Sore throats. We have all had them. We all hate them. And they always seem to come right before an important family gathering, presentation at work, or just generally the most inconvenient time possible. Between the painful swallowing, dry cough, and scratchy throat, it can be a nuisance to deal with and are very uncomfortable. The reasons behind a sore throat could be many- bacterial or viral infections, allergies, or smoking. Thankfully, no matter what the underlying cause of the sore throat is, its treatment is rather simple. If you don’t want to take medication and are looking for a simpler, side-effect free, natural remedy at home, we have just the thing for you!
We already know the long list of health benefits that good quality tea has to offer. From boosting your immune system, warding off heart disease, to helping you lose weight, the list really is incredible. To add to the list, warm tea can do wonders for a sore throat. Disclaimer, tea should only be used keeping in mind that it’s a soothing element and not as a replacement for medicines. If your symptoms are severely painful or persistent, you should visit a doctor. In most cases however, warm tea can soothe the mucous membranes in the throat and increase blood flow to the tissue.
Continue reading to find expert suggestions for five wonderful teas that can soothe your throat in no time!
Green Tea- Some good quality green tea, especially when fused with powerful ancient Ayurvedic herbs like ashwagandha, moringa, and tulsi can be a wonderful solution for your sore throat. The anti-inflammatory properties of green tea will help reduce swelling in your throat tissue and bring down the discomfort. The health benefits from the herbs are an added benefit.
Chamomile Tea- Chamomile tea is an exceptionally potent option for sore throat treatment. If you’re dealing with a scratchy throat or a bad cough, this is the drink to have. The high antioxidant content, specifically flavonoids and terpenoids can help the body fight infections which might be the cause of your sore throat. We recommend having it after dinner and just before your bedtime as it can help you unwind and get a good night’s rest.
Turmeric Tea- You can never go wrong with turmeric tea when it comes to natural remedies. Remember how our grandmothers gave us turmeric milk or turmeric tea when we were down with the flu? Turns out they had a pretty good reason for it. Turmeric’s anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties make it the perfect solution for a sore throat.
Licorice Root Tea- Research indicates that licorice root tea helps eliminate phlegm and mucus and acts as an overall coating agent to soothe a sore throat. Blended with sage, ginger, and fennel, the drink not only provides you relief but also is very good for you. Not to mention, the incredibly balanced orchestra of flavours make it a very pleasant experience overall.
Black Tea- Last on our list for today, is black tea. Black tea can be used to treat sore throats because of its anti-microbial properties. Meaning the tea helps eliminate the root cause of the discomfort- a bacterial infection. Black tea is shown to be effective against several strains of bacteria. The warmth of black tea also provides some much needed relief to the throat.
The key takeaway from this piece is that sore throats can be uncomfortable, painful, and annoying. If you’re looking for a natural fix at home, warm tea is a good option to reduce tissue inflammation. However, if it persists or is a regular occurrence, we advise seeing a medical professional as a precautionary measure.