By Leen Randell
Updated: Nov 13, 2024
10 Best Herbal Teas For Dry Throat
Herbal teas for dry throat are a natural remedy that helps alleviate dryness and discomfort in the throat by soothing and calming the mucous membranes.
The best herbal teas for dry throat include Glycyrrhiza glabra, Thymus vulgaris, Echinacea purpurea, Zingiber officinale, Eucalyptus globulus, Sambucus nigra, Lavandula angustifolia, Ulmus rubra, Althaea officinalis, and Mentha x piperita.
If left untreated, dry throat can lead to persistent coughing, hoarseness, and difficulty swallowing, negatively impacting daily life, sleep, and overall well-being.
1. Glycyrrhiza glabra
Glycyrrhiza glabra teas helps with dry throat because of its soothing properties and ability to calm inflammation.
The licorice root, the main ingredient in these teas, contains compounds that reduce swelling and irritation in the throat. This leads to a decrease in coughing and discomfort associated with dry throat.
Additionally, glycyrrhizin, a key component of licorice root, helps to thin mucus, making it easier to expel, thereby providing relief from dryness and congestion.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Glycyrrhiza glabra teas that help with dry throat.
- Saponins: Saponins help soothe and protect the mucous membranes in the throat, reducing inflammation and discomfort associated with a dry throat.
- Flavonoids: Flavonoids have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help to reduce swelling and irritation in the throat, providing relief from dryness and discomfort.
- Glycyrrhizin: Glycyrrhizin has a sweet, soothing effect on the mucous membranes in the throat, providing rapid relief from dryness and discomfort, and helping to reduce inflammation.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Glycyrrhiza glabra used to make teas for dry throat.
- Roots: The roots are the most commonly used part due to their high concentration of glycyrrhizin, a compound that has anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties, helping to soothe a dry throat.
- Leaves: The leaves are often used in teas to provide a milder, yet still effective, alternative to the roots, with their own unique blend of glycosides and flavonoids that can aid in soothing a dry throat.
- Flowers: The flowers of the plant are also used to make teas, which are said to have a sweeter and more delicate flavor than the roots or leaves, while still offering some benefits in soothing a dry throat due to their glycoside content.
2. Thymus vulgaris
Thymus vulgaris teas helps with dry throat because of its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.
The main component, thymol, has a decongestant effect that helps to reduce swelling in the throat, providing quick relief from dryness and discomfort. Additionally, the tea's expectorant properties help to loosen and clear mucus, allowing for easier swallowing and speaking.
By promoting a healthy inflammatory response and thinning mucus, Thymus vulgaris teas can provide fast and effective relief from dry throat.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Thymus vulgaris teas that help with dry throat.
- Thymol: Helps to soothe and calm irritated mucous membranes, reducing inflammation and discomfort associated with a dry throat.
- Carvacrol: Exhibits expectorant properties, helping to loosen and clear mucus from the throat, thereby relieving dryness and discomfort.
- Rosmarinic acid: Acts as an anti-inflammatory agent, reducing swelling and irritation in the throat, and also exhibits antioxidant properties to protect against further damage.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Thymus vulgaris used to make teas for dry throat.
- Leaves: Thyme leaves are the most commonly used part for making teas due to their high concentration of thymol, a compound with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe a dry throat.
- Stems: Thyme stems are used in teas for their ability to add a mild flavor and provide a similar concentration of thymol as the leaves, making them a suitable alternative or addition to leaf-based teas.
- Flowers: Thyme flowers are used in teas for their delicate flavor and fragrance, as well as their potential to provide a soothing and anti-inflammatory effect on the throat and mouth.
3. Echinacea purpurea
Echinacea purpurea teas helps with dry throat because of its anti-inflammatory properties that soothe and calm the mucous membranes.
The herbs' antimicrobial compounds help to reduce inflammation and combat infections, which can cause a sore or dry throat. Additionally, Echinacea purpurea contains compounds that help to increase the production of saliva, which can aid in lubricating and moisturizing the throat.
This can provide quick relief and help to alleviate symptoms of a dry, scratchy throat.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Echinacea purpurea teas that help with dry throat.
- Iridoids: These constituents have anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce swelling and irritation in the throat, thereby alleviating dryness.
- Polyphenols: These antioxidants help to soothe and protect the mucous membranes in the throat, reducing inflammation and promoting healing to combat dryness.
- Caffeic acid: This phenolic acid has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which help to reduce throat irritation, fight off infections, and promote a healthy environment for the mucous membranes to function properly.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Echinacea purpurea used to make teas for dry throat.
- Roots: They contain compounds that help reduce inflammation and promote healing in the throat, making them a popular choice for dry throat tea.
- Leaves: They possess antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe and calm the throat, reducing irritation and discomfort.
- Flowers: They have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can help reduce swelling, kill bacteria, and promote a healthy environment in the throat.
4. Zingiber officinale
Zingiber officinale teas helps with dry throat because of its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.
The active compounds in ginger, such as gingerols and shogaols, work to calm and reduce inflammation in the throat, providing instant relief. As the tea is consumed, the warm and spicy sensation helps to loosen and clear mucus, promoting a healthy drainage of the throat and alleviating dryness.
Regular consumption can also help to improve overall respiratory health.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Zingiber officinale teas that help with dry throat.
- Gingerols: They have anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce swelling in the throat and provide relief from dryness and irritation.
- Shogaols: These compounds have expectorant properties, which help to loosen and clear mucus from the throat, thereby reducing dryness and discomfort.
- Terpenes: They have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which help to soothe and protect the mucous membranes in the throat, reducing dryness and irritation.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Zingiber officinale used to make teas for dry throat.
- Roots: The roots of the plant contain compounds with anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe a dry throat.
- Leaves: The leaves of Zingiber officinale contain volatile oils that provide a soothing and calming effect on the throat, making them a popular choice for teas.
5. Eucalyptus globulus
Eucalyptus globulus teas helps with dry throat because of its natural decongestant properties and its ability to soothe and calm the mucous membranes.
The tea's anti-inflammatory compounds help reduce swelling and irritation in the throat, providing instant relief from dryness and discomfort. Additionally, the expectorant properties in Eucalyptus globulus help loosen and clear out mucus and phlegm, promoting a healthy flow of air and relieving dryness and coughing.
This makes it an effective remedy for dry throat.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Eucalyptus globulus teas that help with dry throat.
- Cineole: It helps to reduce inflammation and congestion in the throat, thereby relieving dryness and discomfort.
- Catechins: These flavonoids have antioxidant properties that help to soothe and protect the mucous membranes in the throat, reducing dryness and irritation.
- Quercetin: As a potent anti-inflammatory agent, quercetin helps to reduce swelling and alleviate pain in the throat, making it easier to breathe and swallow.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Eucalyptus globulus used to make teas for dry throat.
- Leaves: Used for their decongestant and anti-inflammatory properties, which help soothe a dry and irritated throat.
- Buds: Used for their expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties, which help relieve congestion and reduce throat inflammation.
- Barks: Used for their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which help soothe and protect the throat from infection and inflammation.
6. Sambucus nigra
Sambucus nigra teas helps with dry throat because they contain a high concentration of antiviral and anti-inflammatory compounds, particularly isorhapontigenin and vitexin.
These bioactive molecules help to soothe and protect the mucous membranes, reducing inflammation and discomfort. By promoting the natural healing process, Sambucus nigra teas can help to alleviate dryness, itching, and irritation in the throat.
This makes them a popular natural remedy for colds, flu, and other respiratory issues.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Sambucus nigra teas that help with dry throat.
- Flavonoids: These plant compounds help with dry throat by reducing inflammation and promoting the healing of mucous membranes.
- Phenolic acids: They help to combat dryness by acting as antioxidants, which help to soothe and protect the mucous membranes from further irritation.
- Tannins: These compounds help to alleviate dryness by having astringent properties, which help to tighten and soothe the mucous membranes, reducing discomfort and coughing.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Sambucus nigra used to make teas for dry throat.
- Leaves: The leaves of Sambucus nigra contain flavonoids and phenolic acids that help to reduce inflammation and provide relief from dry throat.
- Flowers: The flowers of Sambucus nigra are rich in flavonoids and antioxidants that help to soothe and calm the throat, providing quick relief from dryness and discomfort.
- Fruits: The fruits of Sambucus nigra, also known as elderberries, contain anthocyanins and other compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties and help to reduce throat irritation.
7. Lavandula angustifolia
Lavandula angustifolia teas helps with dry throat because its soothing properties calm the irritated mucous membranes, reducing inflammation and discomfort.
The tea's antiseptic and antimicrobial properties help to eliminate any underlying infections that may be contributing to the dryness. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory compounds in the tea, such as linalool and linalyl acetate, work to reduce swelling and promote relaxation, providing long-lasting relief from dry throat symptoms.
This natural remedy offers a gentle and effective solution for soothing a dry and scratchy throat.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Lavandula angustifolia teas that help with dry throat.
- Linalool: Acts as a natural expectorant, helping to thin and loosen mucus, thereby providing relief from dry throat congestion.
- Linalyl acetate: Exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, reducing swelling and irritation in the throat, which can contribute to a dry, sore sensation.
- Lavandulol: Possesses antimicrobial properties, which can help combat infections that may cause dry throat and promote a healthy, hydrated mucous membrane.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Lavandula angustifolia used to make teas for dry throat.
- Leaves: Used for teas to alleviate dry throat due to their calming and soothing properties, which help to reduce inflammation and promote relaxation.
- Flowers: Used for teas to alleviate dry throat due to their antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to soothe and calm the throat.
- Stems: Used for teas to alleviate dry throat due to their ability to provide a mild, soothing effect and help to reduce inflammation in the throat.
8. Ulmus rubra
Ulmus rubra teas helps with dry throat because of its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.
The tea, made from the bark of the Slippery Elm tree, contains mucilages, which form a protective barrier on the mucous membranes, providing instant relief from dryness and irritation. This natural barrier helps to lock in moisture and reduce inflammation, allowing the throat to heal and recover more efficiently.
As a result, Ulmus rubra teas provide a natural solution for soothing dry, irritated throats and promoting a healthy respiratory system.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Ulmus rubra teas that help with dry throat.
- Flavonoids: Help soothe and protect the mucous membranes, reducing inflammation and irritation in the throat.
- Phenolic acids: Have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help calm and heal the irritated throat tissues.
- Saponins: Have a soothing effect on the mucous membranes, reducing inflammation and helping to keep the throat moist.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Ulmus rubra used to make teas for dry throat.
- Leaves: They are rich in antioxidants and contain compounds that help soothe and calm irritated throats.
- Buds: The buds of Ulmus rubra contain anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce swelling and discomfort in the throat.
- Barks: The barks of Ulmus rubra have been traditionally used to make teas that help relieve coughs and soothe sore throats due to their astringent and anti-inflammatory properties.
9. Althaea officinalis
Althaea officinalis teas helps with dry throat because of its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.
The marshmallow root, the source of the tea, contains mucilages that form a protective layer on the mucous membranes, providing instant relief from irritation and discomfort. This helps to calm and moisturize the throat, reducing inflammation and promoting a faster recovery.
The tea also has natural expectorant properties, aiding in the removal of mucus and phlegm, which further eases throat dryness and congestion.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Althaea officinalis teas that help with dry throat.
- Mucilages: These complex carbohydrates help soothe and protect the mucous membranes in the throat, reducing inflammation and discomfort associated with dry throat.
- Flavonoids: As antioxidants, flavonoids help reduce inflammation and promote the healing of damaged tissues in the throat, alleviating symptoms of dry throat.
- Saponins: The anti-inflammatory properties of saponins help reduce swelling and irritation in the throat, providing relief from dryness and discomfort.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Althaea officinalis used to make teas for dry throat.
- Roots: They are rich in mucilage, a thick, protective substance that helps soothe and calm an irritated throat.
- Leaves: They also contain mucilage, which can provide relief from dryness and inflammation in the throat.
- Flowers: Though less commonly used, the flowers of Althaea officinalis can also be used to make tea, providing a similar soothing effect to the roots and leaves.
10. Mentha x piperita
Mentha x piperita teas helps with dry throat because it contains menthol and menthone, which have natural anti-inflammatory properties.
These compounds help to reduce swelling and irritation in the throat, providing quick relief from discomfort. Additionally, the cooling sensation of menthol can help to calm the throat and provide temporary pain relief, while the herb's expectorant properties can help to loosen and clear mucus, making it easier to swallow and breathe.
This makes it an effective remedy for soothing a dry, scratchy throat.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Mentha x piperita teas that help with dry throat.
- Menthol: It helps with dry throat by providing a cooling sensation and reducing inflammation in the throat, which provides relief from discomfort and irritation.
- Limonene: It helps with dry throat by acting as an expectorant, helping to loosen and clear mucus from the airways, making it easier to breathe and reducing congestion.
- Royleanone: It helps with dry throat by possessing anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which helps to reduce swelling and fight off infections that may be contributing to the dryness and irritation of the throat.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Mentha x piperita used to make teas for dry throat.
- Leaves: Used for teas due to their high concentration of menthol, which helps to loosen and clear mucus from the throat.
- Stems: Employed for teas because they contain menthone, a compound that provides a cooling sensation and aids in soothing a dry throat.
- Buds: Utilized for teas because they are rich in menthol and menthone, which together help to calm and moisturize the throat.