What first comes into your mind when you feel that a scratchy sore throat is coming on you?
Well, a sore throat can really be annoying especially it is associated with an itchy feeling that makes you highly uncomfortable. Some of its main causes are allergies, common cold, flu, dryness, pollutants, smoke, and muscle strain by talking loudly or yelling. Its symptoms include pain, swollen glands, hoarse voice, difficulty swallowing, and swollen, red tonsils.
Usually, its symptoms go away on its own. But if you really want to feel better, you can drink something hot, like a big cup of tea.
Stephen Parodi, MD, infectious disease expert and national physician leader at Kaiser Permanente, says that:
“Warm tea or other drinks can help soothe the inflammation, clear nasal passages, and reduce the amount of mucus coming from the nasal passages that might further irritate the throat. Some provide topical relief of pain, and some may assist with mucus production.”
Here is the list of teas you can try to alleviate symptoms of sore throat. Try and sip on the one you like the most.
Licorice Root Tea
This slightly sweet tea is best known for soothing gastrointestinal problems like heartburn. Aside from this, studies have found that it has antiviral and antimicrobial properties that can help fight bacteria and viruses that cause infectious sore throats.
Ginger Tea
Ginger contains anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties which can help relieve throat pain. You can simply add grated ginger to boiling water and let the water soak all the goodness from it. Add a dash of cinnamon and honey to make its effect even greater. Another way of enjoying its benefits is to just add ginger to your usual cup of milk tea.
Marshmallow Root Tea
Studies have revealed that marshmallow root secretes mucilage, a gel-like sticky substance that coats the throat for a soothing effect. Combine licorice root and marshmallow root into one herbal tea to create a naturally quite sweet and has a smooth finish tea that coats the throat.
Peppermint Tea
The presence of anti-inflammatory compounds in peppermint tea is the reason behind its soothing effects for the throat. Due to its numbing effect on the throat, it can help relieve pain and scratchiness. Enjoy a cup of refreshing peppermint tea by boiling simply boiling peppermint leaves for about three to five minutes and then strain off the leaves. In addition to its positive effects on the throat, the tea can also replenish your body.
Turmeric Milk
Drinking a cup of boiled hot milk with a teaspoon of turmeric can help improve the condition according to the book ‘The Complete Book of Ayurvedic Home Remedies’ by Dr. Vasant Lad. Adding some ghee to it can also provide further relief from sore throat.
Chamomile Tea
Lisa McDonald, tea sommelier and owner of TeaHaus in Ann Arbor, Michigan and who has spent her career learning about the properties of tea, says that:
“If you want a more classic herbal tea, we recommend chamomile with a touch of honey. The tea is very calming, and the honey offers a smooth sweetness to help coat the throat.”
According to studies, chamomile has antioxidant properties that can help lubricate the throat, thereby improving hoarseness and soreness. Plus, its anti-bacterial and antiviral properties can help fight infections and further reduce pain. For best results, drink chamomile tea at least twice a day.
Ginger-Cinnamon-Licorice Tea
For this remedy, all you need to do is to create a mixture using two parts ginger, two parts cinnamon, and three parts licorice or mulethi. Add one teaspoon of the herbal mixture to a glass of water for about five to 10 minutes, and drink it up three times a day. This three-ingredient tea works well to improve symptoms of the condition.
