Best Tea for a Sore Throat: What May Soothe It and What to Know
When your throat is sore, it can hurt to drink water or talk. If you have a dry throat, it can become annoying to go about your day, so here are some remedies that may help. Tea can be great if you have a sore throat.
Best tea for a sore throat?Any tea that allows you to drink and stay hydrated is a good option for when you have a sore throat. Drinking warm tea may relieve pain from a sore throat. Herbal tea that is caffeine-free can be another good option for you to try. Allow your tea to cool down because hot drinks can aggravate your sore throat.
Drinking tea will help with your symptoms but will not cure any viruses or bacteria you may have. Talk to your doctor if your sore throat becomes worse.
Disclaimer: These remedies will help your body feel better but will not cure any illness. If your child is having trouble breathing or cannot swallow liquids, go to the hospital. Consult a doctor if you have any major or recurring symptoms. Do not give honey to babies under the age of 1 year old. They are susceptible to infant botulism.
Key Takeaways
- Warm drinks can soothe an irritated throat and help you stay hydrated, but they do not cure infections.
- Honey may help soothe a sore throat or cough. Never give it to infants under 12 months old.
- Ginger and chamomile tea are caffeine-free options. Choose a drink you enjoy and tolerate well.
- Let tea cool until comfortably warm before sipping. Very hot drinks can burn your mouth and throat.
- Salt-water gargles, rest, and suitable over-the-counter pain relief may also help manage symptoms.
- Seek medical advice for breathing or swallowing problems, severe symptoms, or a sore throat that is not improving.
Every time someone gets a sore throat in my house, I jump to boil some water. For some reason, drinking tea always feels like it calms me down when I’m sick. I’ve started to look at tea as something that can help me feel better. Sip away and allow your body to heal.
Can Tea Help Soothe a Sore Throat?
Usually, a sore throat occurs when your throat is inflamed or irritated. Most cases of sore throat from acute illnesses are caused by a virus. There are many viruses that can cause this. Since antibiotics won’t work against viruses, when you have a mild case of a virus, the CDC suggests using home remedies to help with your symptoms.
Here are some ways a hot drink can help.
- Stay hydrated: By drinking liquids, you will help keep your body hydrated. This will also relieve some discomfort from your throat being dry.
- Feel-good warmth: Having something warm can make you feel better for the moment. You may be able to swallow easier.
- Moisturize your throat: Hot beverages can help your throat feel less dry. The vapor may help with post-nasal drip as well, but don’t expect miracles from steam.
These will allow you to feel a little better, but won’t cure strep throat or get rid of the virus that’s bothering you. Drink up and feel better!
There are many factors to consider when choosing a tea. Time of day and what tastes good to you and your body are a few things to keep in mind.
Best Tea for a Sore Throat: Top Soothing Drinks to Try
1. Hot Tea With Honey
Drinking hot water or tea (caffeine-free) with honey is a great remedy for sore throats. It can also help with coughing.
Make sure you do not give honey to babies under 1 year of age. The CDC states that honey can contain C. botulinum, which can lead to infant botulism.
2. Fresh Ginger Tea
When made fresh, ginger has a spicy kick to it. This will not cure your sore throat, but the warmth may make you feel better and want to drink more liquids.
Some people can experience heartburn from drinking too much ginger. If you like the spicy kick from roots, here is our turmeric ginger tea recipe .
3. Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea is a good choice if you want something that’s lower in caffeine. Many like to drink chamomile before bed. It will not help cure your sore throat.
According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, chamomile has been used for centuries. If you are allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigold, or daisies, be careful when drinking chamomile. Here are our recommendations for the best tea to drink at night.
4. Peppermint Tea
If you like peppermint, this could be your go-to tea. It has a nice cool taste to it. You may feel your throat and mouth open up a bit from the menthol. Don’t think that it’s actually helping your airways.
Drink peppermint at your own risk. It can aggravate heartburn if that’s what’s causing your sore throat.
5. Plain Warm Water or Clear Broth
There is nothing wrong with just drinking plain hot water. Add some lemon if you would like, or drink some broth. If the lemon is too harsh on your throat, don’t add any. Keep in mind if you’re trying to cut down on your sodium intake. Read your broth label.
Comparison of Soothing Teas and Warm Drinks
| Drink | Why people choose it | Caffeine | Points to consider |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warm tea with honey | Honey may soothe throat irritation or cough | Varies | Never give honey to a child under 12 months |
| Fresh ginger tea | Warm, spicy flavor | None | May cause heartburn or irritation |
| Chamomile tea | Mild, caffeine-free evening drink | None | Use caution with allergies to ragweed or related plants |
| Peppermint tea | Cool, minty flavor | None | May worsen heartburn or reflux |
| Warm broth | Provides fluid and a savory option | None | Check sodium if you need to limit it |
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Looking for balanced tea options for everyday wellness? Check out the AllSlimTea recipe and package details and review the ingredients and nutrition information. Check the ingredient list for anything you may need to avoid.
Recipe: Soothing Honey-Ginger Tea
Just some fresh ginger with hot water and honey. It’s nice, but it will not cure your sore throat. Check out some other homemade teas here.
Equipment
- Saucepan or kettle
- Cup
- Strainer
Ingredients
- 1 Cup of Water
- 3-4 pieces of fresh ginger, sliced thin. Make sure they are clean.
- 1 Tsp of Honey
- Optional 1 tsp of Fresh Lemon Juice
Instructions
- Boil water using a kettle or saucepan.
- Place ginger in a cup or saucepan.
- Pour hot water over the ginger. Allow the ginger to steep for 5-10 minutes, depending on desired strength.
- Strain out ginger and let cool down.
- Add honey and lemon juice if desired.
- Enjoy!
Recipe safety reminder: Please do not give honey to infants under the age of 12 months. Keep in mind, if you have diabetes, that honey is a form of sugar.
How to Prepare the Best Tea for a Sore Throat
If your tea is too hot or acidic, it can irritate your throat further.
Let It Cool Before Sipping
Drink your tea when it’s warm, not hot. Test the temp by sipping a little bit at first.
Add Honey After the Tea Cools
Add honey to your tea once it’s cooled down to a warm temperature. This will also allow you to drink it more easily.
Go Easy on Lemon
Lemon will give your tea flavor, but it can be irritating to your throat because it’s acidic. If this is the case for you, limit your usage of lemon or don’t use any at all.
Teas and Ingredients to Use With Care
Just because something is herbal doesn’t mean it’s harmless. Here are some things to know:
- Don’t trust claims that tea will cure you of disease: You shouldn’t expect any tea to cure you of strep or any viruses. Nor can tea detoxify your body. You may need to be tested for strep and given antibiotics to clear it.
- Know your medications: Certain herbs can affect your body and your medications. Some herbs can be dangerous if taken in large quantities, for example, licorice root. Talk to your pharmacist if you’re unsure about anything.
- Pregnant women should know: There may be certain herbs that shouldn’t be used while pregnant. Consult your healthcare professional before taking any medicated herbal remedies. “Learn how to brew raspberry leaf tea and if it’s safe during pregnancy.“
- Consider caffeine: Teas that contain black, green, and oolong all contain caffeine. If you are someone who doesn’t sleep well when they have caffeine, it may be best to opt for something caffeine-free at night. “Learn more about the caffeine and benefits of white tea.”
“If you want to learn about more traditional herbs for the lungs check out our article about the safety of Mullein tea and side effects that have been backed by humans.”
Other Ways to Ease Throat Discomfort
Drinking tea can help, but there are other ways to relieve your sore throat. Here are some tips from MedlinePlus that can help ease your symptoms.
1. Gargle with Warm Salt Water
Add 1/4-1/2 tsp of salt to a glass of warm water. Gargle and spit it out. Make sure you don’t drink it. If your child is too young to gargle, do not use this remedy.
2. Use a Cool-Mist Humidifier
Using a cool mist humidifier can help moisten dry air in your home. Be sure to keep it clean and change the water as instructed to prevent any mold or bacteria.
3. Consider Over-the-Counter Pain Relief
You can take acetaminophen or an anti-inflammatory medicine to help relieve your pain or fever. Follow the instructions on the bottle and consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about what you can take.
When to Seek Medical Advice
Sometimes your sore throat will go away on its own, and other times you’ll need to see a doctor. If you believe you have strep throat, you may need to be tested and take antibiotics.
Call your doctor if you experience:
- Severe sore throat that gets worse or lasts several days
- Fever or high fever
- Rash or stiff neck
- Inability to drink fluids
- Inability to open your mouth wide
Go to the emergency room if you are having trouble breathing or cannot swallow and are drooling. If your child is excessively sleepy or dehydrated, have them seen right away.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best tea for a sore throat?
No tea has been shown to cure a sore throat. Tea with honey, ginger, and chamomile are some you may enjoy. Find what works for you.
Can I put honey in my tea?
Honey can help soothe your throat and cough. Do not give honey to babies under 1 year old. It can cause infant botulism.
Will ginger tea help my sore throat?
Ginger tea can provide some warmth and taste that may be soothing. It will not cure your sore throat of any pathogens.
Should I drink my tea hot?
Drink your tea when it is warm. Drinking hot liquid can burn your mouth and throat.
When should I see a doctor?
If you’re having trouble breathing or can’t swallow, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. See your doctor if your symptoms are severe, you have a high fever, or your sore throat isn’t going away.
I think these questions are helpful to remind us that we can overdo things when caring for ourselves. Sometimes you just need a fresh piece of ginger root, warm water, and some good quality honey to help you on your way to feeling better. Don’t overthink things, and always speak to your doctor if something seems wrong.
Conclusion
Tea can help soothe your throat and help you stay hydrated. It will not cure your cold or flu. Try some tea with honey, ginger, or chamomile, and remember to let it cool before drinking. If your symptoms are severe or not improving, seek medical attention.
Want to learn more about All Day Slimming Tea? Click here.
Disclosure: This is an affiliate link, so I will receive a commission if you purchase at no additional cost to you. This recipe post does not claim what the product may claim on its product page.
