Sore throats can be caused by just about anything. While it can be possible that bacteria or a virus may be to blame, environmental factors like pollution and dry air may also be a cause. Allergies can also contribute to a sore throat and even certain medications can be to blame. This is why treating a sore throat can be somewhat problematic. Antibiotics are often not necessary (although that does not keep them from being prescribed) and there is not much in the way of medication to combat viral sources. This leads many headed straight for the drug store for over the counter relief for their sore throat.
A sore throat is more than just pain. It also can include tenderness and swelling, an itching sensation, and a dry sensation as well. While typically mild, the annoyance of symptoms mean leaving a sore throat go without treatment can be simply impossible.
There are of course many over the counter remedies for a sore throat. Some of them work to numb the throat so that the pain is less noticeable. But, most of these treatments are very short lived. Other treatments work to provide generalized pain relief, but are often inadequate to quell the discomfort felt from a sore throat. Home care techniques like drinking a cup of warm tea can actually be quite beneficial, and when certain herbs are used instead of store bought tea bags, the results can be exponentially amplified.
Certain herbs can be used in a tea for sore throat symptoms. Some of them provide soothing coating action to the throat. Others provide pain relief. Still, some other herbs have the ability to counteract bacteria and viruses, covering both germy sore throat causes. They often lack the side effects associated with medications, provide nutrients not found in medicines, and are able to be taken in warm tea which can relax and comfort the throat. We have put together a list of the best ten herbs to use if a sore throat is persisting – so check with your doctor to make sure it is safe to use them first, and then whip up a batch of delicious and soothing tea for sore throat relief.
1. Licorice Root
Licorice root has performed well in studies designed to test its ability to soothe a sore throat. Not only did these studies show that it could reduce coughing, it also became apparent that sore throat relief was easily had when licorice was in the mix. Licorice has a unique distinction among few herbs that are known almost as well for their flavor as they are for their health benefits. As such, it makes a perfect addition to a tea for sore throat relief and is very popular in blends and herbal tea recipes alongside other medicinal monoliths.
2. Slippery Elm Bark
Although limited scientific data exists, the slippery elm remained a mainstay of traditional medicine throughout history in terms of sore throat treatment thanks to mucilage, a constituent of the plant’s makeup. This compound helps to coat the throat which can provide soothing relief and help to reduce dryness and irritation as a result. The herb is useful in a tea for sore throat relief and the combination of soothing warmth from the tea paired with the lubricating mucilage can provide the ultimate in herbal symptom management.
3. Marshmallow Root
Like slippery elm, marshmallow root also contains mucilage, and it works in the same way that the aforementioned herb does in terms of sore throat relief, by coating and comforting the irritated tissue. Marshmallow root is best used as a tea, and the fresh root can be simmered in water for ten minutes before enjoying. The root is also a commonly found item in many herbal tea recipes, and works well with both other herbs as well as honey.
4. Sage
Sage is an herb that has long been hailed for its astringent properties, and as a gargle, but can be regularly used to help soothe a sore throat for this reason. However sage benefits can be harnessed equally in a tea for sore throat relief, where the warming sensation of a hot brew can provide another layer of comfort as well.
5. Horehound
Once upon a time, herbal healing outlets and holistic remedy shops were stocked with horehound (marrubium vulgare) products indicated for cold, flu and sore throat relief. In addition to helping ease the discomfort that is associated with a sore throat, horehound is also a mild expectorant, and when a sore throat is accompanied by coughing, this herb can be a welcome treatment.
6. Ginger
Although best known for use in digestive ails, ginger is thought to be particularly effective against certain viruses, many of them that can be the underlying cause of a sore throat. Ginger’s benefits in a tea for sore throat relief are furthered by its traditional use in respiratory ailments, making it an ideal selection for those combating throat discomfort during the course of an illness. Ginger is a delicious tea and is enjoyed regularly even by those who aren’t sick at all, which means it can be added to many herbal tea recipes.
7. Mullein
Mullein can be a useful herb in the relief of a sore throat when the lymph nodes are affected, as is common with some causes of the condition. It can help provide pain relief and is thought to be useful in a wide variety of respiratory ails. It makes a wonderful tea, but bear in mind that careful straining is required on account of the leaves’ tiny covering hails, which can be irritating if ingested.
8. Echinacea
Echinacea is one of the most commonly thought of herbs in terms of providing relief from colds and the flu. While its benefits in this regards are notable, the herb is also useful in sore throats that involve the lymph nodes and can help to reduce painful and irritating swelling.
9. Turmeric
Turmeric may be best known for its use in the kitchen, but it is one of the best choices for relieving pain. Since a sore throats’ most obnoxious symptom is unrelenting pain and discomfort, using turmeric to quell these sensations can be incredibly useful. Turmeric is also an anti-inflammatory and can reduce the painful swelling associated with irritated throat tissue. It can be added to a tea for sore throat relief or added into a wide variety of edibles.
10. Valerian Root
Although known as an aid for sleeping, valerian root is thought to help relax away pain. This natural sedative can also take the edge off of painful conditions. For those whose sleep is affected by illness, valerian can provide another benefit as well, by ensuring a peaceful and restful night’s sleep, doing which can be challenging when uncomfortable due to sickness.
