Despite our best efforts to stay healthy, pesky issues occasionally throw us off course. The discomfort of a raw, scratchy throat can hinder swallowing and leave your voice hoarse, often lingering for a week or more. Wondering what tea works best for a sore throat? Uncover the top teas that will make you feel much better right after the first cup!
Use Tea to Relieve Sore Throats
Tea is a soothing remedy for a sore throat, with herbal teas being the go-to choice. According to Dr. Sonali Ruder, an ER doctor and chef, herbal teas reduce throat inflammation, coat the lining, and aid in clearing mucus. Their additional benefits include antioxidants that combat cell damage and possess antimicrobial properties to fend off infections caused by viruses and bacteria.
While traditional black or green teas can relieve a sore throat, opting for herbal teas offers more potent benefits. The ideal tea for a sore throat varies based on the root cause and the intensity of symptoms. While all warm liquids provide relief, certain ingredients excel in combating infection and inflammation.
For Virus-Related Sore Throats
Elderberry tea, derived from the vibrant berries of the elder tree, offers a tart flavor and a powerful immune system boost.
Packed with polyphenols, anthocyanins, and flavonoids, elderberry tea helps fight invading germs, making it effective for virus-related sore throats. Research suggests that elderberry extract reduces the severity of cold and flu symptoms, promoting faster recovery.
For Soothing Cold Symptoms
If you’re battling a common cold, indulging in a lemon-infused tea can be a comforting remedy. Packed with vitamin C, lemon tea is excellent for combating colds and soothing sore throats.
The potent flavonoids in lemon tea contribute to alleviating throat discomfort caused by inflammation. Moreover, increased vitamin C intake can expedite recovery, helping you return to your healthy self sooner.
Green Tea’s Anti-Inflammatory Elixir
When it comes to treating inflammation, green tea stands out as an exception among true teas. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a specific polyphenol in green tea, offers relief by reducing throat inflammation.
Green tea’s richness in vitamins and minerals contributes to its illness-fighting properties. In fact, studies suggest that gargling with green tea can help prevent sore throats.
The Streptococcal Combat of Licorice Root
For individuals battling strep throat, licorice root tea emerges as the go-to soothing sip. Derived from the licorice plant’s root, this tea boasts a distinct fennel-like flavor that pairs well with cinnamon or orange peel.
Apparently, licorice root is effective against bacteria causing strep throat, with a study showing a reduction in S. pyogenes bacteria, the strep throat microorganism, within 12 hours of exposure.
The Sweet Serenity of Chamomile
Chamomile tea offers a comforting remedy for sore throats accompanied by persistent coughing. Packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits, this tea not only alleviates inflammation but acts as an antispasmodic, reducing coughing episodes.
Chamomile tea’s soothing and swelling-reducing properties make it an ideal choice for a cozy pre-bedtime drink.
Nature’s Remedy for Allergies
Slippery elm tea provides a soothing remedy for sore throats triggered by allergies. It’s rich in mucilage, a unique compound that transforms into a protective gel in water.
This earthy and mildly sweet tea forms a coating in the throat, alleviating symptoms caused by irritants like pollen or smoke. You could also use marshmallow root tea as an alternative, as it has similar mucilage levels.