What Kinds of Teas Help Make Your Throat Feel Good?

Teas, also known in herbalism as infusions or decoctions, have been used medicinally for thousands of years. Teas can either be sipped throughout the day or used as a gargle. Sore throat, also known as pharyngitis, is a painful inflammation of the throat. Herbs useful in soothing a sore throat include demulcents that coat the inflamed tissue to protect it, antimicrobials that help fight infections and immunity enhancers.

Licorice

• Licorice is a sweet and palatable tea.

  With its sweet and palatable taste, the herb licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is a common ingredient in herbal teas for sore throat. Licorice is a demulcent, which cools irritated tissues and helps to repair the overheated tissues. Although licorice is generally safe when used for ten days or less, excessive, longer-term use may result in dangerous side effects, such as high blood pressure, swelling, and headaches.

Slippery Elm

• Slippery elm bark swells when mixed with water.

  The inner bark of the Slippery elm tree (Ulmus rubra) contains mucilage, which is a gel-like substance that swells when it is mixed with water. One Tbsp. slippery elm bark steeped for 10 min. in one cup of boiling water soothes a sore throat by coating it with this gel-like substance to protect it and reduce irritation.

Lemon and Honey

• Lemon and honey is an old home remedy.

  A classic home remedy for sore throat is the combination of lemon, apple cider vinegar, cayenne and honey. It is made by combining one tsp. of apple cider vinegar, a pinch of cayenne pepper, the juice of 1/4 lemon and one tsp. of honey in one cup of hot water.

Marshmallow

• Tea assists the body back to health.

  Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis)--the herb, not the sugary white candy product-- contains mucilage, which is thought to coat and soothe sore throats. Marshmallow root tea is usually made by decocting, or boiling, one Tbsp. dried root in 8 oz. of boiling water for 10 min., and then straining out the root.

Honeysuckle

• Honeysuckle flowers are used in traditional Chinese medicine.

  An herb that tastes as sweet as it smells, honeysuckle flower is one of the most commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine. A honeysuckle tea can be made by bringing one quart of water to a boil and then removing the water from the heat. After adding one cup of honeysuckle flowers (not the leaves) and steeping for at least 10 min., covered, you can strain the flowers and drink.

Ginger

• Fresh ginger root can be found at your local grocery.

  Ginger (Zingiber officinale) has a palatable and pungent taste. Especially good in the winter and spring, ginger tea is a warming remedy for sore throats. You can make the tea by adding a chopped, two-inch piece of fresh ginger to four cups of boiling water, and simmering. After 20 min., strain the ginger and drink. For additional benefits, lemon and honey may be added to the tea before drinking.

Peppermint

• Pepperint tea is cooling and refreshing.

  Peppermint (Mentha peperita) leaves steeped in hot water are a cooling choice for a sore throat. The tea can be sipped throughout the day, or gargled. The minty menthol aroma and taste soothes the mind and aids in digestion. In Ayurvedic medicine, one tsp. of ghee (clarified butter) can be added to one cup of peppermint tea to help ward off the common cold by increasing immunity.

Beyond Tea

• Consult a healthcare professional if the sore throat persists.

  Most sore throats are a symptom that the body's immunity is low, more open to infection or sickness. Through proper care of the body, you can manage the symptoms and restore wellness. However, in some cases, a sore throat is a symptom of a bigger problem, and visiting a qualified health care professional is advised. Severe pain, blood in the saliva, rash, high fever or a sore throat that persists longer than seven days may indicate that there is a more serious infection in the body.