By Leen Randell
Updated: Nov 13, 2024
10 Best Herbal Teas For Painful Swallowing
Herbal teas for painful swallowing are natural remedies that help alleviate discomfort and inflammation in the throat, making it easier to swallow.
These teas contain medicinal properties that soothe and calm the mucous membranes, providing relief from painful swallowing. The best herbal teas for painful swallowing include Glycyrrhiza glabra, Zingiber officinale, Althaea officinalis, Ginkgo biloba, Cinchona officinalis, Symphytum officinale, Silybum marianum, Echinacea purpurea, Curcuma longa, and Ulmus rubra.
If left untreated, painful swallowing can lead to malnutrition, dehydration, and social isolation, significantly impacting daily life and overall well-being.
1. Glycyrrhiza glabra
Glycyrrhiza glabra teas helps with painful swallowing because it contains glycyrrhizin, a compound that has anti-inflammatory properties.
These anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce swelling and discomfort in the throat, making it easier to swallow. Additionally, the demulcent properties of Glycyrrhiza glabra can help soothe and protect the mucous membranes in the throat, further alleviating discomfort and pain associated with swallowing.
This can be particularly beneficial for individuals experiencing conditions such as pharyngitis or laryngitis.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Glycyrrhiza glabra teas that help with painful swallowing.
- Glycosides: Glycosides found in Glycyrrhiza glabra teas help with painful swallowing by reducing inflammation and soothing the mucous membranes in the throat, thereby alleviating pain and discomfort.
- Flavonoids: Flavonoids in Glycyrrhiza glabra teas help with painful swallowing by exhibiting anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help to calm the throat and reduce pain.
- Triterpenoids: Triterpenoids in Glycyrrhiza glabra teas help with painful swallowing by reducing inflammation and promoting the healing of mucous membranes, which can become irritated and swollen due to conditions such as laryngitis or pharyngitis.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Glycyrrhiza glabra used to make teas for painful swallowing.
- Roots: Used to make teas for painful swallowing due to their anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe the throat and reduce pain.
- Leaves: Used to make teas for painful swallowing as they contain glycyrrhizin, a compound that reduces inflammation and promotes healing in the throat.
- Barks: Used to make teas for painful swallowing because of their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that help soothe and protect the mucous membranes in the throat.
2. Zingiber officinale
Zingiber officinale teas helps with painful swallowing because of its natural anti-inflammatory properties.
The active compounds, such as gingerols and shogaols, work to reduce inflammation and relax the muscles in the throat. This relaxation can help alleviate pain and discomfort associated with swallowing. Additionally, ginger's warming and soothing effects can calm the stomach and esophagus, promoting smooth and comfortable swallowing.
By addressing the underlying causes of painful swallowing, Zingiber officinale teas offer a natural and holistic solution.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Zingiber officinale teas that help with painful swallowing.
- Shogaols: These compounds have anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce inflammation and swelling in the throat, thereby alleviating painful swallowing.
- Gingerols: Gingerols have analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, which help numb the pain and reduce inflammation in the throat muscles, making it easier to swallow.
- Zingerone: This compound has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which help protect the throat tissues from oxidative stress and inflammation, thereby reducing painful swallowing.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Zingiber officinale used to make teas for painful swallowing.
- Rhyzomes: Rhyzomes are the most commonly used part of ginger due to their high concentration of gingerols and shogaols, which have anti-inflammatory properties that help alleviate pain and discomfort.
- Leaves: Ginger leaves are sometimes used to make tea, as they contain compounds that have a similar effect to the rhizomes, providing relief from pain and inflammation.
- Buds: Ginger buds are used to make tea and are believed to have a more gentle and soothing effect compared to the rhizomes, making them a popular choice for those who experience painful swallowing.
3. Althaea officinalis
Althaea officinalis teas helps with painful swallowing because of its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.
The marshmallow root, the main ingredient in the tea, creates a protective barrier in the mucous membranes, reducing irritation and discomfort. This helps to alleviate symptoms associated with conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and mouth sores. The tea's cooling effect also helps to calm inflammation in the throat, making it easier to swallow and providing relief from painful swallowing.
This natural remedy offers a gentle and effective solution.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Althaea officinalis teas that help with painful swallowing.
- Mucilages: Mucilages help with painful swallowing by forming a protective barrier on the mucous membranes, reducing inflammation and discomfort.
- Flavonoids: Flavonoids have anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce swelling and pain associated with inflamed tissues in the throat.
- Saponins: Saponins act as a soothing agent, reducing irritation and inflammation in the throat, which helps alleviate painful swallowing.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Althaea officinalis used to make teas for painful swallowing.
- Roots: They are rich in mucilages, which help soothe and calm irritated mucous membranes, making them effective in alleviating painful swallowing.
- Leaves: They also contain mucilages and other compounds that provide anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, useful in treating painful swallowing and other throat issues.
- Stems: Although less commonly mentioned, the stems of Althaea officinalis contain mucilages similar to the roots and leaves, making them a viable option for soothing painful swallowing.
4. Ginkgo biloba
Ginkgo biloba teas helps with painful swallowing because it has anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe and calm the esophagus.
The flavonoids and terpenoids present in Ginkgo biloba tea work to reduce inflammation and promote healing in the affected area. Additionally, Ginkgo biloba tea's antioxidant properties can help to protect the mucous membranes from further damage, allowing the body to naturally repair and recover from conditions such as esophagitis or esophageal irritation.
This can lead to significant relief from painful swallowing.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Ginkgo biloba teas that help with painful swallowing.
- Bilobalide: Helps reduce inflammation and irritation in the throat, thereby alleviating painful swallowing.
- Ginkgolides: Exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can reduce swelling and discomfort in the throat associated with painful swallowing.
- Flavonoids: Acts as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents, helping to soothe and calm the throat, thereby reducing the sensation of painful swallowing.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Ginkgo biloba used to make teas for painful swallowing.
- Leaves: Used to make teas due to their medicinal properties and ability to soothe throat discomfort.
- Seeds: Used to make teas for their potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which may help alleviate painful swallowing.
- Buds: Used to make teas for their potential ability to reduce inflammation and promote healing in the throat, alleviating painful swallowing.
5. Cinchona officinalis
Cinchona officinalis teas helps with painful swallowing because of its anti-inflammatory properties, which soothe the mucous membranes in the throat and esophagus.
The quinine content in Cinchona officinalis has natural analgesic properties that reduce discomfort and pain associated with swallowing. Additionally, Cinchona officinalis teas have antispasmodic effects, which help relax the muscles in the throat and esophagus, making it easier to swallow food and liquids.
This natural remedy has been used for centuries to alleviate painful swallowing and promote overall throat health.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Cinchona officinalis teas that help with painful swallowing.
- Quinine: It helps to reduce inflammation and relieve pain by blocking the production of prostaglandins, which are hormone-like substances that contribute to pain and inflammation.
- Quinovic acid: It has anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce swelling and ease pain in the throat and esophagus, making it easier to swallow.
- Alkaloids: They have analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects that help to numb the pain and reduce inflammation in the throat and mouth, making painful swallowing more manageable.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Cinchona officinalis used to make teas for painful swallowing.
- Leaves: The leaves are the primary source of quinine, a key compound that helps alleviate pain and reduce inflammation associated with painful swallowing.
- Barks: The barks contain quinine and other alkaloids that help soothe and calm the throat, reducing pain and discomfort associated with painful swallowing.
- Stems: The stems also contain quinine and other compounds that contribute to the analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of teas made from Cinchona officinalis, providing relief from painful swallowing.
6. Symphytum officinale
Symphytum officinale teas helps with painful swallowing because of its anti-inflammatory properties, which soothe irritated tissues in the throat.
The plant's active compounds, such as allantoin, have been shown to reduce swelling and promote healing. By reducing inflammation and irritation, Symphytum officinale teas can provide relief from painful swallowing, allowing individuals to eat and drink comfortably again.
This makes it a popular natural remedy for conditions such as esophagitis and other inflammatory throat conditions.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Symphytum officinale teas that help with painful swallowing.
- Allantoin: Helps with painful swallowing by reducing inflammation and promoting healing of mucous membranes in the throat.
- Symphytine: Contributes to the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of the tea, providing relief from painful swallowing by reducing irritation and inflammation in the throat.
- Saponins: Exerts anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which aid in soothing and protecting the mucous membranes in the throat, thus alleviating painful swallowing.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Symphytum officinale used to make teas for painful swallowing.
- Leaves: The leaves of Symphytum officinale are commonly used to make teas for painful swallowing due to their anti-inflammatory properties.
- Roots: The roots of Symphytum officinale are often used to make teas for painful swallowing as they contain compounds with anti-inflammatory and soothing effects.
- Flowers: The flowers of Symphytum officinale are used to make teas for painful swallowing due to their mucilaginous properties that help soothe the throat and reduce inflammation.
7. Silybum marianum
Silybum marianum teas helps with painful swallowing because of its anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to soothe the mucous membranes in the throat.
The active compound silymarin found in Silybum marianum has been shown to reduce inflammation and irritation, making it easier to swallow and alleviate discomfort.
Additionally, Silybum marianum teas have been traditionally used to support liver health, which is essential for proper digestion and detoxification, further contributing to its potential benefits in relieving painful swallowing.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Silybum marianum teas that help with painful swallowing.
- Silymarin: It helps reduce inflammation and pain associated with swallowing by its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Flavonoids: They assist in alleviating pain and discomfort by their analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects.
- Sterols: They help in soothing inflammation and irritation in the throat, thereby reducing pain and discomfort associated with swallowing.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Silybum marianum used to make teas for painful swallowing.
- Seeds: They are commonly used due to their high content of silymarin, a compound believed to have anti-inflammatory properties that may help soothe the throat and alleviate pain.
- Leaves: They are often used in teas for their potential to reduce inflammation and calm the mucous membranes in the throat, thus providing relief from painful swallowing.
- Flowers: They are sometimes used in teas for their potential to soothe and calm the digestive system, which may help alleviate pain associated with swallowing.
8. Echinacea purpurea
Echinacea purpurea teas helps with painful swallowing because its anti-inflammatory properties help reduce inflammation in the throat and esophagus, making it easier to swallow.
The tea's immunomodulatory effects also aid in boosting the body's natural defense mechanisms, helping to combat underlying infections or irritations that may be causing the pain. Additionally, Echinacea purpurea contains antioxidants and flavonoids that may help soothe and calm irritated mucous membranes, providing relief from painful swallowing.
This natural remedy can be a gentle and effective way to alleviate discomfort.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Echinacea purpurea teas that help with painful swallowing.
- Iridoid glycosides: These compounds may help reduce inflammation and swelling in the throat and mouth, making it easier to swallow.
- Caffeic acid derivatives: These phenolic compounds have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help soothe and protect the mucous membranes in the throat, reducing pain and discomfort.
- Alkylamides: These compounds may help reduce inflammation and pain by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes and cytokines, which can contribute to throat and mouth pain.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Echinacea purpurea used to make teas for painful swallowing.
- Roots: They are used for their medicinal properties and contain compounds that may help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
- Leaves: They are rich in antioxidants and contain volatile oils, which may contribute to their anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects when consumed as a tea.
- Flowers: The flowers are used to make teas and are thought to contain compounds that may help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain associated with swallowing difficulties.
9. Curcuma longa
Curcuma longa teas helps with painful swallowing because it contains curcumin, a powerful anti-inflammatory compound that reduces inflammation and irritation in the throat.
The tea's anti-inflammatory properties help to soothe and calm the mucous membranes, allowing for smoother and more comfortable swallowing. Additionally, curcumin has been shown to have antioxidant properties, which help protect the throat from damage caused by free radicals, further alleviating pain and discomfort associated with painful swallowing.
This natural remedy provides a safe and effective solution for those suffering from this condition.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Curcuma longa teas that help with painful swallowing.
- Curcumin: It helps reduce inflammation and pain associated with painful swallowing by inhibiting pro-inflammatory enzymes and cytokines.
- Demethoxycurcumin: It exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help alleviate pain and discomfort in the throat and esophagus.
- Cucurbitacin e: It has potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, which help in reducing pain and inflammation associated with painful swallowing.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Curcuma longa used to make teas for painful swallowing.
- Rhyzomes: The rhyzomes of Curcuma longa are used to make teas due to their high content of curcumin, a compound with potent anti-inflammatory properties.
- Roots: The roots of Curcuma longa are used to make teas for their analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help alleviate pain and discomfort associated with swallowing.
- Leaves: The leaves of Curcuma longa are used to make teas for their anti-inflammatory properties and their ability to soothe and calm the digestive system.
10. Ulmus rubra
Ulmus rubra teas helps with painful swallowing because of its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
The Ulmus rubra plant, also known as slippery elm, contains mucilages that form a protective barrier on the mucous membranes in the throat, reducing irritation and discomfort. This natural remedy has been used for centuries to alleviate conditions such as esophagitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and other throat and mouth irritations, providing quick relief from painful swallowing.
Its natural astringency also helps to tone and soothe the throat.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Ulmus rubra teas that help with painful swallowing.
- Tannins: They help reduce inflammation in the mucous membranes, relieving discomfort and pain associated with painful swallowing.
- Salicylic acid: As an anti-inflammatory and analgesic compound, it helps alleviate pain and discomfort in the throat and esophagus, making it easier to swallow.
- Ellagic acid: Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties help soothe and calm irritated tissues in the throat and esophagus, reducing pain and discomfort associated with painful swallowing.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Ulmus rubra used to make teas for painful swallowing.
- Barks: Used for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties to calm throat discomfort.
- Leaves: Utilized for their astringent and anti-inflammatory properties to reduce swelling and ease painful swallowing.
- Roots: Employed for their expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties to loosen mucus and reduce throat irritation.