By Leen Randell

Updated: Nov 13, 2024

10 Best Herbal Teas For Throat Pain

Herbal teas for throat pain are natural remedies made from various plants that help alleviate discomfort and inflammation in the throat.

They work by soothing the mucous membranes, reducing swelling, and fighting off underlying infections that cause the pain. The best herbal teas for throat pain include Glycyrrhiza glabra, Echinacea purpurea, Zingiber officinale, Thymus vulgaris, Eucalyptus globulus, Ulmus rubra, Sambucus nigra, Achillea millefolium, Althaea officinalis, and Mentha x piperita.

If not treated, throat pain can disrupt sleep, affect daily work, and lead to dehydration, making it essential to incorporate these herbal teas into one's routine for relief.

1. Glycyrrhiza glabra

Glycyrrhiza glabra teas helps with throat pain because it contains compounds like glycyrrhizin and flavonoids that have anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.

These properties can help reduce swelling and irritation in the throat, providing relief from pain and discomfort. The tea's expectorant properties also help to loosen and clear mucus, making it easier to breathe and swallow. Additionally, the tea's natural antibacterial properties can help combat infections that may be contributing to the throat pain.

This makes Glycyrrhiza glabra teas a popular natural remedy for soothing a sore throat.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Glycyrrhiza glabra teas that help with throat pain.

• Glycyrrhizin: Helps alleviate throat pain by reducing inflammation in the throat and mucous membranes, thus providing relief from discomfort and soreness.
• Liquiritigenin: Acts as an anti-inflammatory agent, which helps to soothe throat pain by reducing swelling and promoting healing of the affected area.
• 18α-glycyrrhetinic acid: Exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help to calm the throat, reduce inflammation, and protect against oxidative stress caused by throat pain.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of Glycyrrhiza glabra used to make teas for throat pain.

• Roots: The roots are the primary part used due to their high concentration of glycyrrhizin, a compound responsible for the anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that help alleviate throat pain.
• Leaves: The leaves are often used in herbal teas for their mild flavor and additional glycyrrhizin content, which complements the roots and enhances the soothing effects.
• Stems: The stems are sometimes used in combination with roots and leaves, adding a subtle flavor and contributing to the overall anti-inflammatory properties of the tea.

2. Echinacea purpurea

Echinacea purpurea teas helps with throat pain because it contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties, which can reduce swelling and ease discomfort.

The tea's flavonoids and phenolic acids also exhibit antioxidant activity, helping to protect the mucous membranes in the throat and promote healing. Additionally, Echinacea purpurea's immunomodulatory effects can support the body's natural defense against infections, which can help alleviate throat pain caused by viruses and other pathogens.

This can lead to a faster recovery and relief from discomfort.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Echinacea purpurea teas that help with throat pain.

• Icariin: This constituent helps reduce inflammation and alleviate pain in the throat by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes.
• Cichoric acid: This compound exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help protect the mucous membranes in the throat and reduce the severity of throat pain.
• Caffeic acid: This phenolic acid has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which help combat infections that cause throat pain and promote healing in the affected area.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of Echinacea purpurea used to make teas for throat pain.

• Flowers: They are used to make teas due to their high content of alkylamides, which have anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe throat pain.
• Roots: The roots of Echinacea purpurea are used for their immunomodulatory effects, which can help boost the body's natural defenses against infections that cause throat pain.
• Leaves: Leaves are used to make teas due to their ability to provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation and irritation in the throat.

3. Zingiber officinale

Zingiber officinale teas helps with throat pain because of its anti-inflammatory properties.

The active compounds in ginger, such as gingerols and shogaols, have been shown to reduce inflammation and ease pain in the throat. These compounds also have natural antimicrobial properties, which can help combat infections that may be contributing to throat pain. Additionally, the soothing and warming effects of ginger tea can provide fast relief from sore throats, making it a popular remedy for throat discomfort.

Its effectiveness is well-documented in traditional medicine.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Zingiber officinale teas that help with throat pain.

• Gingerols: These compounds have anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce pain and swelling in the throat.
• Shogaols: Similar to gingerols, shogaols have analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, providing relief from throat pain.
• Zingiberene: This sesquiterpene has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, which help alleviate throat pain and discomfort.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of Zingiber officinale used to make teas for throat pain.

• Rhyzomes: Rhyzomes are commonly used to make teas due to their high concentration of active compounds like gingerol and shogaol, which have anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe throat pain.
• Roots: Roots of Zingiber officinale are also widely used in teas to provide relief from throat pain, as they contain similar active compounds to rhyzomes that help reduce inflammation and discomfort.
• Leaves: Although less commonly used than rhyzomes or roots, leaves of Zingiber officinale are sometimes used in teas to help alleviate throat pain, thanks to their mild anti-inflammatory properties.

4. Thymus vulgaris

Thymus vulgaris teas helps with throat pain because its active compounds, such as thymol and carvacrol, exhibit potent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

These properties help to reduce throat inflammation and combat bacterial, viral, and fungal infections that cause throat pain. The soothing and calming effects of the tea also help to ease discomfort and promote a smooth healing process, ultimately alleviating throat pain and promoting overall well-being.

Traditional herbal remedies have long touted the benefits of thyme for soothing a sore throat.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Thymus vulgaris teas that help with throat pain.

• Thymol: Acts as an antimicrobial agent, helping to reduce the severity of throat pain by eliminating bacterial and fungal infections that can cause discomfort.
• Rosmarinic acid: Exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, which can help alleviate throat pain by reducing inflammation and swelling in the throat area.
• Carvacrol: Possesses analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, making it effective in reducing throat pain by numbing the affected area and decreasing inflammation.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of Thymus vulgaris used to make teas for throat pain.

• Leaves: Thymus vulgaris leaves are the most commonly used part for making teas to relieve throat pain because of their high thymol content, which has antimicrobial properties.
• Flowers: Thymus vulgaris flowers are used to make teas for throat pain relief due to their ability to soothe and calm the throat, reducing inflammation and discomfort.
• Stems: Thymus vulgaris stems are also used for making teas to relieve throat pain, as they contain essential oils that help to reduce inflammation and promote a healthy throat.

5. Eucalyptus globulus

Eucalyptus globulus teas helps with throat pain because of its potent anti-inflammatory properties, which soothe and calm the inflamed tissues in the throat.

The tea's decongestant properties also help to reduce mucus buildup and congestion, allowing for easier breathing and relief from discomfort. Additionally, eucalyptus' antimicrobial properties help to combat infections that may be causing the throat pain, promoting a faster recovery and reducing the severity of symptoms.

This natural remedy has been a trusted solution for centuries.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Eucalyptus globulus teas that help with throat pain.

• Cineole: It acts as a decongestant, reducing swelling and congestion in the throat, which in turn helps alleviate pain and discomfort.
• Piperitone: This compound has anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce inflammation and irritation in the throat, thereby providing relief from pain and discomfort.
• Alpha-pinene: It has a bronchodilatory effect, allowing for easier breathing and reducing the pressure on the throat, which can help alleviate pain caused by congestion and coughing.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of Eucalyptus globulus used to make teas for throat pain.

• Leaves: They are used due to their high concentration of eucalyptol, which provides decongestant and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Buds: They are used because they contain a higher concentration of eucalyptol than mature leaves, making them a more potent remedy for throat pain.
• Barks: They are used for their antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, which help soothe and protect the throat from infection and irritation.

6. Ulmus rubra

Ulmus rubra teas helps with throat pain because its anti-inflammatory properties reduce swelling and discomfort in the throat.

The tea's soothing and calming effects also help to ease irritation and inflammation, providing quick relief from throat pain. The antioxidants present in Ulmus rubra tea further protect the throat from damage caused by free radicals, promoting a healthy environment for the throat tissues to heal and recover from inflammation and irritation.

This natural remedy is a popular choice for soothing sore throats.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Ulmus rubra teas that help with throat pain.

• Phenolic acids: These help with throat pain by reducing inflammation and soothing the mucous membranes, providing relief from irritation and discomfort.
• Tannins: These act as astringents to help reduce swelling and ease pain in the throat, promoting a sense of calmness and relief.
• Flavonoids: These have anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce swelling and redness in the throat, while also providing antioxidant benefits to promote overall health.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of Ulmus rubra used to make teas for throat pain.

• Leaves: Used in teas for throat pain due to their anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe irritated tissues.
• Barks: Utilized in teas to relieve throat pain due to their astringent properties, which can help reduce swelling and inflammation.
• Buds: Employed in teas to alleviate throat pain because of their expectorant properties, which can help loosen and clear mucus from the throat.

7. Sambucus nigra

Sambucus nigra teas helps with throat pain because it contains high levels of antioxidants and bioflavonoids, which have anti-inflammatory properties that soothe and calm the throat.

The tea is made from the elderberry, a natural remedy traditionally used to combat colds, flu, and respiratory issues. Its unique blend of flavonoids and anthocyanins helps to reduce inflammation and promote healing in the throat, providing quick relief from discomfort, hoarseness, and soreness caused by viral infections.

This natural remedy is a popular choice for throat health.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Sambucus nigra teas that help with throat pain.

• Isoflavones: These flavonoid compounds have anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce swelling and discomfort in the throat, providing relief from pain.
• Phenolic acids: These compounds exhibit antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which help combat infections and reduce inflammation in the throat.
• Flavonoids: As powerful antioxidants, flavonoids help neutralize free radicals that can exacerbate throat pain, while also reducing inflammation and promoting healing.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of Sambucus nigra used to make teas for throat pain.

• Flowers: The flowers of Sambucus nigra are commonly used to make teas for throat pain due to their antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Leaves: The leaves of Sambucus nigra are used in teas for throat pain due to their expectorant properties, which help to loosen and clear mucus from the throat.
• Fruits: The fruits of Sambucus nigra are used in teas for throat pain due to their high concentration of anthocyanins, which have anti-inflammatory properties that help to soothe the throat.

8. Achillea millefolium

Achillea millefolium teas helps with throat pain because of its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

The plant contains compounds like sesquiterpene lactones and flavonoids, which have been shown to reduce swelling and ease discomfort in the throat. Additionally, its soothing and calming effects help to quiet coughs and reduce irritation.

As a natural expectorant, it also aids in loosening mucus and promoting a smoother breathing experience, providing relief from sore throats and associated discomfort.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Achillea millefolium teas that help with throat pain.

• Flavonoids: These compounds have anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce swelling and inflammation in the throat, which is often associated with throat pain.
• Rosmarinic acid: This phenolic compound possesses analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, which help alleviate pain and discomfort in the throat.
• Apigenin: This flavonoid has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe and calm irritated throat tissues, reducing pain and discomfort.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of Achillea millefolium used to make teas for throat pain.

• Leaves: The leaves of Achillea millefolium are commonly used to make teas due to their high concentration of antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, which help soothe sore throats.
• Flowers: The flowers of Achillea millefolium are often used to make teas as they contain flavonoids and terpenoids that have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, reducing throat pain and discomfort.
• Roots: The roots of Achillea millefolium are also used to make teas, as they contain compounds that help reduce inflammation and fight off infections, providing relief for sore throats.

9. Althaea officinalis

Althaea officinalis teas helps with throat pain because of its potent anti-inflammatory properties and soothing effects on the mucous membranes.

The root of the marshmallow plant contains mucilages, thick, gel-like substances that calm and protect the irritated tissues in the throat, reducing swelling and discomfort.

As the tea is consumed, the mucilages create a protective barrier, allowing the throat to heal and recover from infections, irritations, and other causes of throat pain, providing relief and comfort to those affected.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Althaea officinalis teas that help with throat pain.

• Mucilages: Help soothe and protect the mucous membranes in the throat, reducing inflammation and discomfort associated with throat pain.
• Flavonoids: Possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help reduce swelling and combat oxidative stress that can contribute to throat pain.
• Glucosides: Have anti-inflammatory and soothing effects, which help calm irritated tissues and reduce the severity of throat pain.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of Althaea officinalis used to make teas for throat pain.

• Roots: The roots of Althaea officinalis are used to make teas for throat pain because they contain mucilages that soothe and protect the mucous membranes.
• Leaves: The leaves are used to make teas for throat pain because they retain some of the same soothing properties as the roots, though in lower concentrations.
• Rhyzomes: The rhyzomes of Althaea officinalis are used to make teas for throat pain because they have a similar composition to the roots, with a high mucilage content that provides relief.

10. Mentha x piperita

Mentha x piperita teas helps with throat pain because of its potent anti-inflammatory properties.

The menthol in peppermint tea numbs the throat, reducing discomfort and inflammation. Its natural cooling effect provides instant relief from sore throats, while its antimicrobial properties help combat underlying infections that may be causing the pain. Additionally, the antispasmodic properties in peppermint tea relax the muscles in the throat, reducing strain and allowing for easier swallowing.

This makes it a popular remedy for soothing throat pain.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Mentha x piperita teas that help with throat pain.

• Menthol: Menthol helps with throat pain by providing a cooling sensation that numbs the pain and reduces inflammation in the throat.
• Menthone: Menthone contributes to the analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of mentha tea, helping to alleviate throat pain and discomfort.
• Rosmarinic acid: Rosmarinic acid has potent anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce swelling and pain in the throat, making it easier to swallow and speak.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of Mentha x piperita used to make teas for throat pain.

• Leaves: The leaves are the most commonly used part for making teas due to their high concentration of menthol and menthone, which provide anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
• Stems: The stems of Peppermint contain a higher concentration of menthol than the leaves, making them a popular choice for teas to help relieve throat pain and discomfort.
• Rhyzomes: The rhyzomes (or rhizomes) of Peppermint, which are underground stems that produce new plants, are also used to make teas due to their high menthol content and ability to provide quick relief from throat pain.