Ah, the dreaded sore throat. That scratchy, sandpapery sensation that turns swallowing into a battlefield and makes even a whisper feel like a shout. But fear not, fellow tea-lover! Before you reach for the lozenges or gargle with questionable concoctions, consider the humble teacup – your steaming savior in this time of throaty woe. So before you start worrying about whether to call in sick, try one of the top seven best teas for a sore throat according to reviews by eight experts. Grab your favorite mug, settle in with a cozy blanket, and let’s embark on a journey to soothe your sore throat and restore your voice to its melodious glory. Remember, a cup of tea a day might just keep the doctor away…or at least make the sore throat bearable until you get there!
The List: Best Tea for a Sore Throat, According to Experts
1. Green Tea
Looking for a delicious way to boost your well-being? Look no further than green tea! This light and refreshing beverage isn’t just satisfying to sip, it has a powerhouse of health benefits, according to All Recipes. Packed with amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, green tea’s true claim to fame is its high antioxidant content. Think of antioxidants as tiny warriors fighting off illness in your body – with every cup of green tea, you’re giving your immune system a helping hand! And if you’re already feeling under the weather, here’s a neat trick: studies suggest gargling warm green tea can help soothe a sore throat.
While green tea is a fantastic addition to your day, remember to be mindful of its caffeine content, especially if you’re sensitive to it and need a good night’s sleep, advises Eating Well. They also have a great tip for brewing the perfect cup: avoid steeping your green tea for too long, or you might end up with a bitter surprise! The sweet spot? Let your tea bag or pouch steep in hot water for around three minutes – that’s all it takes to unlock the bright and flavorful magic of green tea every single time.
Real Simple sums it up perfectly: green tea is a superstar beverage for a reason. From boosting brain function to potentially lowering your risk of heart disease and even certain cancers, the health benefits are undeniable. So next time you feel a cold coming on, ditch the sugary syrups and brew yourself a comforting cup of green tea – it might just be the pick-me-up your body needs. Whether you enjoy it hot or iced, green tea is a delicious way to sip your way to better health!
2. Chamomile Tea
Sore throat got you down? Skip the harsh lozenges and reach for a steaming mug of chamomile tea instead! This herbal superstar isn’t just known for its calming properties and ability to lull you off to dreamland – it’s a natural remedy for a scratchy, irritated throat too. Real Simple dives into the science behind chamomile’s soothing powers, highlighting its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Think of it as a double whammy for your sore throat – reducing inflammation and fighting off free radicals that can worsen your discomfort.
Healthline adds to the chorus of chamomile’s benefits, noting its long history as a natural remedy and the variety of conditions it may help soothe. The best part? Chamomile tea is readily available at most grocery stores, making it a convenient and affordable way to find relief. And if a steaming mug isn’t quite appealing, Healthline suggests inhaling chamomile steam for another comforting option, especially if a sore throat makes drinking difficult.
Finally, Mind Body Green likes how chamomile acts as a natural lubricant for your throat, easing hoarseness and discomfort. Plus, chamomile’s antispasmodic effect can even provide relief from those nagging cough symptoms. So next time a sore throat strikes, brew yourself a cup of chamomile tea – it might just be the soothing sip you need to feel better.
3. Licorice Root Tea
The taste of this next tea might not be preferred by some, especially if you dislike licorice. However, the benefits might just outweigh your tastebuds choice. This sweet sip, made from the root of the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant, has been a staple in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. Prevention magazine dives into the science behind licorice’s throat-soothing magic, highlighting a study by the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. The study suggests that licorice root boasts both antimicrobial and antiviral properties – exactly what you need to fight off those nasty sore throat bugs!
So how exactly does licorice root work its magic? Insider breaks it down for us. They explain that licorice root contains three key ingredients that team up to tackle your sore throat woes: liquiritin and liquiritigenin act as expectorants, loosening mucus and making it easier to cough up that phlegm. Glycyrrhizin, another key player, forms a protective coating over your irritated throat, soothing it with every swallow.
4. Peppermint Tea
There’s nothing like peppermint to help open up your sinuses, but can it help soothe a sore throat too? Yes, it can! Real Simple says peppermint isn’t just for freshening breath – it’s a natural remedy for a variety of ailments, including a scratchy sore throat. The secret lies in menthol, the key ingredient in peppermint that creates that cool, refreshing feeling. Sipping on peppermint tea can bring a mild numbing sensation to your sore throat, easing discomfort with every delicious sip. Inhale the steam as you drink, and you’ve got yourself a natural decongestant – perfect for battling that stuffy nose along with your sore throat!
But peppermint’s benefits go beyond just a sore throat and a head cold, according to Mind Body Green. They point out that research suggests peppermint tea can also be a helpful weapon against a nagging cough, thanks again to that wonder ingredient, menthol! Plus, peppermint tea is known to soothe an upset stomach and clear your sinuses – a triple threat against feeling under the weather.
While peppermint tea seems like a magical elixir, Women’s Health reminds us that moderation is key. The menthol in peppermint can have a drying effect, so skip the all-day peppermint tea marathon. Instead, incorporate a mug or two into your day to reap the benefits without any downsides. So next time you’re feeling under the weather, brew a cup of peppermint tea – the cool minty taste and soothing properties might just be the pick-me-up you need to feel better!
5. Marshmallow Root Tea
Sore throat got you down? Looking for a unique and effective remedy? Look no further than marshmallow root tea! This might not be your typical grocery store find, but don’t let the name fool you – marshmallow root tea isn’t about recreating childhood s’mores (although that would be pretty delicious)! All Recipes explains that marshmallow root tea is brewed from the root of the marshmallow plant, which produces a substance called mucilage. This mucilage acts like a soothing coat for your irritated throat, easing pain and discomfort with every sip. Just a heads-up – because mucilage can interact with certain medications, be sure to check with your doctor before enjoying a cup of marshmallow tea, especially if you’re already taking something for your sore throat.
While marshmallow root tea might be new to your radar, Real Simple lets us know it has a long history as a natural remedy. For centuries, marshmallow root has been used to treat a variety of ailments, and sore throat relief is definitely one of its specialties! Sipping on marshmallow root tea can soothe your throat and even reduce that symptoms of a cough. Real Simple also points out that marshmallow root can be found in topical products to help clear up skin irritations and aid in digestion – a true multi-tasking marvel from the plant world!
Finally, Prevention highlights the pain-relieving properties of marshmallow root tea, specifically its ability to target inflammation, a common culprit in sore throats. So next time your throat feels swollen and scratchy, brew a cup of marshmallow root tea – its unique properties and soothing taste might be just what you need to feel better!
6. Ginger Tea
When you think of something soothing for your throat, ginger tea might not be what first comes to mind because of the burning sensation when swallowing it. It might be the spicy sip you need to feel better! Mind Body Green says ginger’s anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties make it a powerful ally against a sore throat. Studies even suggest that ginger tea can help fight off the RSV virus, a common culprit behind respiratory problems! So not only can ginger soothe your sore throat, it might also help shorten the duration of your cold.
“Ginger tea is like a magic potion for various ailments,” says dietitian Melissa Wasserman Baker in an interview with Real Simple. From stomach aches to fevers, and of course, sore throats, ginger tea seems to be a natural remedy for most illnesses. Baker explains that ginger root’s ability to reduce inflammation in the throat is a key factor in its effectiveness. Plus, ginger’s antibacterial properties give your immune system a little extra boost to fight off whatever bug is making you feel under the weather.
If the natural spice of ginger is a bit too much for your irritated throat, Women’s Health has a delicious solution! They recommend adding honey and cinnamon to your cup for a touch of sweetness and an extra dose of soothing power. The bonus? Cinnamon is known to help your body fight infection, making it another warrior ingredient in your ginger tea mug! So next time you’re feeling under the weather, brew yourself a cup of ginger tea – its unique flavor and powerful properties might just be the answer to your sore throat woes.
7. Turmeric Tea
Rounding out our list of sore throat soothers is a golden warrior – turmeric tea! You might already know turmeric as a vibrant spice in curries or a health supplement, but have you considered its tea potential? Prevention dives into the world of turmeric tea, highlighting its South Asian roots as a natural antiseptic used to fight infection. While turmeric usually adds a pop of color to your favorite dishes, research suggests that sipping on turmeric tea might unlock its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties! This golden beverage might just be the extra boost your immune system needs to fight off a sore throat and an upset stomach too.
So what makes turmeric such a powerful infection fighter? Real Simple points to a superstar ingredient called curcumin. Curcumin, along with the antioxidants in turmeric, work together to supercharge your immune system, especially helpful when you’re feeling under the weather! And the benefits don’t stop at sore throats – Real Simple also notes that turmeric can help with arthritis pain, making it a true multi-tasking marvel from the spice rack.
Turmeric tea might have a strong flavor on its own, but Women’s Health offers some suggestions to make it more palatable. If the earthy taste isn’t your favorite, try adding a touch of honey, ginger, or even a sprinkle of stevia for a touch of sweetness. Problem solved!
Sources:
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links in which we receive a commission if you make a purchase.
I learn a lot which I was not aware of
Thanks a lot