As the National Health Service warns: Sore throats are common in winter. They’re often caused by viral infections. You can try common home remedies like drinking a warm cup of tea to ease your sore throat.
There are many tea options, including herbal teas, green teas, and black teas. Which one is best for sore throats?
Herbal Tea
Not true tea leaves, herbal teas are made from herbs and spices. There are many herbal teas, including ginger, peppermint, clove and echinacea. A number of studies have examined which herbal teas are best for soothing sore throats.
In , a study looked at the effects of 13 herbal teas on Streptococcus (the bacteria that causes strep cough ). Researchers found that barberry root teas, oregano and thyme were most effective against the bacteria in the study.
Green Tea
Green tea might be a good option for soothing sore throats. This tea has been enjoyed for thousands of years. A study published in Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine reports the possibility that some symptoms such as sore throat could be relieved by drinking it.
People with sore throats following surgery were asked to drink distilled water and green tea. The throat pain suffered by the latter group was less than that of the former. These results were attributed to the anti-inflammatory properties of green tea’s catechins and glycoproteins.
Black Tea
Camellia sinensis is the same plant that makes black tea as green tea. However, it’s made differently. Although no studies have been done on black tea’s effectiveness in sore throat relief, researchers have examined its antimicrobial properties. According to reports published in reports black tea is effective against many strains of bacteria.
Tea with Lemon and Honey
You can sweeten your tea in many different ways, but honey is a good choice if you have a sore or aching throat. The effectiveness of tea with honey and lemon after third-molar surgery that involved an endotracheal tube was tested in International Dentistry. This tea provided some relief from symptoms, but it was not as effective as medicated lozenges. However, honey and lemon juice may help reduce irritation by coating the tissues of your throat.
Other Home Remedies to Sore Throats
Not only is hot tea a home remedy for sore throats, but it’s not the only one. Warm liquids such as broth and hot tea may also help. You can get some relief by gargling with salt water or sucking on lozenges.
Not all sore throats can only be treated by home remedies. Your doctor should be consulted if your sore throat persists for more than one week, or if it is severe.
If your sore throat is accompanied with other concerns, such as joint pains, earache or facial swelling, it is recommended you consult a doctor.
If you are feeling unwell, you can try home remedies like drinking hot tea to soothe your sore throat. There are many options for herbal teas, green teas, black teas, and tea with honey and lemon. These home remedies may not work for you, so consult your doctor if your sore throat persists.