10 Best Herbal Teas For Sore Throat

Herbal teas for sore throat are a natural remedy made from various herbs and plants that help alleviate the discomfort and pain associated with a sore throat.

They work by reducing inflammation, soothing the throat, and boosting the immune system. Examples of herbal teas that help with sore throat include peppermint, ginger, and slippery elm, which have anti-inflammatory properties and antibacterial agents that combat infection.

Drinking these teas can improve lives by providing quick relief and promoting overall health.

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

1. Thymus vulgaris

Thymus vulgaris, also known as thyme, teas helps with sore throat because of its natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

The active compounds in thyme, such as thymol, have been shown to reduce swelling and combat infections in the throat. Thyme teas also contain mucilages, which provide soothing relief to the irritated tissues, allowing for faster healing and reducing discomfort.

Additionally, thyme's antiseptic properties help to kill bacteria and viruses that cause sore throats, making it an effective natural remedy.

Medicinal Constituents

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

• Thymol: Thymol is a monoterpenic phenol that acts as an antibacterial and antifungal agent, helping to reduce the growth of pathogens that can cause sore throats.
• Carvacrol: Carvacrol is a phenolic monoterpene with antimicrobial properties, which can help combat infections and reduce inflammation in the throat, alleviating sore throat symptoms.
• Rosmarinic acid: Rosmarinic acid is a polyphenolic compound with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce swelling and pain in the throat, as well as combat oxidative stress caused by infections.

Parts Used

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

• Leaves: Thyme leaves are commonly used for sore throat teas due to their antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Flowers: Thyme flowers are often used to make soothing teas for sore throats, as they contain antitussive and expectorant properties.
• Stems: Thyme stems are sometimes used in teas for sore throats, as they contain compounds that may help reduce inflammation and promote healing.

Quick Recipe

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

1. Gather 2 teaspoons of dried thymus vulgaris leaves and 1 teaspoon of honey for sweetening.
2. Heat 1 cup of boiling water for 1-2 minutes to prepare the brewing liquid.
3. Steep the thymus vulgaris leaves in the hot water for 5-7 minutes to release flavors.
4. Strain the tea using a fine-mesh sieve to remove the plant material.
5. Add the honey and stir well to combine with the herbal tea.

2. Mentha x piperita

Mentha x piperita, also known as peppermint, teas helps with sore throat because of its natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

The menthol content in peppermint oil helps to reduce swelling and ease pain in the throat, making it easier to swallow and speak. Additionally, peppermint's expectorant properties help to loosen and clear mucus, promoting a faster recovery from respiratory infections.

Its soothing and cooling effects also provide instant relief from a sore throat, making it a popular remedy for soothing and calming irritated throats.

Medicinal Constituents

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

• Menthol: Menthol acts as a local anesthetic and anti-inflammatory agent, helping to numb the throat and reduce pain.
• Rosmarinic acid: Rosmarinic acid has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help reduce swelling and soothe the inflamed tissues in the throat.
• Eugenol: Eugenol has antimicrobial properties, helping to combat infections and reduce inflammation in the throat, thereby alleviating sore throat symptoms.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of peppermint used to make teas for sore throat.

• Leaves: The leaves of Mentha x piperita are commonly used to make teas for sore throat due to their high concentration of menthol, which provides anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
• Buds: The buds of Mentha x piperita are used to make teas for sore throat because they contain a higher concentration of menthol and other oils that help to reduce inflammation and soothe the throat.
• Stems: The stems of Mentha x piperita are used to make teas for sore throat, although less commonly than leaves and buds, as they still contain menthol and other oils that provide anti-inflammatory and soothing effects.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic peppermint for sore throat.

1. Harvest 1/4 cup of fresh mentha x piperita leaves and flowers early in the morning for optimal flavor.
2. Rinse the harvested leaves and flowers in cold running water for 2 minutes to remove any dirt.
3. Combine the rinsed mentha x piperita leaves and flowers with 1 quart of boiling water in a heat-resistant glass pitcher.
4. Steep the mixture for 5-7 minutes or until the desired flavor and aroma are achieved.
5. Strain the tea into cups using a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the solids.

3. Echinacea purpurea

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

The tea contains compounds like alkylamides and caffeic acid, which work together to reduce swelling and ease pain in the throat. Additionally, Echinacea's immunomodulatory effects help to stimulate the body's natural defense mechanisms, allowing it to fight off underlying infections that may be causing the sore throat.

This combination of properties makes Echinacea a popular remedy for soothing sore throats and promoting overall respiratory health.

Medicinal Constituents

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

• Iridoide glycosides: These compounds help to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain associated with a sore throat by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes.
• Alkylamides: Alkylamides in Echinacea purpurea have anti-inflammatory properties, which help to soothe and calm the throat, reducing discomfort and pain caused by a sore throat.
• Cichoric acid: Cichoric acid is a phenolic compound that exhibits anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which help to prevent the spread of infection and reduce inflammation in the throat, thereby alleviating sore throat symptoms.

Parts Used

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

• Roots: Rich in compounds like alkylamides and caffeic acid, which have anti-inflammatory properties to soothe sore throats.
• Flowers: Contain flavonoids and phenolic acids, which have antimicrobial properties to combat infections that cause sore throats.
• Leaves: Have a high concentration of alkylamides and other compounds that help reduce inflammation and alleviate throat pain.

Quick Recipe

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

1. Harvest 2-3 cups of fresh echinacea purpurea flowers and leaves when in full bloom during warm weather conditions.
2. Dry the harvested flowers and leaves by tying them in small bundles and hanging in a warm well-ventilated area for 7-10 days.
3. Combine 1 teaspoon of dried echinacea purpurea flowers and leaves with 1 cup of boiling water in a tea infuser or strainer.
4. Steep the mixture for 5-7 minutes to allow the herbal properties to infuse into the hot water.
5. Strain the tea and serve hot or cold after the steeping period has elapsed.

4. Glycyrrhiza glabra

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

The compounds present in licorice root, such as glycyrrhizin and flavonoids, have been shown to reduce swelling and soothe the mucous membranes in the throat. Additionally, licorice teas have antimicrobial properties, which help to combat infections that can cause sore throats.

The soothing and anti-inflammatory effects of licorice teas make them a popular remedy for soothing sore throats and promoting overall throat health.

Medicinal Constituents

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

• Glycyrrhizin: It helps with sore throat by reducing inflammation and suppressing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which contribute to throat irritation and pain.
• Licoricidin: It exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help to soothe and protect the mucous membranes in the throat, reducing discomfort and pain associated with a sore throat.
• Isoliquiritigenin: It possesses anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, which can help to modulate the immune response and reduce inflammation in the throat, thereby alleviating symptoms of a sore throat.

Parts Used

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

• Roots: The roots are the most commonly used part of Glycyrrhiza glabra to make teas for sore throat due to their high content of glycyrrhizin, a compound with anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
• Leaves: The leaves are also used to make teas for sore throat, although less commonly than the roots, as they contain smaller amounts of glycyrrhizin but still have anti-inflammatory properties.
• Flowers: The flowers can be used to make teas for sore throat, as they contain flavonoids and other compounds that have anti-inflammatory and soothing effects.

Quick Recipe

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

1. Gather 2-3 teaspoons of dried glycyrrhiza glabra roots for every 8 ounces of water.
2. Boil the water for 5-7 minutes to achieve a rolling boil.
3. Add the dried glycyrrhiza glabra roots to the boiling water for 10-15 minutes.
4. Strain the tea through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve into a cup.
5. Allow the tea to cool for 2-3 minutes before consumption.

5. Zingiber officinale

Zingiber officinale, also known as ginger, teas helps with sore throat because of its anti-inflammatory properties.

The active compounds in ginger, such as gingerols and shogaols, have been shown to reduce pain and inflammation in the throat. Ginger also has antimicrobial properties, which can help combat infections that cause sore throats. Additionally, ginger's natural expectorant properties can help ease congestion and promote a healthy flow of mucus, further relieving sore throat symptoms.

This makes ginger teas a popular remedy for soothing a sore throat.

Medicinal Constituents

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

• Gingerols: These phenolic compounds have anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce swelling and pain in the throat, providing relief from sore throat.
• Shogaols: These bioactive compounds have analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, which help to reduce pain and inflammation in the throat, making them effective against sore throat.
• Volatile oils: The essential oils present in ginger tea have antibacterial properties, which help to fight off infections that can cause sore throat, and also have anti-inflammatory properties to reduce inflammation and pain.

Parts Used

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

• Leaves: They are used to make teas for sore throat because they contain flavonoids and terpenes that have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which help soothe and protect the throat.
• Flowers: They are used to make teas for sore throat because they contain volatile oils and flavonoids that have anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties, helping to relieve coughs and soothe the throat.

Quick Recipe

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

1. Gather 1-2 teaspoons of dried zingiber officinale root and place it in a tea infuser or strainer.
2. Heat 8 oz of boiling water in a pot for 2-3 minutes to prepare the brewing water.
3. Steep the zingiber officinale root in the boiling water for 5-7 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Strain the tea mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a cup to remove the root particles.
5. Let the tea cool to a comfortable temperature before serving and enjoy immediately.

6. Cymbopogon citratus

Cymbopogon citratus, also known as lemongrass, teas helps with sore throat because of its anti-inflammatory properties.

The tea's active compounds, including citral and geraniol, work to reduce swelling and ease pain in the throat. The antiseptic properties of lemongrass tea also help to combat bacterial and viral infections that often cause sore throats.

Furthermore, the tea's soothing and calming effects help to relax the throat muscles, providing instant relief from discomfort and promoting a speedy recovery.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Cymbopogon citratus teas that help with sore throat.

• Citral: This terpene has anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce swelling and pain in the throat, providing relief from soreness.
• Limonene: A natural antiseptic, limonene helps combat bacterial and fungal infections that can cause sore throats, promoting a speedy recovery.
• Geraniol: This terpene possesses antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which help soothe and calm irritated throat tissues, reducing pain and discomfort associated with a sore throat.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of lemongrass used to make teas for sore throat.

• Leaves: High in essential oils, particularly citral, which provides antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties to help soothe a sore throat.
• Rhyzomes: Rich in citral, a natural decongestant and anti-inflammatory compound that helps to reduce throat inflammation and relieve congestion.
• Buds: Contain essential oils with antimicrobial properties that help to combat infections causing a sore throat.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic lemongrass for sore throat.

1. Harvest the cymbopogon citratus leaves and stems from mature plants in the morning when they are at their peak potency.
2. Wash the harvested cymbopogon citratus leaves and stems thoroughly with cold water to remove dirt and impurities.
3. Chop the cleaned cymbopogon citratus leaves and stems into small pieces to increase their surface area for infusion.
4. Steep one teaspoon of chopped cymbopogon citratus leaves and stems in a cup of boiling water for five minutes.
5. Strain the tea and discard the solids then add honey or lemon to taste for a refreshing herbal drink.

7. Foeniculum vulgare

Foeniculum vulgare, also known as fennel, teas helps with sore throat because of its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

The tea's active compounds, such as anethole and fenchone, have been shown to reduce inflammation and kill bacteria that can cause sore throats. Additionally, fennel tea's soothing and expectorant properties can help to calm the throat and loosen mucus, making it easier to swallow and relieving discomfort.

This makes fennel tea a popular natural remedy for soothing and treating sore throats.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Foeniculum vulgare teas that help with sore throat.

• Anethole: This terpene helps with sore throat by acting as a local anesthetic and anti-inflammatory agent, reducing pain and swelling in the throat.
• Foeniculin: This phenolic compound has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to combat the underlying causes of sore throat, such as oxidative stress and inflammation.
• Apiol: This phenolic compound has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which help to reduce infection and inflammation in the throat, thereby alleviating sore throat symptoms.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of fennel used to make teas for sore throat.

• Seeds: Foeniculum vulgare seeds are commonly used to make teas for sore throat due to their high content of carvone, a compound with anti-inflammatory properties.
• Leaves: Foeniculum vulgare leaves are used to make teas for sore throat due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help soothe and calm the throat.
• Stems: Foeniculum vulgare stems are used to make teas for sore throat due to their ability to reduce inflammation and provide relief from throat pain.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic fennel for sore throat.

1. Harvest 2-3 sprigs of fresh foeniculum vulgare leaves and flowers in the morning to ensure optimal potency.
2. Rinse the harvested foeniculum vulgare leaves and flowers gently with cold water to remove dirt and debris.
3. Steep 1 teaspoon of dried foeniculum vulgare or 2-3 sprigs of fresh foeniculum vulgare in 8 ounces of boiling water for 5-7 minutes.
4. Strain the tea using a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the foeniculum vulgare leaves and flowers.
5. Serve the herbal foeniculum vulgare tea hot or iced immediately after straining and enjoy the medicinal benefits.

8. Urtica dioica

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

The plant's leaves contain compounds that have been shown to reduce swelling and ease pain. The soothing effects of Urtica dioica tea can calm an irritated throat, providing relief from discomfort and allowing the body to heal. Additionally, its antimicrobial properties help combat infections that may be contributing to the soreness, promoting a faster recovery.

This makes Urtica dioica tea a popular natural remedy for soothing sore throats.

Medicinal Constituents

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

• Isothiocyanates: These sulfur-containing compounds have anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce swelling and soothe the throat, alleviating discomfort associated with sore throats.
• Flavonoids: As a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, Quercetin helps reduce inflammation and alleviate pain in the throat, making it easier to swallow and speak.
• Amino acids: Histidine has been shown to have mucolytic properties, breaking down mucus and relieving congestion in the throat, which can contribute to sore throat symptoms.

Parts Used

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

• Leaves: The leaves are the most commonly used part for teas due to their high concentration of salicylic acid, which helps to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
• Stems: The stems of Urtica dioica contain astringent properties, making them effective in reducing swelling and soothing a sore throat.
• Roots: The roots of the plant are used to make teas that help to reduce inflammation and combat bacterial infections that may be causing the sore throat.

Quick Recipe

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

1. Gather 30 grams of dried urtica dioica leaves and flowers from a trusted herbal source.
2. Crush the dried urtica dioica leaves and flowers into a fine powder using a spice grinder.
3. Combine the powdered urtica dioica with 1 liter of boiling water in a large heat-resistant glass container.
4. Steep the mixture for 5 to 7 minutes or until the liquid reaches a temperature of 95 to 99 degrees fahrenheit.
5. Strain the tea through a cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve into a separate container to remove the solids.

9. Malva sylvestris

Malva sylvestris, also known as mallow, teas helps with sore throat because of its anti-inflammatory properties.

The tea, made from the leaves and flowers of the mallow plant, contains mucilages that soothe and protect the mucous membranes in the throat. This helps to reduce inflammation, swelling, and pain associated with sore throats. The tea also has antimicrobial properties, which can help to combat infections that cause sore throats.

By reducing inflammation and fighting infections, Malva sylvestris teas can provide quick relief from a sore throat.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Malva sylvestris teas that help with sore throat.

• Mucilages: Mucilages are complex carbohydrates found in Malva sylvestris, which help soothe and protect the mucous membranes in the throat, reducing inflammation and discomfort associated with sore throats.
• Flavonoids: Flavonoids, particularly quercetin, have potent anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce swelling and pain in the throat, alleviating symptoms of sore throat.
• Saponins: Saponins, a type of triterpene, exhibit anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which help combat bacterial and viral infections causing sore throats and reduce inflammation in the throat.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of mallow used to make teas for sore throat.

• Flowers: Used for their mucilaginous properties that help soothe and calm an irritated throat.
• Leaves: Used for their similar mucilaginous properties, which aid in reducing inflammation and discomfort in the throat.
• Roots: Used for their antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that help combat infections and reduce swelling in the throat.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic mallow for sore throat.

1. Gather 10-20 grams of dried malva sylvestris flowers or 20-30 grams of fresh leaves and flowers.
2. Steep the gathered malva sylvestris in 250 milliliters of boiling water for 5-7 minutes.
3. Strain the malva sylvestris tea through a fine mesh into a large bowl to remove solids.
4. Add honey or sugar to taste to the prepared malva sylvestris tea as desired.
5. Store the remaining malva sylvestris tea in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

10. Taraxacum officinale

Taraxacum officinale, also known as dandelion, teas helps with sore throat because its anti-inflammatory properties reduce swelling and discomfort.

The plant's high content of flavonoids and phenolic acids exhibit antimicrobial properties, which help combat infections that cause sore throats. Additionally, Taraxacum officinale tea's soothing and calming effects ease the pain and discomfort associated with a sore throat, making it a popular remedy for colds, flu, and other respiratory issues.

Its natural decongestant properties also help to clear mucus, further relieving symptoms.

Medicinal Constituents

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

• Phenolic acids: Help reduce inflammation in the throat, relieving soreness and discomfort associated with sore throats.
• Flavonoids: Possess antioxidant properties that help combat oxidative stress and inflammation in the throat, soothing and calming irritated tissues.
• Taraxasterol: Exhibits anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, which can help alleviate throat pain and reduce the severity of sore throats by modulating the immune response.

Parts Used

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

• Leaves: The leaves of Taraxacum officinale are commonly used to make teas for sore throat due to their anti-inflammatory properties.
• Flowers: The flowers of Taraxacum officinale are often used to make teas for sore throat due to their antimicrobial and soothing effects.
• Roots: The roots of Taraxacum officinale are sometimes used to make teas for sore throat due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Quick Recipe

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

1. Harvest fresh taraxacum officinale leaves and flowers in the morning when they are at their most potent and fragrant.
2. Gently dry the harvested taraxacum officinale leaves and flowers in a warm and dry place for 7 to 10 days.
3. Combine 1 teaspoon of dried taraxacum officinale with 8 ounces of boiling water in a heat-resistant cup.
4. Allow the taraxacum officinale tea to steep for 5 to 10 minutes to release its active ingredients.
5. Strain the taraxacum officinale tea and serve it hot or iced according to personal preference.

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

The best combination of herbal teas that help with sore throat is a blend of soothing and antibacterial properties.

Combine the anti-inflammatory properties of ginger and turmeric with the antibacterial properties of peppermint and eucalyptus. Add a touch of licorice root for its soothing and anti-inflammatory effects. This combination helps to reduce inflammation, kill bacteria, and ease pain, providing quick relief from a sore throat.

You can steep the herbs individually or blend them to create a potent and effective tea.

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

Ailments similar to sore throat that are treated with herbal teas are coughs, bronchitis, and laryngitis.

Herbal teas such as thyme, eucalyptus, and peppermint help soothe irritated throats and relieve congestion. Ginger tea is also effective in reducing inflammation and calming a scratchy throat.

These teas work by providing antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds, and expectorants that help break down mucus and reduce discomfort.