By Leen Randell
Updated: Nov 13, 2024
10 Best Herbal Teas For Difficulty Swallowing
Herbal teas for difficulty swallowing are a natural remedy that helps alleviate the discomfort associated with dysphagia, a condition that makes it difficult to swallow food and liquids.
The best herbal teas for this issue include Glycyrrhiza glabra, Zingiber officinale, Thymus vulgaris, Cinchona officinalis, Astragalus membranaceus, Althaea officinalis, Ginkgo biloba, Rheum officinale, Echinacea purpurea, and Panax ginseng.
If left untreated, difficulty swallowing can lead to malnutrition, dehydration, and social isolation, severely impacting a person's quality of life and overall well-being.
1. Glycyrrhiza glabra
Glycyrrhiza glabra teas helps with difficulty swallowing because of its anti-inflammatory properties, which soothe and calm the mucous membranes in the throat.
The licorice root extracts in the tea reduce inflammation and irritation, making it easier to swallow food and liquids. Additionally, the tea's demulcent properties create a protective barrier on the mucous membranes, preventing further irritation and discomfort. This helps to alleviate dysphagia, allowing individuals to swallow more comfortably and with greater ease.
Regular consumption may also help to improve overall throat health.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Glycyrrhiza glabra teas that help with difficulty swallowing.
- Saponins: They help reduce inflammation and soothe the mucous membranes in the throat, making swallowing easier.
- Flavonoids: They act as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents, which help protect the throat tissues and reduce pain and discomfort associated with difficulty swallowing.
- Glycyrrhizin: It has anti-inflammatory properties and helps to reduce swelling and irritation in the throat, making it easier to swallow.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Glycyrrhiza glabra used to make teas for difficulty swallowing.
- Roots: They are rich in glycyrrhizin, a compound that helps soothe and relax the muscles in the throat, making it easier to swallow.
- Leaves: They contain flavonoids and other compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce swelling and ease difficulty swallowing.
- Stems: They are also a good source of glycosides, including glycyrrhizin, which can help to calm the throat and make swallowing easier.
2. Zingiber officinale
Zingiber officinale teas helps with difficulty swallowing because of its anti-inflammatory properties, which can soothe and relax the muscles in the throat.
The active compound, gingerol, has natural warming properties that can help to reduce inflammation and discomfort associated with difficulty swallowing. Additionally, ginger has been traditionally used to aid digestion and relieve nausea, which can also contribute to difficulty swallowing.
This natural remedy can provide relief and make it easier to swallow food and liquids.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Zingiber officinale teas that help with difficulty swallowing.
- Gingerols: These compounds have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation and swelling in the throat and esophagus, making it easier to swallow.
- Shogaols: Shogaols have analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, which can help alleviate pain and discomfort associated with difficulty swallowing, thereby facilitating the swallowing process.
- Zingerone: Zingerone has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the throat and esophagus, promoting easier swallowing and overall digestive health.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Zingiber officinale used to make teas for difficulty swallowing.
- Rhyzomes: The rhyzomes of Zingiber officinale are used to make teas as they are rich in compounds that help relax the muscles in the throat and esophagus, making swallowing easier.
- Roots: The roots of Zingiber officinale are used to make teas as they are a good source of gingerol and shogaol, which have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce swelling and ease swallowing difficulties.
- Leaves: The leaves of Zingiber officinale are used to make teas as they contain compounds that help to soothe the digestive system and reduce inflammation in the throat and esophagus, making it easier to swallow.
3. Thymus vulgaris
Thymus vulgaris teas helps with difficulty swallowing because it contains thymol, a compound that has natural anti-inflammatory properties.
These properties may help reduce swelling in the throat and esophagus, making it easier to swallow. Additionally, the expectorant properties of thymol can help loosen and clear mucus from the respiratory tract, further alleviating difficulty swallowing.
Thymus vulgaris teas may also have a soothing effect on the mucous membranes, promoting relaxation and reducing discomfort associated with difficulty swallowing.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Thymus vulgaris teas that help with difficulty swallowing.
- Thymol: Helps relax muscles in the throat, reducing spasms and discomfort associated with difficulty swallowing.
- Carvacrol: Exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, reducing swelling and irritation in the throat that can contribute to swallowing difficulties.
- Rosmarinic acid: Acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, soothing and protecting the mucous membranes in the throat, making it easier to swallow.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Thymus vulgaris used to make teas for difficulty swallowing.
- Leaves: Leaves are the most commonly used part due to their high concentration of thymol and carvacrol, which have natural expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Flowers: Flowers are used for their soothing and anti-inflammatory effects, helping to calm the throat and ease difficulty swallowing.
- Stems: Stems of Thymus vulgaris are also used, as they contain similar compounds to leaves and flowers, providing relief from throat irritation and inflammation.
4. Cinchona officinalis
Cinchona officinalis teas helps with difficulty swallowing because it contains quinine, a natural compound that has been used for centuries to treat various health issues.
Quinine has anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties that can help relax the muscles in the throat, reducing spasms and discomfort that can cause difficulty swallowing. Additionally, Cinchona officinalis teas may also help to reduce inflammation in the throat, making it easier to swallow.
Its soothing effects can provide relief and promote a smooth swallowing experience.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Cinchona officinalis teas that help with difficulty swallowing.
- Quinine: It helps reduce inflammation and relax the throat muscles, making it easier to swallow.
- Quinovic acid glycosides: They have anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which can help calm the throat and make swallowing less painful.
- Quinovic acid: It has a mild sedative effect and can help reduce anxiety, which can contribute to difficulty swallowing, making it easier to swallow.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Cinchona officinalis used to make teas for difficulty swallowing.
- Leaves: The leaves of Cinchona officinalis are used to make teas for difficulty swallowing because they contain alkaloids that aid in reducing swelling and inflammation in the throat.
- Barks: The barks of Cinchona officinalis are used to make teas for difficulty swallowing because they contain quinine, which helps to reduce inflammation and ease pain.
- Roots: The roots of Cinchona officinalis are used to make teas for difficulty swallowing because they contain alkaloids that have anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
5. Astragalus membranaceus
Astragalus membranaceus teas helps with difficulty swallowing because its anti-inflammatory properties and adaptogenic effects may help soothe and calm the muscles and nerves in the throat, promoting relaxation and reducing discomfort.
The tea's antioxidant and immune-boosting properties may also help alleviate underlying conditions contributing to swallowing difficulties, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or esophagitis.
Additionally, Astragalus membranaceus may enhance the body's natural healing processes, promoting overall well-being and potentially alleviating swallowing difficulties.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Astragalus membranaceus teas that help with difficulty swallowing.
- Saponins: These help by enhancing the motility of the esophagus and reducing inflammation, which can alleviate symptoms of difficulty swallowing.
- Flavonoids: These help by exerting anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which can reduce irritation and inflammation in the esophagus and promote smooth swallowing.
- Phenolic acids: These help by reducing inflammation and improving blood flow to the affected area, which can help alleviate difficulty swallowing caused by conditions such as esophagitis.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Astragalus membranaceus used to make teas for difficulty swallowing.
- Roots: The roots of Astragalus membranaceus are used to make teas because they contain a high concentration of bioactive compounds, including isoflavones and saponins, which may help with digestive issues.
- Rhyzomes: The rhyzomes of Astragalus membranaceus are used to make teas because they are rich in astragalosides, which may help to promote digestion and relieve swallowing difficulties.
- Leaves: The leaves of Astragalus membranaceus are used to make teas because they contain flavonoids and phenolic acids, which may have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can aid in digestive health.
6. Althaea officinalis
Althaea officinalis teas helps with difficulty swallowing because it contains mucilages, which are thick, protective compounds that soothe and calm the mucous membranes in the throat and mouth.
This soothing effect helps to reduce inflammation and irritation, making it easier to swallow. The anti-inflammatory properties of Althaea officinalis also help to relax the muscles in the throat, allowing for smoother passage of food and liquids.
Regular consumption of this tea may help alleviate symptoms of dysphagia, making it a popular natural remedy for those experiencing difficulty swallowing.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Althaea officinalis teas that help with difficulty swallowing.
- Mucilages: They provide a soothing, protective, and lubricating effect on the mucous membranes, making it easier to swallow and reducing inflammation in the throat and esophagus.
- Gallic acid: It possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help to reduce swelling and soothe the irritated tissues in the throat and mouth, facilitating easier swallowing.
- Triterpenoid saponins: They exhibit anti-inflammatory and protective effects on the mucous membranes, helping to reduce inflammation and discomfort in the throat and esophagus, making swallowing more comfortable and manageable.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Althaea officinalis used to make teas for difficulty swallowing.
- Roots: The roots of Althaea officinalis are used to make teas for difficulty swallowing because they are rich in mucilage, a natural demulcent that soothes and protects the mucous membranes in the throat and digestive tract.
- Leaves: The leaves of Althaea officinalis are also used to make teas for difficulty swallowing because they contain mucilage, which helps to calm inflammation and irritation in the throat and digestive tract.
- Stems: The stems of Althaea officinalis are sometimes used to make teas for difficulty swallowing because they contain a smaller amount of mucilage compared to the roots and leaves, but can still provide some soothing and protective benefits.
7. Ginkgo biloba
Ginkgo biloba teas helps with difficulty swallowing because of its unique properties that improve blood flow and circulation, particularly in the mouth and throat areas.
The flavonoids and terpenoids present in Ginkgo biloba tea have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which can help relax the muscles involved in swallowing and reduce swelling in the throat. This can lead to easier and more comfortable swallowing, making it a potential natural remedy for individuals experiencing difficulty with consuming food or liquids.
Regular consumption may also enhance overall oral health.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Ginkgo biloba teas that help with difficulty swallowing.
- Flavonoids: These compounds help improve blood flow to the esophagus, facilitating the smooth passage of food and reducing the risk of difficulty swallowing.
- Bilobalide: This constituent has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce swelling and irritation in the throat and esophagus, making it easier to swallow.
- Ginkgolides: These compounds have anti-platelet and anti-inflammatory effects, which can help reduce blood viscosity and inflammation in the esophagus, making it easier to swallow and reducing the risk of esophageal spasms.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Ginkgo biloba used to make teas for difficulty swallowing.
- Leaves: They are commonly used in teas due to their high flavonoid and terpenoid content, which may help alleviate symptoms of difficulty swallowing.
- Seeds: Ginkgo seeds are used in traditional medicine, including teas, as they contain ginkgolic acid, which may aid in relaxation and reduce discomfort associated with difficulty swallowing.
- Buds: Ginkgo buds are sometimes used in teas for their potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help soothe and calm the throat, making it easier to swallow.
8. Rheum officinale
Rheum officinale teas helps with difficulty swallowing because it contains compounds that soothe and calm the esophageal muscles, promoting relaxation and reducing spasms.
The anti-inflammatory properties in the tea also help to reduce inflammation in the throat and esophagus, allowing for smoother passage of food and liquids. Additionally, Rheum officinale teas have been traditionally used to stimulate digestion and improve overall gastrointestinal function, which can help alleviate difficulty swallowing caused by digestive issues.
This natural remedy offers a gentle and effective solution for those experiencing swallowing difficulties.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Rheum officinale teas that help with difficulty swallowing.
- Rhein: Rhein helps to relax the muscles in the throat, reducing spasms and inflammation that may be contributing to difficulty swallowing.
- Anthraquinones: Anthraquinones, particularly rhein and emodin, have anti-inflammatory properties that can help to soothe and calm the throat, making it easier to swallow.
- Polyphenols: Polyphenols in Rheum officinale have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which can help to reduce inflammation and irritation in the throat, making it easier to swallow and relieving discomfort.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Rheum officinale used to make teas for difficulty swallowing.
- Roots: Used to make teas due to their expectorant properties, which help loosen mucus and promote easier swallowing.
- Rhyzomes: Employed in teas for their soothing and anti-inflammatory effects, which can help reduce throat irritation and discomfort associated with difficulty swallowing.
- Leaves: Utilized in teas for their gentle, calming properties, which can aid in reducing throat inflammation and promoting relaxation, making swallowing easier.
9. Echinacea purpurea
Echinacea purpurea teas helps with difficulty swallowing because of its anti-inflammatory properties, which aid in soothing and calming the mucous membranes in the throat.
This can help to reduce inflammation and irritation that may be causing discomfort or pain when swallowing. Additionally, Echinacea purpurea has been traditionally used to support immune function and reduce the severity of colds and flu, which can also contribute to difficulty swallowing.
By promoting overall throat health, Echinacea purpurea teas may provide relief and make swallowing easier.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Echinacea purpurea teas that help with difficulty swallowing.
- Isoquinoline alkaloids: These compounds have anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce swelling and inflammation in the throat, making it easier to swallow.
- Phenylethanoid glycosides: These compounds have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help protect the mucous membranes in the throat from damage and promote healing, reducing discomfort associated with difficulty swallowing.
- Flavonoids: These compounds have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help reduce inflammation and protect the mucous membranes in the throat, making it easier to swallow and reducing the risk of further irritation.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Echinacea purpurea used to make teas for difficulty swallowing.
- Flowers: The flowers are commonly used due to their purported anti-inflammatory properties, which may help soothe and calm the digestive tract.
- Roots: The roots are often used for their potential to boost the immune system and reduce inflammation in the throat and digestive tract.
- Leaves: The leaves are sometimes used for their supposed ability to reduce inflammation and promote healing in the mouth and throat.
10. Panax ginseng
Panax ginseng teas helps with difficulty swallowing because of its potential anti-inflammatory properties and ability to stimulate digestion.
The compound ginsenoside, found in Panax ginseng, may help reduce inflammation in the esophagus and throat, making it easier to swallow. Additionally, Panax ginseng tea may stimulate the digestive system, improving the movement of food and reducing discomfort associated with difficulty swallowing.
This may provide relief for individuals experiencing dysphagia.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Panax ginseng teas that help with difficulty swallowing.
- Ginsenosides: Help to relax the muscles in the throat and improve swallowing function by reducing inflammation and promoting a smooth, efficient swallowing process.
- Flavonoids: Act as antioxidants to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the throat muscles, making it easier to swallow and reducing discomfort associated with difficulty swallowing.
- Saponins: Have anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce swelling and irritation in the throat, making it easier to swallow and improving overall swallowing function.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Panax ginseng used to make teas for difficulty swallowing.
- Roots: The roots of Panax ginseng are used because they contain the highest concentration of ginsenosides, which are believed to help alleviate difficulty swallowing by reducing inflammation and improving digestion.
- Leaves: The leaves of Panax ginseng are used because they are rich in antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help soothe the throat and improve swallowing difficulties.
- Rhyzomes: The rhyzomes of Panax ginseng are used because they contain a combination of saponins and flavonoids that can help relax the muscles and reduce inflammation in the throat, making it easier to swallow.