Having a sore throat can be uncomfortable and irritating. Hot drinks can provide relief and comfort when you’re feeling under the weather. Certain hot beverages have properties that can help soothe pain and inflammation associated with a sore throat.
What causes a sore throat?
A sore throat is pain or irritation in the throat area. It can feel scratchy, itchy, or like there’s a lump in the throat. A sore throat often comes along with a cold or flu, but can also be caused by:
- Viral infections like cold, flu, mono, strep throat
- Bacterial infections like strep throat
- Allergies
- Dry air
- Smoking
- Yelling or overuse of the voice
- Irritants like pollution or chlorine
The most common causes are viral or bacterial infections. The flu, common cold, mononucleosis, and strep throat can all lead to throat pain and inflammation.
How can hot drinks help a sore throat?
Drinking something warm can provide immediate soothing relief for an irritated throat. The heat can help loosen mucus, promote circulation, and reduce swelling. Certain ingredients also have medicinal properties that can ease a sore throat:
- Honey has antioxidant and antimicrobial effects that can help heal the throat.
- Lemon contains vitamin C and anti-inflammatory compounds.
- Ginger has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
- Black or green tea contains antioxidants that reduce inflammation.
- Peppermint has a cooling sensation that can temporarily relieve throat pain.
The best hot drinks for a sore throat will combine the soothing heat of a warm beverage with some of these healing ingredients.
6 best hot drinks for a sore throat
Here are some of the top hot drink options to help ease a sore throat:
1. Lemon honey tea
A cup of hot tea with lemon juice and honey is a classic home remedy for sore throat. The vitamin C in lemon fights infection while honey coats and soothes the throat. Simply add freshly squeezed lemon juice and a dollop of honey to a mug of hot water or black tea.
2. Throat coat tea
Many herbal throat coat teas contain demulcent herbs like licorice, marshmallow root, and slippery elm bark. Demulcents create a film coating over the throat to reduce irritation. Look for medicinal teas with these soothing throat-friendly herbs.
3. Peppermint tea
Peppermint is a natural decongestant. Drinking peppermint tea can help thin mucus, reduce inflammation, and temporarily numb throat pain thanks to its menthol content. Peppermint also has a cooling sensation that feels nice on an inflamed throat.
4. Ginger tea with honey
Ginger tea contains anti-inflammatory compounds called gingerols. Add some honey to get the sore throat-soothing benefits of both ingredients. The spicy heat from ginger helps open up sinuses and airways too.
5. Chicken soup
Grandma was right – chicken soup really does help colds and sore throats! The hot steam moistens a dry, sore throat. Ingredients like chicken broth, garlic, onions, and carrots all have anti-inflammatory effects as well.
6. Apple cider with honey
Warm apple cider mixed with a bit of honey makes a tasty drink when you’re feeling under the weather. The vitamin C in apple cider fights bugs while honey acts as a throat-coating emulsifier. Add a slice of lemon for even more vitamin C and flavor.
Other sore throat remedies
In addition to sipping on hot beverages, here are some other tips for treating a sore throat:
- Gargle with warm salt water to draw out fluid and reduce swelling.
- Suck on throat lozenges containing anesthetic ingredients like menthol or benzocaine.
- Use a humidifier to add moisture to dry indoor air.
- Get plenty of rest to support the immune system.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
- Soothe with cold treats like ice pops or ice cream.
See a doctor if your sore throat lasts longer than a week or is accompanied by severe pain, high fever, or difficulty swallowing.
When to see a doctor
In most cases, a sore throat will resolve on its own with home treatment in 3-7 days. But contact your doctor if you experience any of the following:
- Throat pain that lasts longer than one week
- Recurring or worsening sore throat
- Difficulty or pain with swallowing
- Fever over 101°F
- Swollen lymph nodes
- White or yellow spots on the tonsils
- Blood in saliva or phlegm
These can be signs of a more serious issue like strep throat, mononucleosis, or tonsillitis. It’s important to get an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment to prevent complications.
When to see a doctor immediately
Seek emergency care if you have any of these symptoms along with a severe sore throat:
- Trouble breathing or swallowing
- High fever
- Severe pain
- Drooling
- Stiff neck or swelling of the throat
- Skin rash
These can indicate a blocked airway, abscess, or allergic reaction that needs immediate treatment.
Conclusion
Drinking warm beverages like honey lemon tea, ginger tea, peppermint tea, and chicken soup can help soothe a painful sore throat. The heat provides relief while ingredients like honey, lemon, and ginger reduce swelling and fight infection. Rest, proper hydration, humidified air, over-the-counter medicines, and throat lozenges also aid recovery. See a doctor if severe pain, difficulty swallowing, or fever persist beyond a week.