The 8 Best Teas for a Sore Throat: Chamomile, Mint, and More

Nothing hits the spot when you’re feeling under the weather like a good cup of tea. Aside from being delicious, many teas also have a wealth of medicinal properties that help to soothe and heal the body. While tea may not be able to treat more serious illnesses on its own, it can help to treat symptoms like a sore throat. Tea can be used in addition to traditional medicine in order to provide relief as your body fights off illness. Our collection of teas to soothe a sore throat are sure to have you feeling better in no time!

Our top picks for teas for a sore throat or cough

1. Chamomile teas

2. Licorice teas

3. Turmeric teas

4. Peppermint teas

5. Ginger teas

6. Cinnamon teas

7. Tea with lemon and honey

1. Chamomile tea

Chamomile has been used in herbal medicine for hundreds of years, and has a light, floral character and healing properties that will have you feeling better in no time. Chamomile is especially effective at soothing a sore throat. Some other benefits of chamomile tea include calming nerves, promoting relaxation, and inducing sleep.

Our Egyptian Chamomile is made from whole chamomile flower heads, and brews up a bright gold color with a lovely natural sweetness. We also carry several other blends with chamomile in them. For additional throat-soothing benefits, add a dollop of honey and enjoy!

2. Licorice root tea

Licorice root has been used in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for centuries to treat sore throats and other illnesses. Licorice root contains antiviral and antimicrobial properties that help to protect against disease and ward off potential sore throat causes.

Other licorice tea benefits include aiding digestion, reducing inflammation, and boosting your immune system. Licorice root imparts a lingering sweetness to whatever tea it’s added to, and makes for a tasty, healthful treat whenever you’re feeling under the weather. When consumed in excess, licorice root can have adverse side effects, so it’s a good idea to sip these teas in moderation.

3. Turmeric tea

A staple of traditional herbal medicine that has recently seen a surge in popularity in the Western world, turmeric contains a variety of health benefits, and can help to ease the pain of a sore throat. Turmeric contains a beneficial compound called curcumin, which has been shown to have a variety of antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antiviral properties.

Other turmeric tea benefits include reducing inflammation, improving mental focus, and boosting mood. Turmeric is part of the ginger family, and imparts a bright yellow-orange color to teas. It has a woody, slightly spicy taste, and is a soothing addition to tea that will have you feeling better in no time.

4. Peppermint tea

Peppermint is another common herbal tea with many health benefits that can help to soothe a sore throat. Peppermint contains menthol, which is an effective decongestant with cooling, soothing properties.

Some other benefits of peppermint tea include aiding in digestion and reducing stress, which makes it a great choice for a tea to wind down with before bed. We carry a variety of herbal and caffeinated blends that contain peppermint. If you’re suffering from a sore throat, try a fresh, minty cup of tea to ease your symptoms!

5. Ginger tea

A common ingredient in herbal medicine, ginger root is yet another herbal addition that can help to soothe the symptoms of a sore throat. Ginger contains a wealth of antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to fight off the causes of a sore throat at their root.

In addition, other ginger tea benefits include reducing nausea, soothing inflammation, and aiding in digestion. We carry a variety of teas with ginger in them, from traditional chai blends to caffeine-free herbal alternatives.

6. Cinnamon tea

Cinnamon is a tasty spice with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which can help to soothe a sore throat. Other cinnamon tea benefits include boosting heart health and brainpower.

Cinnamon is a common ingredient added to spiced tea blends. For a traditional cinnamon-spiced tea, try a spiced black tea blend with a dash of milk and honey. We also carry a variety of herbal options that are a great way to enjoy a soothing, flavorful cup without the caffeine.

7. Chai tea

Chai tea contains several different ingredients that can help with sore throats, including ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves. Other chai tea benefits include boosting your immune system, reducing nausea, and soothing headaches.

Classic Masala Chai is a great option for those looking for a classic cup of chai, but we also offer a caffeine-free version of chai in Rooibos Chai.

8. Tea with lemon and honey

While lemon and honey may not be an ingredient of tea in of themselves, they’re a common and effective herbal remedy for soothing a sore throat. A dash of honey and lemon juice can brighten up both caffeinated and herbal teas, but we think it pairs especially well with a classic black tea. Honey helps to soothe the throat and protect against irritants, while lemon juice is chock full of vitamin C. You can enjoy tea with lemon and honey as a soothing, healthful drink on its own, or add a splash of brandy for a medicinal hot toddy!