10 best herbal teas for painful swallowing

Herbal teas, such as chamomile, slippery elm, and marshmallow root, bring recognized relief to painful swallowing.

Chamomile's anti-inflammatory properties soothe irritated throats, while slippery elm and marshmallow root create a protective coating in the mouth and esophagus, easing the discomfort.

By drinking these herbal teas, you harness nature's healing abilities to find swift and sure comfort.

1. Marshmallow

Marshmallow tea, derived from the Marshmallow plant's roots, contains a mucilage-like substance known for its soothing properties.

This mucilage coats and protects the throat's lining, easing friction during swallowing and reducing pain. Furthermore, marshmallow tea's anti-inflammatory components alleviate swelling in the throat, providing additional relief. Its demulcent nature reduces irritation while promoting the healing of damaged tissues.

Thus, marshmallow tea effectively helps with painful swallowing by forming a protective barrier, lessening inflammation, and encouraging tissue recovery.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in marshmallow tea that help with painful swallowing.

• Flowers: Contain mucilage which coats and soothes the throat, reducing pain while swallowing.
• Leaves: Rich in anti-inflammatory compounds that help alleviate irritation and inflammation in the throat.
• Bark: Has astringent properties that can help tighten tissues, providing relief in cases of painful swallowing.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in marshmallow tea that aid with painful swallowing.

• Mucilage: It forms a slick, gel-like film that coats and soothes mucous membranes, reducing irritation and pain during swallowing.
• Polysaccharides: These complex sugars form a protective layer on the mucous membranes, easing pain and discomfort during swallowing.
• Flavonoids: They have anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce inflammation and swelling in the throat, alleviating painful swallowing.
• Phenolic acids: They contribute to the soothing and anti-inflammatory effects of marshmallow tea, providing relief for painful swallowing.
• Tannins: These astringent compounds help reduce inflammation and irritation, making swallowing less painful.
• Ascorbic acid: It promotes wound healing, boosts the immune system, and assists in tissue repair, which can be beneficial in cases of painful swallowing.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic marshmallow tea for painful swallowing.

1. Boil 1 cup of water and add 1 tablespoon of dried marshmallow root, simmer for 10-15 minutes.
2. Strain the tea to remove the marshmallow root, leaving only the liquid.
3. Let the tea cool down to a drinkable temperature.
4. Add 1-2 teaspoons of honey to sweeten the tea, as desired.
5. Sip the marshmallow tea slowly to soothe painful swallowing.

2. Slippery Elm

Slippery elm tea relieves painful swallowing due to its slippery and soothing properties, derived from the mucilage contained in the bark of the slippery elm tree.

This mucilage becomes a slick gel when mixed with water, forming a protective layer that coats and shields the mouth, throat, and stomach. By reducing friction, slippery elm tea alleviates irritation, inflammation, and discomfort in the digestive tract, making swallowing less painful. Moreover, the tea's demulcent qualities stimulate the production of saliva and mucus, promoting lubrication and easing the process of swallowing.

Slippery elm tea's ability to address both the symptoms and underlying causes of painful swallowing ensures quick and effective relief.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in slippery elm tea that help with painful swallowing.

• Bark: The inner bark of the slippery elm tree contains mucilage, a substance that becomes a slick gel when mixed with water. This gel coats and soothes the throat, providing relief from painful swallowing.
• Leaves: Slippery elm leaves also contain mucilage, which can help ease irritation and inflammation in the throat, making them suitable for medicinal tea.
• Seeds: Slippery elm seeds are rich in mucilage as well. When steeped in hot water, the seeds release this substance, creating a soothing tea that helps alleviate discomfort during swallowing.
• Roots: Although not as potent as the bark or leaves, slippery elm roots do contain some mucilage. When used to make tea, roots can provide a small degree of relief for painful swallowing.
• Inner Bark: To be more specific, the inner bark of the slippery elm tree is particularly high in mucilage content, making it the most effective part of the plant for creating medicinal tea to treat painful swallowing.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in slippery elm tea that aid with painful swallowing.

• Mucilage: It forms a slick gel that coats the mouth, throat, and stomach, easing the discomfort of painful swallowing.
• Tannins: These astringent compounds help reduce inflammation and soothe irritated mucous membranes, reducing pain while swallowing.
• Starch: Acting as a demulcent, starch from slippery elm forms a soothing film that helps protect the throat and alleviate painful swallowing.
• Flavonoids: With anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, flavonoids help reduce swelling and promote healing, making swallowing less painful.
• Sterols: These compounds help decrease inflammation and promote tissue repair; thus, they help reduce pain during swallowing.
• Saponins: The natural soapy qualities of saponins in slippery elm create a gentle cleansing action, removing irritants from mucous membranes, and easing painful swallowing.
• Essential oil: Containing compounds like caryophyllene, the essential oil of slippery elm provides soothing anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects for aiding painful swallowing.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic slippery elm tea for painful swallowing.

1. Obtain 1-2 teaspoons of dried slippery elm bark.
2. Pour 8 ounces of boiling water over the bark.
3. Steep the mixture, covered, for 5-10 minutes.
4. Strain the tea to remove particulate matter.
5. Sip the tea slowly, allowing it to coat the throat.

3. Licorice

Licorice tea's soothing properties come from glycyrrhizin, a compound that reduces inflammation.

This compound also coats the throat, easing irritation. Its antibacterial qualities fight infection, a common cause of painful swallowing. Additionally, licorice tea stimulates mucus production, providing a further layer of protection and lubrication.

Thus, licorice tea's unique chemistry addresses multiple factors contributing to painful swallowing, making it an effective natural remedy.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in licorice tea that help with painful swallowing.

• Roots: Contain glycyrrhizin, a compound that coats the throat, reducing irritation and alleviating painful swallowing.
• Stems: Rich in flavonoids that help reduce inflammation, providing relief for sore throats and easing the discomfort of painful swallowing.
• Leaves: Packed with antioxidants, leaves help soothe irritated throat tissues and promote healing, reducing pain while swallowing.
• Flowers: Loaded with essential oils, flowers have anti-inflammatory properties, providing instant relief to inflamed throats and alleviating painful swallowing.
• Seeds: Contain anti-spasmodic properties, helping relax throat muscles, and thus making swallowing less painful.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in licorice tea that aid with painful swallowing.

• Glycyrrhizin: Possesses anti-inflammatory properties that can alleviate irritation and swelling in the throat, making swallowing less painful.
• Flavonoids: Exhibit soothing effects on mucous membranes, reducing irritation and discomfort during swallowing.
• Saponins: Contribute to the formation of a protective film over the mucous membranes, providing relief from painful swallowing.
• Chalcones: Demonstrate anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, aiding in reducing inflammation and promoting healing in the throat.
• Triterpenoids: Possess anti-inflammatory qualities and can help in soothing irritated tissues responsible for painful swallowing.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic licorice tea for painful swallowing.

1. In a pot, combine 1 cup of water and 1 teaspoon of dried licorice root.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes.
3. Strain the tea to remove the licorice root pieces.
4. Allow the tea to cool down to a drinkable temperature.
5. Sip the tea slowly to alleviate painful swallowing.

4. Chamomile

Chamomile tea provides relief for painful swallowing due to its anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce inflammation in the throat.

The soothing warmth of the tea helps to relax muscles in the esophagus, making swallowing easier. Chamomile's natural calming effect extends to the nerves responsible for digestion, reducing tension and pain. Moreover, chamomile contains compounds that coat the mucous membranes lining the throat, forming a protective barrier against irritants.

Finally, its mild anesthetic properties numb the affected area, further alleviating discomfort during swallowing.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in chamomile tea that help with painful swallowing.

• Flowers: Contain anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce irritation and ease painful swallowing.
• Leaves: Rich in soothing compounds that alleviate discomfort and promote a smoother swallowing process.
• Seeds: Packed with calming agents that help relax throat muscles, making swallowing less painful.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in chamomile tea that aid with painful swallowing.

• Bisabolol: Possesses anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in the throat, alleviating painful swallowing.
• Chamazulene: Acts as a potent antioxidant that can protect the throat from damage, helping to reduce painful swallowing.
• Apigenin: A flavonoid with anti-spasmodic effects that can help relax throat muscles, reducing discomfort during swallowing.
• Matricin: A compound that gets converted to chamazulene, providing anti-inflammatory benefits that can help soothe a sore throat and alleviate painful swallowing.
• Quercetin: A flavonoid with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that can help protect and soothe the throat, reducing painful swallowing.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic chamomile tea for painful swallowing.

1. Boil 8 ounces of water to 212 degrees Fahrenheit, then pour over 1 heaping teaspoon of dried chamomile flowers.
2. Steep the chamomile flowers in the hot water for 5-10 minutes to extract the beneficial compounds.
3. Strain the liquid to remove the chamomile flowers, leaving behind only the fragrant tea.
4. Add honey to taste, if desired, to sweeten and soothe a sore throat.
5. Sip the warm tea slowly, allowing it to coat and relax the throat muscles, providing relief for painful swallowing.

5. Plantain

Plantain tea aids in alleviating painful swallowing due to its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.

The demulcent nature of plantain herb creates a protective film over the mucous membranes in the throat, reducing irritation. This herbal tea contains mucilage, which provides a crucial role in lubricating and easing the passages in the throat. Furthermore, plantain tea boasts antimicrobial qualities, fighting off potential infections causing painful swallowing.

Lastly, drinking plantain tea regularly promotes tissue healing and restoration in the throat, diminishing discomfort during swallowing.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in plantain tea that help with painful swallowing.

• Leaves: Contain mucilage and tannins that provide a soothing and anti-inflammatory effect, helping to alleviate painful swallowing.
• Roots: Rich in antioxidants and have demulcent properties, helping to coat and protect the throat, reducing irritation and discomfort during swallowing.
• Seeds: Contain a high amount of mucilage, making them an effective demulcent, helping to lubricate and ease painful swallowing.
• Bark: Has anti-inflammatory and astringent properties due to its tannin content, reducing inflammation and providing relief for sore throats causing painful swallowing.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in plantain tea that aid with painful swallowing.

• Mucilage: Provides a soothing and protective coating for the mucous membranes lining the throat, reducing irritation and pain during swallowing.
• Tannins: Have astringent properties that help reduce inflammation and irritation in the throat, providing relief from painful swallowing.
• Flavonoids: Possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, helping to alleviate inflammation and soothe painful swallowing.
• Catalpol: An iridoid glycoside that exhibits anti-inflammatory effects, reducing inflammation in the throat and easing painful swallowing.
• Chlorogenic acid: A phenolic compound with anti-inflammatory properties, helping to alleviate throat inflammation and pain during swallowing.
• Rutin: A flavonoid that helps strengthen blood vessels and reduces inflammation, providing relief from painful swallowing due to throat irritation.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic plantain tea for painful swallowing.

1. Peel and chop 2 ripe plantains into small pieces.
2. Combine plantains with 4 cups of water in a pot, bringing to a boil.
3. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, or until plantains are soft.
4. Strain the liquid, discarding plantain pieces.
5. Allow tea to cool slightly before drinking, up to 3 times daily for pain relief.

6. Goldenseal

Goldenseal tea aids in alleviating painful swallowing due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

This herbal tea contains berberine, a compound known to reduce inflammation in the mucous membranes, thereby soothing irritation. Its antimicrobial effects also combat infection-induced discomfort, making it an effective natural remedy for sore throats or other swallowing difficulties. Furthermore, goldenseal tea strengthens the immune system, promoting the body's ability to heal and protecting against future occurrences of painful swallowing.

Lastly, this tea's demulcent qualities provide a coating effect on the throat's lining, creating a barrier against irritants and easing the act of swallowing.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in goldenseal tea that help with painful swallowing.

• Roots: Contain chemical compounds that can reduce inflammation and provide relief for painful swallowing.
• Leaves: Rich in antioxidants that soothe irritation in the throat, providing instant relief from painful swallowing.
• Flowers: Packed with anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce swelling and ease discomfort while swallowing.
• Seeds: Contain essential oils that have anti-spasmodic effects, helping to relax the muscles in the throat, making swallowing less painful.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in goldenseal tea that aid with painful swallowing.

• Berberine: An alkaloid with potent antibacterial properties that can help reduce inflammation and fight infections in the throat, making swallowing easier.
• Hydrastine: An alkaloid that acts as a vasoconstrictor, which can help reduce swelling in the throat and improve swallowing.
• Canadine: An alkaloid that can help relieve spasms, making it helpful for painful swallowing due to muscle spasms or cramping.
• Palmatine: An alkaloid with anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce swelling and alleviate pain in the throat, making swallowing less painful.
• Hydrastinine: A bitter compound that can stimulate the production of saliva and digestive enzymes, helping to soothe and lubricate the throat and improve swallowing.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic goldenseal tea for painful swallowing.

1. In a stove-top pot, combine 1 cup of water and 1 tablespoon of dried goldenseal root.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes.
3. Strain the liquid to remove goldenseal pieces, then let it cool down for a few minutes.
4. Stir in 1 teaspoon of honey for added relief and improved taste.
5. Sip the goldenseal tea slowly, allowing it to coat your throat and alleviate pain with each swallow.

7. Echinacea

Echinacea tea aids in alleviating painful swallowing due to its anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce inflammation in the throat.

This herbal tea also contains compounds that boost the immune system, helping the body fight off infections causing discomfort. Furthermore, echinacea soothes irritation in the mucous membranes lining the mouth and throat, providing immediate relief. Its antioxidant qualities also protect cells from damage, promoting overall oral health.

Consequently, echinacea tea offers a natural remedy for painful swallowing.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in echinacea tea that help with painful swallowing.

• Roots: Rich in beneficial plant compounds, the roots of echinacea are used to make medicinal tea that can soothe inflamed throat tissues and alleviate painful swallowing.
• Flowers: Packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, echinacea flowers produce a soothing tea that can help reduce painful swallowing caused by throat inflammation.
• Aerial parts: A combination of stems, leaves, and buds (excluding bark), aerial parts of echinacea contain active compounds that can help relieve throat irritation and ease painful swallowing.
• Seeds: Echinacea seeds offer a potent source of medicinal benefits for treating painful swallowing, thanks to their anti-inflammatory properties and high levels of antioxidants found within.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in echinacea tea that aid with painful swallowing.

• Cichoric acid: Possesses anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce swelling and ease painful swallowing.
• Echinacoside: Its analgesic effects numb the area, alleviating discomfort during swallowing.
• Polysaccharides: Boosts the immune system and promotes tissue repair, helping to heal painful swallowing.
• Essential oils: Contains anti-spasmodic compounds that soothe muscle spasms and relax throat muscles.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic echinacea tea for painful swallowing.

1. Gather 2 teaspoons of dried echinacea flowers and roots, 1 cup of water, and a heat-resistant container.
2. Bring water to a boil in a kettle or pot.
3. Place echinacea in the container and pour boiling water over it.
4. Steep tea for 10-15 minutes, then strain out the echinacea.
5. Consume the tea while warm, up to three times daily for relief from painful swallowing.

8. Wild Bergamot

Wild bergamot tea aids in alleviating painful swallowing due to its anti-inflammatory properties, derived from the rosmarinic acid present in the plant.

This compound inhibits the production of inflammatory substances, thus reducing inflammation in the throat. Furthermore, wild bergamot contains antispasmodic properties that relax the muscles in the throat, facilitating smoother swallowing.

Additionally, it boasts antimicrobial qualities that help combat infections causing painful swallowing, and its soothing nature coats the throat, providing immediate relief.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in wild bergamot tea that help with painful swallowing.

• Leaves: Contain anti-inflammatory compounds that can help reduce swelling in the throat.
• Flowers: Rich in antioxidants that promote healing and soothe irritation caused by painful swallowing.
• Stems: Contain tannins that have astringent properties, helping to reduce inflammation and pain.
• Roots: Known for their antimicrobial properties, which can help fight infections causing painful swallowing.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in wild bergamot tea that aid with painful swallowing.

• Tannins: Tannins have astringent properties that can help reduce inflammation and irritation in the throat, making swallowing less painful.
• Flavanoids: Flavanoids have anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties that can help alleviate pain and relax the muscles in the throat, making swallowing easier.
• Essential oil: The essential oil in wild bergamot contains compounds like limonene and carvacrol, which have antibacterial and antifungal properties that can help prevent infections and soothe a sore throat.
• Rosmarinic acid: Rosmarinic acid is a polyphenol with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help reduce swelling and pain in the throat, making swallowing less difficult.
• Ursolic acid: Ursolic acid is a pentacyclic triterpene with anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties that can help reduce inflammation and clear mucus from the throat, making swallowing easier.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic wild bergamot tea for painful swallowing.

1. Gather 2 tablespoons of dried wild bergamot leaves and flowers.
2. Boil 4 cups of water in a pot, then add the wild bergamot.
3. Steep the mixture for 10 minutes, covered, to release the herb's properties.
4. Strain the tea to remove the plant material.
5. Sip the warm tea slowly, letting it soothe sore throat and alleviate painful swallowing.

9. Calendula

Calendula tea aids painful swallowing due to its well-documented anti-inflammatory properties.

The flavonoids present in this herbal tea reduce inflammation in the throat, providing immediate relief. Calendula's demulcent quality forms a soothing protective layer on the mucous membranes lining the throat, thus alleviating pain. Furthermore, calendula's antimicrobial effects combat infection, a common cause of painful swallowing.

By promoting tissue repair and accelerating wound healing, calendula tea provides comprehensive relief for painful swallowing, making it an invaluable natural remedy.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in calendula tea that help with painful swallowing.

• Flowers: Contain mucilage that coats the throat, providing relief for painful swallowing.
• Leaves: Rich in anti-inflammatory compounds, reducing inflammation and irritation in the throat.
• Aerial parts: Historically used to soothe mucous membranes, easing discomfort from painful swallowing.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in calendula tea that aid with painful swallowing.

• Mucilage: It forms a protective film over mouth and throat tissues, easing irritation and reducing pain while swallowing.
• Flavonoids: They possess anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties, helping alleviate pain and inflammation in the throat.
• Carotenoids: They are antioxidants that support tissue repair, promoting healing in the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat.
• Saponins: They have expectorant and soothing effects, aiding in the expulsion of mucus and reducing throat irritation.
• Polysaccharides: They stimulate the immune system, promoting the body's natural ability to heal and fight infections causing painful swallowing.
• Essential oils: They have antimicrobial and analgesic properties, helping to kill harmful bacteria and reduce pain during swallowing.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic calendula tea for painful swallowing.

1. Gather 2 tablespoons of dried calendula flowers and place them in a tea infuser or loose leaf tea bag.
2. Boil 8 ounces of water and pour it over the calendula flowers.
3. Steep the calendula tea for 10-15 minutes to allow the medicinal properties to release.
4. Remove the tea infuser or tea bag and let the tea cool down to a drinkable temperature.
5. Drink the calendula tea as needed for soothing relief of painful swallowing.

10. Yarrow

Yarrow tea provides relief for painful swallowing due to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, derived from the active compounds in yarrow plants.

These compounds work by reducing swelling in the throat, making it easier to swallow. Yarrow tea also has astringent qualities that help dry up excess mucus, further alleviating discomfort. Furthermore, this herbal tea stimulates the production of saliva, which moistens the throat and eases swallowing.

Additionally, its antispasmodic effects soothe muscle spasms in the esophagus, thereby minimizing pain during swallowing.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in yarrow tea that help with painful swallowing.

• Flowers: Contain anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce irritation in the throat, alleviating painful swallowing.
• Leaves: Rich in flavonoids that have a soothing effect on the mucous membranes, helping to reduce pain while swallowing.
• Stems: Contain tannins that have astringent properties, helping to decrease inflammation and providing relief from painful swallowing.
• Seeds: Packed with antioxidants that can help protect throat tissues, reducing pain and discomfort while swallowing.
• Rhizomes: Have antispasmodic properties that can help relax the muscles in the throat, making swallowing less painful.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in yarrow tea that aid with painful swallowing.

• Isoquercitrin: A flavonoid that reduces inflammation, helpful in soothing sore throats and alleviating painful swallowing.
• Eupatorin: A plant composite with anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which eases discomfort during swallowing.
• Luteolin: A flavonoid that acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, reducing irritation and pain in the throat.
• Apigenin: A flavonoid with antispasmodic properties, helpful in relieving muscle spasms and pain during swallowing.
• Chamazulene: A chemical compound with anti-inflammatory properties, which soothes throat inflammation and pain.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic yarrow tea for painful swallowing.

1. Pick 2-3 tablespoons of fresh yarrow flowers and leaves.
2. Rinse the yarrow plants under cold running water.
3. Chop the yarrow materials finely and place in a teapot.
4. Pour 1 cup of boiling water over the yarrow in the teapot.
5. Steep the tea for 10 minutes, then strain and drink up to three times a day.

What is painful swallowing and how can it affect your life?

Painful swallowing is a condition characterized by discomfort or pain while moving food or liquids from the mouth to the stomach.

This sensation can result from various causes, such as infection, inflammation, or physical abnormalities in the throat or esophagus. The impact on people's lives is significant, as it can lead to difficulties in eating and drinking, causing malnutrition, dehydration, and weight loss.

Additionally, it can cause social isolation due to the anxiety and embarrassment of experiencing pain during meals, ultimately reducing the quality of life.

What other natural remedies help with painful swallowing?

Gargling with warm saltwater is one of the most common and effective natural remedies for painful swallowing.

The salt in the water creates a natural antiseptic solution that helps to reduce inflammation and irritation in the throat. To prepare the solution, mix 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and stir until the salt is fully dissolved. Gargle the solution for 30 seconds, then spit it out.

Repeat this process several times a day to alleviate discomfort and promote healing. Another effective natural remedy is drinking plenty of fluids, particularly warm or hot liquids like soup or broth. The warmth of these liquids helps to soothe inflammation and irritation, while the fluids keep the throat lubricated and make swallowing easier.

Additionally, eating soft foods that require minimal chewing, such as mashed potatoes or scrambled eggs, can help to reduce the pain and discomfort associated with swallowing.