15 Best Soothing Teas For A Sore Throat

What's the best tea to soothe a sore throat?

Trying to find the best teas for a sore throat?

Keep reading.

There’s nothing worse than having a sore throat and not being able to soothe it.

Fear not because we’ve got the best soothing teas for a sore throat, covered.

In this article, we are going to discuss the health benefits and properties of teas which can help heal your irritating sore throat.

This might sound like an old wives’ tale with all the advancements in drug therapy we have these days but a good cup of tea can be the best soothing remedy for you this flu season.

Having a warm cup of tea infused with just the right blend of herbs can instantly make a sore throat feel much better.

If you love learning about herbal health then check out this article on the health benefits of ginger shots.

15 Best Soothing Herbal Teas for a Sore Throat

1. Slippery Elm Tea

Slippery Elm bark or Indian Elm Tree has been used in ayurvedic medicine and traditional medicine since ancient times.

It contains components such as mucilage and tannins, which, when mixed with water produce a gel-like substance.

This creates a soothing effect by coating the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract, preventing a sore throat and decreasing cough episodes.

Tannins are responsible for lessening throat irritation by asserting their anti-inflammatory action and boosting the immune system.

They do this by triggering the release of cytokines.

To prepare slippery elm tea simply pour boiling water into a cup and add two tablespoons of powdered slippery elm tea bark.

Let the tea steep for a few minutes and add a dash of honey to sweeten the taste.

2. Licorice Root Tea

This is one of the many different teas which are great for your body.

The benefits of licorice root tea are found in records from Ancient Egypt where it was served as a fortifying drink to pharaohs.

The ancient Chinese also used it in medicines for its health-boosting benefits.

With more than 300 flavonoids in its makeup, licorice root tea coats the mucous membrane of the irritated throat.

This eases inflammation and sore throat symptoms.

Additionally, it is a natural antimicrobial and antiviral agent which prevents infections from forming in the respiratory tract.

We’ve written an article all about the best teas for acid reflux, check it out here.

To prepare the tea simply add two teaspoons of dried licorice root to boiling water and let it steep for a few minutes.

3. Chamomile Tea

Chamomile tea is undoubtedly the best herbal tea for calming your mind and body.

It is without doubt one of the best soothing teas for a sore throat.

It has been in use for the longest time in alternative Chinese medicine.

This natural remedy has anti-inflammatory properties that prevent throat inflammation, reduce hoarseness and pain by lubricating the mucous membrane of the infected throat.

It is antibacterial, hence how it protects against infections.

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The antioxidant properties enhance tissue repair and overall health.

Chamomile tea is a natural cough suppressant that makes it perfect for when you are suffering from the flu or a common cold.

Read this article all about the stress-relieving benefits of sleepytime tea to find out more.

To prepare chamomile tea, steep dried chamomile flowers in boiling water for five to ten minutes

Steep longer if you prefer a stronger flavor and add in some honey if desired.

4. Turmeric tea

Turmeric belongs to the ginger family and it has become widely recognized as a superfood.

Research has revealed that among different types of teas, turmeric tea may well contain the highest density of healthy compounds.

It is a potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic supplement.

This makes it great for preventing the pain of a sore throat and the irritation that goes with it.

Turmeric tea exerts a synergic effect on antimicrobial medications and increases their efficacy.

The healing properties also aid your recovery from a sore throat.

To authentically prepare turmeric tea, simmer one inch of fresh turmeric root or one teaspoon of turmeric powder in a pot containing boiling water.

Do this for about 15-20 minutes and strain before serving.

5. Green tea

A cup of green tea is a popular choice amongst herbal remedies.

Naturally rich in antioxidant immunity boosters, it can help you heal rapidly from cold and flu symptoms.

Green tea contains epigallocatechin gallate, an antioxidant known to have antiviral properties.

This makes it an effective weapon in fighting against influenza A and adenovirus.

This home remedy reduces sore throat and is helpful for post-operative recovering from intubation.

Green tea contains caffeine and is balanced with L-theanine which boosts energy levels.

Read about the health benefits of a potent green tea variant, matcha tea, in this article.

To prepare green tea, brew the tea leaves using warm water for no more than 3 minutes before drinking.

Any longer than this may produce a bitter taste.

6. Marshmallow Root Tea

Marshmallow root or Althaea officinalis is a native herb of Europe, Western Asia, and Northern Africa.

Its medicinal properties are due to its mucilage which is a sap-like substance containing antioxidants.

As you now know, these provide relief against pain by coating the mucous membrane of the throat.

As well as soothing the irritation, this is a good option for easing a dry cough.

To prepare the tea, simmer one teaspoon of marshmallow root in boiling water for 15-20 minutes.

Strain the roots before serving in a warm teacup.

7. Ginger Root Tea

Ginger has a spicy and tangy flavor and it is the most widely used herb in traditional medicine.

Ginger tea contains gingerol (antibacterial) and shogaois (anti-inflammatory compound) which prevents infections.

Research suggests that ginger tea is perhaps the best tea for preventing a sore throat.

There is evidence of its effectiveness against Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans, these cause respiratory infections.

We’ve written some great articles on the health benefits of ginger, check them out.

To prepare ginger tea, add a one-inch piece of fresh ginger to boiling water and let it steep for about 10 minutes.

Add honey and a few drops of lemon for the best flavor.

8. Black Tea

Black tea contains somewhat similar properties as green tea.

It has an abundance of tannins and antioxidants which are responsible for boosting the immune system.

These speed up the production of T-cells that help fight against infections and pathogens, working as a natural defense against a cold and scratchy throat.

Check out this article on the best herbal teas for health.

For the black tea preparation, steep the leaves in boiling water for a few minutes and strain before serving.

9. Peppermint Tea

Peppermint tea is rich in polyphenols which are antioxidants that reduce inflammation.

Additionally, it contains menthol which exerts a cooling effect by its interaction with calcium channels in the body and as a decongestant with soothing properties.

If you love mint tea then check out this article on the health benefits of spearmint tea.

Preparing mint tea is simple, steep the peppermint leaves in boiling water for a few minutes and then strain before serving.

10. Lemon Honey Tea

Lemon tea is rich in vitamin C which is a key ingredient for boosting the immune system and defending against infections.

Adding a few drops of honey will mask a bitter tangy taste and help soothe sore throat tissues by protecting them from irritants.

Pour hot water in a tea cup, add a teaspoon of raw honey and a few drops of lemon juice to enjoy.

11. Echinacea Tea

Echinacea is a herb derived from the purple flower plant.

Echinacea stimulates immunity levels and decreases bacterial infections and viral infections because of the high levels of antioxidants.

Drinking warm echinacea tea can reduce upper respiratory tract infection and flu symptoms.

To discover more health benefits of echinacea tea, just follow the link.

Prepare the tea by steeping echinacea tea leaves in warm water before straining and serving.

12. Cinnamon Tea

Cinnamon is a spice that comes from the inner bark of the Cinnamomum Tree.

Cinnamon is rich in antioxidants such as polyphenols that boost immunity and lower the risk of diseases.

Additionally, it has anti-inflammatory effects and antimicrobial properties that help soothe sore throats.

It serves as an enjoyable hot beverage that also kills bad breath causing bacteria in your mouth.

Read all about cinnamon tea in this awesome article.

For the best taste, prepare a black tea blend with milk and add a stick of cinnamon or cinnamon powder while simmering.

13. Fenugreek tea

Fenugreek is a herb native to the Mediterranean, Europe, and Asia.

It contains antioxidants such as phenolic acids and flavonoids responsible for reducing inflammation and reducing pain during a sore throat.

It also has strong antibacterial properties.

Pour fenugreek seeds into a cup of water and place it on a burner to simmer until the water is boiling.

Let it simmer for about 20-30 minutes or until the water color changes.

Strain before drinking.

14. Elderberry tea

Elderberries are derived from the Elder tree which are native to Europe.

They are small berries that have a dark purple color.

Scientific studies support the use of warm liquid elderberries against influenza, swine flu, or the common cold.

The antiviral and antibacterial activity is due to a compound called hemagglutinin which inhibits the movement of the virus by reducing replication.

This hence allows the immune system to eradicate it.

Add elderberries to boiling water and simmer for 15 minutes for the optimum nutritional value.

You may add a cinnamon stick for additional taste.

Strain before consuming.

15. Sage Tea

This sore throat tea is prepared from the plant Salvia officinalis.

In a study conducted between sage spray and chlorhexidine lidocaine spray for reducing sore throat pain, sage was found to be more effective without any negative side effects.

This is because sage has anti-inflammatory, astringent, antibacterial, and antiseptic properties.

Sage tea also has lots of other benefits, check them out in this article.

To prepare sage tea, place dried sage leaves in a pot or teacup and pour hot water over them.

Cover and steep for 10-15 minutes and strain before consuming.