10 Best Herbal Teas For Dry Throat

Herbal teas for dry throat are a soothing and natural remedy to alleviate dryness and discomfort in the throat.

They work by providing hydration and anti-inflammatory properties to the mucous membranes, helping to calm irritation and soothe dryness.

Examples of herbal teas that help with dry throat include peppermint, chamomile, and licorice root tea, which can provide instant relief and improve quality of life by reducing discomfort and promoting relaxation.

The following article describes in detail the most important teas for dry throat, including medicinal properties, parts of herbs to use, and recipes for preparations.

1. Thymus serpyllum

Thymus serpyllum, also known as creeping thyme, teas helps with dry throat because of its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.

The herb contains compounds that help to relax the muscles in the throat, reducing inflammation and discomfort. Thymus serpyllum teas also has expectorant properties, which help to loosen and clear mucus from the throat, providing instant relief from dryness and irritation. Its antioxidant properties also help to protect the throat from damage caused by free radicals.

This makes Thymus serpyllum teas a natural and effective remedy for a dry throat.

Medicinal Constituents

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

• Thymol: Thymol has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which can help soothe and calm an irritated throat, reducing inflammation and promoting healing.
• Carvacrol: Carvacrol has expectorant properties, which can help thin and clear mucus from the throat, making it easier to swallow and relieving congestion associated with dry throat.
• Rosmarinic acid: Rosmarinic acid has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help protect the throat from oxidative stress and inflammation, reducing pain and discomfort associated with dry throat.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of creeping thyme used to make teas for dry throat.

• Leaves: They are used to make teas for a dry throat due to their high content of thymol, which has antibacterial properties and helps soothe the throat.
• Flowers: They are used to make teas for a dry throat as they contain volatile oils that have anti-inflammatory properties, reducing throat irritation.
• Stems: They are used to make teas for a dry throat due to their high concentration of thymol and other compounds that help reduce inflammation and relieve throat discomfort.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic creeping thyme for dry throat.

1. Harvest 20-30 fresh or dried thymus serpyllum leaves and flowers for making herbal tea.
2. Measure out one teaspoon of the harvested thymus serpyllum per cup of boiling water.
3. Steep the measured thymus serpyllum in boiling water for 5-7 minutes to release its oils.
4. Strain the thymus serpyllum tea mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a cup.
5. Allow the thymus serpyllum tea to cool for 2-3 minutes before consumption.

2. Glycyrrhiza glabra

Glycyrrhiza glabra, also known as licorice, teas helps with dry throat because of its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.

The roots of the plant contain compounds like glycyrrhizin, which has been shown to reduce inflammation and irritation in the mucous membranes of the throat. This leads to a reduction in dryness and discomfort, providing relief from dry throat symptoms.

Additionally, licorice teas have been traditionally used to calm coughs and soothe a sore throat, making it a popular remedy for dry throat relief.

Medicinal Constituents

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

• Licorice glycosides: These saponins have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help soothe and calm an irritated throat, reducing dryness and discomfort.
• Flavonoids: These phenolic compounds have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which can help reduce swelling and irritation in the throat, alleviating dryness and cough.
• Terpenoids: These compounds have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation and irritation in the throat, providing relief from dryness and discomfort.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of licorice used to make teas for dry throat.

• Roots: They contain glycyrrhizin, a compound that helps to reduce inflammation and soothe the throat.
• Leaves: They have a similar composition to the roots and can provide similar benefits for a dry throat.
• Flowers: They contain a smaller amount of glycyrrhizin but are often used in teas for their soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic licorice for dry throat.

1. Gather 1-2 teaspoons of dried glycyrrhiza glabra roots and 1 cup of boiling water for infusion.
2. Steep the roots in the boiling water for 5-7 minutes to allow flavors to release.
3. Strain the tea into a cup using a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove solids.
4. Add 1-2 teaspoons of honey to sweeten the tea to taste if desired.
5. Serve the tea immediately and enjoy within 30 minutes to 1 hour of preparation.

3. Matricaria chamomilla

Matricaria chamomilla, also known as chamomile, teas helps with dry throat because of its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.

The active compounds, such as apigenin and luteolin, in chamomile tea have been shown to reduce inflammation and calm the mucous membranes, providing instant relief from dryness and discomfort. Additionally, chamomile tea's expectorant properties help to loosen and clear mucus, further alleviating dry throat symptoms.

Its natural, gentle, and non-irritating nature makes it an effective and comforting remedy for dry throat.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Matricaria chamomilla teas that help with dry throat.

• Apigenin: This flavonoid acts as a natural anti-inflammatory and helps reduce swelling in the throat, providing relief from dry throat discomfort.
• Luteolin: This flavonoid has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help soothe and calm the mucous membranes in the throat, reducing dryness and irritation.
• Bisabolol: This sesquiterpene has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which help reduce swelling, combat infections, and promote healing of the mucous membranes in the throat, alleviating dry throat symptoms.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of chamomile used to make teas for dry throat.

• Flowers: They are the most commonly used part for teas due to their calming and anti-inflammatory properties, which help soothe a dry and irritated throat.
• Leaves: The leaves of Matricaria chamomilla contain essential oils and flavonoids that aid in reducing inflammation and providing relief from a dry throat.
• Seeds: While less common, the seeds of Matricaria chamomilla can be used to make teas that help in reducing inflammation and providing a soothing effect on a dry throat due to their rich content of essential oils and flavonoids.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic chamomile for dry throat.

1. Gather 1-2 teaspoons of dried matricaria chamomilla flowers and store them in an airtight container.
2. Measure 1 cup of boiling water and let it steep for 5-7 minutes to infuse the tea.
3. Strain the tea through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a cup to remove the solids.
4. Discard the solids and add honey or lemon to taste as desired to enhance the flavor.
5. Allow the tea to cool and serve immediately or store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

4. Zingiber officinale

Zingiber officinale, also known as ginger, teas helps with dry throat because of its anti-inflammatory properties and soothing effects.

The active compounds in ginger, such as gingerol and shogaol, work to reduce swelling and irritation in the throat, providing quick relief from dryness and discomfort. Additionally, ginger's warming properties help to stimulate saliva production, further aiding in the hydration and comfort of the throat, making it an effective natural remedy for dry throat.

Regular consumption can provide long-lasting relief.

Medicinal Constituents

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

• Shogaols: Shogaols, a type of gingerol, help with dry throat by reducing inflammation and soothing irritated mucous membranes.
• Gingerols: Gingerols, particularly [6]-gingerol, help with dry throat by acting as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic, reducing pain and discomfort associated with a sore throat.
• Zingiberene: Zingiberene, a sesquiterpene, helps with dry throat by exhibiting antimicrobial properties, which aid in preventing infections that can cause or exacerbate a sore throat.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of ginger used to make teas for dry throat.

• Rhyzomes: Rhyzomes are the most commonly used part of Zingiber officinale for teas due to their high concentration of gingerols, which have anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe a dry throat.
• Leaves: Leaves are used in some teas for their mild flavor and potential health benefits, although they are not as widely used as rhyzomes for dry throat relief.
• Buds: Ginger buds, which are the immature rhyzomes, are also used to make teas due to their similar properties to rhyzomes and a slightly more delicate flavor.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic ginger for dry throat.

1. Gather 1-2 teaspoons of dried zingiber officinale rhizome and rinse it with filtered water.
2. Heat 8 ounces of water in a kettle or on the stovetop until it reaches boiling point.
3. Steep the dried zingiber officinale rhizome in the boiling water for 5-7 minutes to release its flavors.
4. Strain the tea mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a cup.
5. Serve the warm herbal tea immediately and enjoy it on its own or with a squeeze of lemon.

5. Echinacea purpurea

Echinacea purpurea, also known as purple coneflower, teas helps with dry throat because of its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.

The plant's roots and flowers contain compounds that have been shown to reduce inflammation and promote healing in the mucous membranes, which can become dry and irritated. Drinking Echinacea purpurea tea can help to calm and moisturize the throat, providing relief from dryness and discomfort.

Its natural anti-inflammatory properties also help to combat underlying causes of dry throat, such as a cold or respiratory infection.

Medicinal Constituents

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

• Iridoid glycosides: These compounds have anti-inflammatory properties, which help soothe and reduce irritation in the throat, providing relief from dryness and discomfort.
• Alkaloids: These compounds possess antimicrobial properties, helping to combat infections that may exacerbate dry throat, thereby promoting a healthy and moist throat environment.
• Flavonoids: As an antioxidant, quercetin helps to reduce inflammation and protect the mucous membranes in the throat from oxidative stress, which can contribute to dryness and discomfort.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of purple coneflower used to make teas for dry throat.

• Roots: Used to make teas for dry throat due to their rich content of compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties.
• Leaves: Used to make teas for dry throat due to their ability to soothe and calm irritated mucous membranes.
• Flowers: Used to make teas for dry throat due to their antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce throat inflammation.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic purple coneflower for dry throat.

1. Harvest fresh echinacea purpurea roots and flowers in the morning after the dew has evaporated slowly.
2. Dry the harvested parts in a warm dark place with good air circulation for 7 to 10 days.
3. Grind 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried echinacea purpurea roots and flowers into a fine powder using a coffee grinder.
4. Steep 1 teaspoon of the ground echinacea purpurea powder in boiling water for 5 to 7 minutes.
5. Strain and drink the echinacea purpurea tea immediately after it has cooled down slightly to room temperature.

6. Taraxacum officinale

Taraxacum officinale, also known as dandelion, teas helps with dry throat because of its anti-inflammatory properties, which soothe the mucous membranes and reduce irritation.

The tea's diuretic properties help to flush out excess fluids and reduce swelling in the throat, providing quick relief from dryness and discomfort.

Additionally, dandelion tea's expectorant properties help to loosen and clear mucus, making it easier to breathe and swallow, ultimately providing relief from dry throat symptoms.

Medicinal Constituents

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

• Saponins: Saponins in Taraxacum officinale tea have anti-inflammatory properties, which help to soothe and calm dry, irritated throats.
• Flavonoids: Quercetin, a type of flavonoid present in Taraxacum officinale, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help to reduce swelling and ease discomfort in dry throats.
• Alkaloids: Taraxasterol, an alkaloid found in Taraxacum officinale, has anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties, which help to loosen mucus and reduce dryness in the throat.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of dandelion used to make teas for dry throat.

• Leaves: They are used for their soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to calm and protect the mucous membranes in the throat.
• Flowers: They contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that help to reduce swelling and irritation in the throat, providing relief from dryness and discomfort.
• Roots: They contain inulin, a natural polysaccharide that has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to soothe and protect the mucous membranes in the throat.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic dandelion for dry throat.

1. Gather taraxacum officinale roots and flowers in equal quantities and chop them finely to release their medicinal properties.
2. Heat two cups of water in a saucepan over medium heat for five minutes to bring it to a boil.
3. Add one teaspoon of chopped taraxacum officinale to the boiling water and reduce heat to low.
4. Steep the mixture for 10 to 15 minutes to allow the taraxacum officinale to infuse its flavor and properties.
5. Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or fine mesh and discard the solids to obtain a clear tea.

7. Calendula officinalis

Calendula officinalis, also known as pot marigold, teas helps with dry throat because of its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.

The tea is rich in flavonoids and carotenoids, which help to calm and moisturize the mucous membranes, reducing inflammation and discomfort. The antiseptic properties of calendula also help to combat infections and promote healing, making it an effective remedy for dry and irritated throats.

This natural remedy provides quick relief and comfort to those suffering from dry throat.

Medicinal Constituents

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

• Triterpenoids: These compounds have anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce swelling and irritation in the throat, thereby alleviating dryness and discomfort.
• Saponins: Saponins have expectorant properties, which aid in loosening and clearing mucus from the throat, thus helping to soothe and moisturize a dry throat.
• Flavonoids: As a potent antioxidant, Quercetin helps reduce inflammation and alleviate oxidative stress in the throat, promoting a healthier and more comfortable environment for the mucous membranes.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of pot marigold used to make teas for dry throat.

• Flowers: Used to make teas for a dry throat because of their soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Leaves: Used to make teas for a dry throat because of their calming and mucilage-rich properties that help soothe irritated tissues.
• Seeds: Used to make teas for a dry throat because of their expectorant properties that help loosen and clear mucus, providing relief from dryness and coughing.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic pot marigold for dry throat.

1. Harvest 20-30 fresh calendula officinalis flowers at the peak of their bloom for optimal potency.
2. Rinse the flowers gently with cool water to remove any dirt or debris thoroughly.
3. Dry the flowers in a single layer at room temperature or use a dehydrator at 95 degrees fahrenheit for 1-2 hours.
4. Steep 1 teaspoon of dried calendula flowers in 1 cup of boiling water for 5-7 minutes.
5. Strain the tea and discard the solids to serve immediately while still warm.

8. Plantago major

Plantago major, also known as plantain, teas helps with dry throat because of its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.

The leaves of the plant contain mucilages, which form a protective layer on the mucous membranes, reducing inflammation and irritation in the throat.

This helps to calm the discomfort and pain associated with dry throat, making it an effective natural remedy for alleviating coughs and sore throats caused by dry air or respiratory issues.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Plantago major teas that help with dry throat.

• Apolysaccharides: Apolysaccharides in Plantago major teas have soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to calm and protect the mucous membranes in the throat, thereby relieving dryness and discomfort.
• Saponins: Saponins in Plantago major teas have expectorant properties, which help to loosen and clear mucus from the throat, reducing dryness and promoting healing of the affected area.
• Flavonoids: Flavonoids, particularly quercetin, in Plantago major teas have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help to reduce inflammation and irritation in the throat, thereby providing relief from dryness and discomfort.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of plantain used to make teas for dry throat.

• Leaves: They are used due to their high mucilage content, which helps to soothe and protect the mucous membranes in the throat.
• Seeds: They are used as they contain mucilage, which can help to moisturize and calm the dryness and irritation in the throat.
• Stems: They are used as they also contain mucilage, which helps to provide a protective layer and reduce inflammation in the throat, making it a suitable remedy for dry throat issues.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic plantain for dry throat.

1. Harvest 20-30 plantago major leaves and flowers for fresh tea or store dried leaves for later use.
2. Rinse the harvested leaves and flowers with cold water to remove any dirt or debris.
3. Steep one teaspoon of dried plantago major leaves in one cup of boiling water for 5-7 minutes.
4. Strain the tea into a cup and discard the solids to prevent any bitter flavors.
5. Enjoy the herbal tea warm or chilled after it has cooled to a comfortable temperature.

9. Trifolium pratense

Trifolium pratense, also known as red clover, teas helps with dry throat because of its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.

The tea contains isoflavones and saponins that help to calm and protect the mucous membranes in the throat, reducing inflammation and discomfort associated with dry throat. Additionally, the tea's expectorant properties help to loosen and clear mucus, promoting a smooth and healthy respiratory system.

This makes Trifolium pratense tea a popular natural remedy for relieving dry throat symptoms.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Trifolium pratense teas that help with dry throat.

• Isoflavones: Isoflavones, particularly genistein and formononetin, have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help soothe and protect the mucous membranes in the throat, reducing discomfort associated with dry throat.
• Phenolic acids: These phenolic acids possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help reduce inflammation and irritation in the throat, alleviating dryness and discomfort.
• Saponins: Saponins, such as trilinolein, have anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties that help thin mucus, promote its clearance, and reduce congestion, ultimately alleviating dryness and discomfort in the throat.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of red clover used to make teas for dry throat.

• Leaves: They are commonly used to make teas due to their high concentration of flavonoids and saponins, which have anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that help to calm a dry throat.
• Flowers: The flowers of Trifolium pratense are used to make teas as they contain flavonoids and other compounds that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help to soothe a dry throat and reduce inflammation.
• Roots: The roots of Trifolium pratense are used to make teas as they contain saponins and other compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties, which help to soothe a dry throat and reduce inflammation.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic red clover for dry throat.

1. Harvest the trifolium pratense flowers at peak bloom, typically in late spring or early summer, for optimal potency.
2. Dry the trifolium pratense flowers in a single layer, away from direct sunlight, for 7 to 10 days.
3. Grind 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried trifolium pratense flowers into a fine powder using a spice grinder or mortar.
4. Steep 1 teaspoon of ground trifolium pratense flowers in 8 ounces of boiling water for 5 to 7 minutes.
5. Strain the tea through a fine-mesh sieve and discard the solids, then serve warm or chilled immediately.

10. Urtica dioica

Urtica dioica, also known as stinging nettle, teas helps with dry throat because of its natural anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.

The tea's high concentration of antioxidants and flavonoids helps to reduce inflammation and irritation in the throat, providing quick relief from dryness and discomfort.

Additionally, stinging nettle tea has been found to have a protective effect on the mucous membranes, promoting healthy tissue and facilitating the healing process, making it a popular natural remedy for dry throat.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Urtica dioica teas that help with dry throat.

• Tannins: Tannins in Urtica dioica tea help soothe and reduce inflammation in the throat, providing relief from dryness and discomfort.
• Phenolic acids: Quercetin and other phenolic acids in Urtica dioica tea possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help to reduce swelling and irritation in the throat and promote healing of dry, irritated tissues.
• Alkaloids: Urtica dioica's histamine-releasing alkaloids stimulate the release of mucus and other protective substances in the throat, which helps to soothe and moisturize dry tissues, providing temporary relief from dry throat symptoms.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of stinging nettle used to make teas for dry throat.

• Leaves: The leaves are the most commonly used part due to their high concentration of histamine-releasing compounds, which help to loosen mucus and soothe a dry, irritated throat.
• Stems: The stems of Urtica dioica are also used to make tea, as they contain anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce swelling and discomfort in the throat.
• Roots: The roots are used to make tea that is said to have a soothing effect on the throat and can help to calm inflammation, making them a popular choice for dry throat relief.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic stinging nettle for dry throat.

1. Harvest 1-2 handfuls of fresh leaves and stems of the plant with leaves that resemble stinging nettle.
2. Dry the fresh plant material in a single layer at room temperature for 1-2 days.
3. Measure out 2-3 teaspoons of dried plant material and place it in a tea infuser or strainer.
4. Steep the dried plant material in 8 ounces of boiling water for 5-7 minutes to release its properties.
5. Strain the tea and discard the solids before serving the tea immediately or storing it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

What is the best combination of herbal teas to use for dry throat?

The best combination of herbal teas that help with dry throat is a soothing blend of Slippery Elm, Licorice Root, and Throat Coat tea.

Slippery Elm provides a protective barrier on the mucous membranes, while Licorice Root reduces inflammation and soothes irritation. Throat Coat tea adds a calming effect with its mix of herbs like marshmallow and mullein, which helps to heal and repair the throat tissue.

This blend can be enjoyed hot or iced to provide relief from dry, irritated throats.

What ailments similar to dry throat are treated with herbal teas?

Ailments similar to dry throat that are treated with herbal teas are sore mouth, gum inflammation, and laryngitis.

Herbs such as slippery elm, marshmallow root, and licorice root soothe and protect the mucous membranes in the mouth and throat, reducing irritation and discomfort.

These herbs can also help calm a cough and reduce inflammation, providing relief from these conditions.