Health: what to do if I have a sore throat? Will drinking tea soothe the pain? Which teas to drink?
Among these compounds, gingerols also reduce the risk of bacterial and viral infections, and prevent your sore throat from worsening over time, according to a 2020 study published in the International Journal of Health Sciences from Qassim University in Saudi Arabia.
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Since sore throats are often caused by inflammation, consuming ginger in the form of tea may provide relief from the associated pain.
2. Camomile tea
Besides being packed with antioxidants such as apigenin, camomile is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties and mucilage content. That’s according to a 2010 article published in the journal Molecular Medicine Reports.
Mucilage is a gel-like substance that coats mucous membranes and soothes irritation in the throat.
Camomile tea – a relaxant – can ease the tension in muscles in your throat that comes from constantly trying to clear it.
The tea doubles as a mild sedative, which can aid sleep – thus promoting the rest your body needs to naturally heal itself.
3. Peppermint tea
Menthol is one of the main ingredients of peppermint tea. Menthol has anti-inflammatory properties, which can reduce the swelling caused by a sore throat, according to a 2018 article in the journal Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics.
While it is widely believed that menthol is a decongestant, a 1983 study published in The Journal of Laryngology & Otology tells us there’s no evidence to support this.
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That said, the menthol in peppermint produces a mild numbing sensation, which can indeed ease the discomfort caused by a sore throat.
4. Black tea
Not only is black tea rich in polyphenols and antioxidants, it also has powerful tannins which could reduce inflammation, according to a study published in the International Journal of Health Sciences in 2019.
Despite its caffeine content, which makes it a diuretic – meaning it helps lower fluid content in the body by making you urinate more – black tea is a good choice for hydration. Its hydrating properties are, in fact, comparable to water, according to a 2011 study published in the British Journal of Nutrition.
At the same time, black tea may be just the energising pick-me-up you need to get you through the day when you feel under the weather.
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5. Masala chai
A delightful blend of black tea and spices (cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves), masala chai is a comforting choice for a sore throat.Masala chai combines the benefits of black tea, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, and offers several rich sources of antioxidants. The anti-inflammatory properties of cinnamon and cloves also ease throat irritation, according to a 2017 study published in Pharmaceutical Biology.
One last hot tip
Doctors recommend that you make sure your tea’s hot, too: the warmth will soothe the pain of your sore throat.
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