwanted reactions.
