Everyone gets a sore throat from time to time. And while a sore throat is rarely ever extremely serious, it can still be extremely painful and a huge nuisance to deal with. Did you know that there are blends of tea for sore throats?
Oftentimes a sore throat is accompanied by a cough, a stuffed nose, body aches, and sometimes a high fever. This can lead to you missing work and social events. And in general, a sore throat just puts you in a bad mood.
Luckily, there are many things you can do to ease a sore throat.
And one of these things is drinking tea. Tea cannot only help soothe a sore throat, it can also help your body fight off illnesses. But, with so many teas out there, which ones do you choose?
Read on to discover the best flavors of tea for sore throats.
1. Licorice Root Tea
That’s right, licorice is more than just a candy flavor. Licorice root is an excellent tea for sore throats.
To ease the soreness, you can either gargle the tea or drink it. If you choose to gargle it, make sure you let the tea cool to room temperature beforehand.
Also, be aware that licorice root can be dangerous if consumed in large quantities, especially for those already dealing with other health conditions. Therefore, make sure to talk to your doctor before using this as a remedy.
2. Slippery Elm Tea
People have used slippery elm for centuries as a natural remedy for many illnesses.
Slippery elm is especially beneficial for a sore throat because it contains something called mucilage. When in contact with water, mucilage turns into a gel-like substance, which can coat and soothe your throat.
3. Chamomile Tea
If there’s one tea that everybody knows and loves, it’s chamomile.
Besides acting as a natural lubricant for your throat, chamomile also contains anti-inflammatory properties that work to reduce redness and swelling. And, it contains antioxidants that can help repair tissue.
Chamomile can also help with colds, and if you don’t want to drink it, even just inhaling the steam can provide benefits.
Best of all, chamomile is widely available and almost always sold at a reasonable price!
4. Green Tea
You’ve probably already heard about the numerous benefits of green tea, especially for the metabolism. And likely you’ve seen all the green tea diet crazes flooding Instagram as well.
Well, green tea isn’t just for dieters. If you’re dealing with a sore throat, green tea is going to be your new best friend.
A study published in Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine found that green tea helped postoperative patients stave off the symptoms of a sore throat.
And, like chamomile tea, green tea is another variety that is widely available and affordable.
5. Turmeric Tea
Turmeric has been gaining traction in recent years in Western culture as a tea for sore throats. This results from its many benefits and healing properties.
Turmeric is a member of the ginger family and has been used for centuries as a spice in Eastern cultures. Turmeric has antiseptic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties that all work to relieve a sore throat.
If you can’t find the tea, you can always just put the powder, which comes in a bright gold color, into warm water. However, you may want to add some honey, as turmeric doesn’t have the most agreeing taste when served alone.
Best of all, you can save the powder and use it for some delicious curry dishes later on.
Concoct a Combination Tea for Sore Throats
Don’t be afraid to get a little creative with your tea as well!
Adding spices, such as cinnamon, garlic, or ginger root can be particularly beneficial. This is because spices contain anti-fungal properties that can help loosen the mucus in your throat.
Honey is also another great product to add, as it also has anti-inflammatory properties. And, it’s especially great for those who have a sweet tooth.
Lastly, it can also be a great idea to add citrus fruits to your tea. Citrus fruits, such as lemons and oranges, contain high levels of vitamin C, a vitamin that is essential in keeping our bodies healthy!
Considerations When Drinking Tea for Sore Throats
Of course, before you try any at home remedies, it’s always a good idea to consult with your physician first.
As we said before, certain things, like licorice root, can be toxic if you consume too much and especially dangerous if you already have another health condition.
In addition, if you are on a medication for something else, some herbs can have a negative reaction to your medication and even limit its effectiveness in some cases.
Also keep in mind that herbs are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, meaning they could contain different ingredients from what’s on the label. Therefore, it’s always best to buy from a trusted source.
Lastly, while many sore throat cases are mild and heal up quickly, there are instances in which you should seek medical attention. These include:
- A sore throat lasting more than a week
- A sore throat that is getting progressively worse
- A sore throat that is accompanied by other symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, fever or chills
Teas for Sore Throats: Wrap Up
If you are an avid tea drinker, you probably already know that this is by no means an extensive list of all the teas that can help remedy a sore throat.
However, these are some of the top ones to make use of for a speedy recovery!
Luckily, if you want to delve deeper into the world of tea, you’ve come to the right place. You can check out our news and articles for more information, as well as our listings of tea events if you want a more hands-on experience.
Happy sipping!
