Lifestyle

The 13 Best Teas for a Sore Throat in 2025

by: Karl Hyppolite

Published on Feb 19th 2025

Finding the best teas for sore throat relief can feel like searching for a magical elixir when you're dealing with that scratchy, painful sensation that makes every swallow a challenge. Whether you've caught one of the many viruses making their rounds during flu season or you're bracing for the symphony of sneezes that spring allergies bring, a steaming cup of the right tea can be your throat's best friend. The warmth alone provides immediate comfort, but it's the powerful healing properties hiding in those fragrant leaves and herbs that really work their soothing magic.

From the comforting embrace of chamomile tea to the gentle touch of a homemade brew, there’s a world of flavors waiting to ease your discomfort. Knowing which tea to drink is a lifesaver when a lozenge just won’t do, and we have you covered with options that not only soothe but kickstart your body’s natural healing abilities. So, when you’re on the hunt for the best teas for a sore throat, remember that each cup is a step toward feeling your best.

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Best Hot Teas for a Sore Throat

When that scratchy throat makes every sip a challenge, the right brew can work wonders. Our lineup of the best teas for sore throat is designed to soothe, comfort and even spark a little joy on tough days. Before you raid your pantry or head to the store, let's explore some tried-and-true options that'll have you feeling better with every sip.

Each option stands out as one of the best teas for sore throat remedies available today. Plus, when you are feeling better, these teas will also make excellent additions to your next wellness-focused tea party ideas gathering.

1. Licorice Root: The Throat's Sweet Savior

Licorice root as the best tea for a sore throat — *Licorice root tea (via Canva)*

Forget candy-store licorice—this powerful root tea creates a naturally sweet coating that clings to your irritated throat like a gentle hug. Studies show licorice root contains compounds that reduce inflammation and fight viral infections, making it one of the best teas for sore throat remedies. Add a touch of honey, and you've got a delicious defender against that scratchy sensation.

2. Slippery Elm: Nature's Throat Coat Champion

Picture wrapping your sore throat in a silky, protective blanket. That's exactly what slippery elm does. This remedy transforms into a subtle mucilage when brewed, creating a protective layer that helps heal irritated tissue while reducing cough frequency. Its mild, slightly sweet taste makes it the best tea for sore throat relief to sip all day.

3. Lemon & Honey Bliss: Nature’s Golden Elixir

Lemon and Honey Tea — *Lemon and honey tea (via Canva)*

This classic blend is more than just a treat for your taste buds—it’s a healing hug in a cup. Tart lemon juice meets rich, soothing honey to form a protective layer over your throat, easing discomfort and combating pesky viruses. Renowned as one of the best teas for sore throat recovery, every sip of this golden elixir feels like nature’s own remedy.

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4. Turmeric-Ginger Fusion: The Golden Gargle

This dynamic duo packs a one-two punch. Turmeric’s curcumin brings powerful anti-inflammatory properties to the party, while ginger adds its own spicy kick of pain-fighting compounds. Together, they create one of the best teas for sore throat relief that also supports your immune system. A splash of black pepper helps your body absorb turmeric’s benefits even better.

Best Tea for Sore Throat and Cough

When a sore throat and cough hit at the same time, nothing soothes quite like a well-crafted cup of tea. The best teas for sore throat and cough symptoms often contain ingredients that pull double duty by soothing your scratchy throat while helping to quiet that persistent hack.

5. Thyme Tea: The Ancient Throat Whisperer

Thyme Tea as one of the best teas for a sore throat — *Thyme tea (via Canva)*

European grandmothers have sworn by thyme tea for centuries, and modern science backs them up. This herb’s natural compounds help relax the muscles in your throat and airways, making it the best tea for sore throat and cough relief when you're dealing with both symptoms. Add a spoonful of local honey to amplify its cough-suppressing powers.

6. Chamomile Comfort: Gentle Healing in a Cup

Chamomile tea is celebrated for its anti-inflammatory and calming properties that provide gentle relief from throat irritation. Chamomile is a comforting option and one of the best teas for sore throat relief when you need to relax and soothe your aching throat.

7. Mullein Leaf: The Respiratory Rescuer

Mullein Leaf Tea — *Mullein leaf tea (via Canva)*

This velvety-leafed plant brews into one of the best teas for sore throat relief because it coats your throat while helping to clear congestion from your chest. Mullein’s gentle expectorant properties encourage productive coughs while its anti-inflammatory effects soothe irritated tissues.

8. Eucalyptus Mint Blend: The Breath of Fresh Air

When your throat and chest feel tight, this perfect pairing is an ideal tea for a sore throat that opens airways while soothing soreness. Eucalyptus helps break up mucus, while peppermint provides a cooling sensation that helps quiet coughs.

9. Peppermint Power: Cool, Crisp and Invigorating

Peppermint Tea is one of the best teas for a sore throat — *Peppermint tea (via Canva)*

A refreshing blend of peppermint offers a cooling sensation that can help numb throat pain and open up blocked airways. Its natural menthol content delivers instant relief and is widely regarded as one of the best teas for sore throat remedies with added congestion relief.

Best Teas for Sore Throat and Congestion

When congestion joins forces with a sore throat, you need a tea that can tackle both troublemakers at once. The best tea for sore throat and congestion options work to clear those stuffy sinuses while coating your irritated throat, making them perfect companions during cold and flu season.

Just like choosing the right tea party food can make or break your gathering, picking the right tea can make a huge difference in how quickly you bounce back from these pesky symptoms.

10. Honey-Ginger & Lemon Infusion: Zest Up Your Healing

Experience the timeless remedy that many call one of the best teas for sore throat and congestion choices. The zing of ginger, the natural sweetness of honey and the bright tang of lemon come together to create a warming elixir that calms irritation and helps fight off congestion in one delicious cup.

11. Nettle and Sage Symphony: The Allergy Antagonist

Nettle tea with nettle leaves — *Nettle tea (via Canva)*

When pollen has your throat and sinuses staging a revolt, this powerful pair steps in as your defensive duo. Nettle helps tame allergic reactions while sage's astringent properties reduce throat inflammation. Together, they create one of the best teas for sore throat and congestion relief that's especially effective during allergy season.

12. Peppermint Power: The Sinus Liberator

Peppermint isn't just for holiday treats; it's a great tea for sore throats that also helps bust through congestion like a gentle steamroller. Its menthol compounds create a cooling sensation that helps shrink swollen nasal passages while soothing your throat. Inhale the minty steam before sipping to maximize its congestion-fighting powers.

13. Lemongrass Ginger Fusion: The Congestion Crusher

Lemongrass Ginger Tea is one of the best teas for a sore throat — *Lemongrass and ginger tea (via Canva)*

This zesty combination brings heat and sweet citrus notes together in perfect harmony. Ginger's natural anti-inflammatory properties help reduce swelling in both your throat and nasal passages, while lemongrass adds an extra layer of congestion-fighting power. A touch of honey transforms this into a tropical-inspired brew that’s among the best teas for a sore throat.

Best Tea for a Sore Throat FAQs

What Is the Best Drink to Get Rid of a Sore Throat?

While many beverages can help, warm herbal tea with honey tops a list for best tea for sore throat. The combination of warm liquid and honey's natural antimicrobial properties creates a powerful duo that reduces inflammation and fights infection. Adding a squeeze of lemon kicks up the healing power even more.

How Do I Get Rid of a Sore Throat Quickly?

Speed up your recovery by combining several approaches: sip warm tea with honey frequently, gargle with salt water every few hours, stay hydrated and get plenty of rest. Licorice root or slippery elm tea can provide almost immediate relief by coating irritated tissues, while ginger or turmeric tea is among the best tea for sore throat options to help reduce inflammation quickly.

Is Milk Tea Good for Sore Throat?

Despite old wives' tales about milk increasing mucus production, a warm cup of milk tea can actually be soothing. All you have to do is skip the dairy and opt for plant-based milk alternatives and you’ll have one of the best teas for a sore throat. Chai spices like cardamom and cinnamon have their own throat-coating benefits, making plant-milk chai a comforting choice.

What Type of Tea Is Best for a Sore Throat?

Herbal teas like licorice root, marshmallow root and slippery elm take the crowns respectively as the best tea for sore throat since they create a protective coating on irritated tissues. These healing heroes provide longer-lasting relief than standard breakfast teas and often pack additional immune-supporting benefits.

Is Peppermint Tea Good for Sore Throats?

Absolutely! Peppermint tea's natural menthol makes it another one of the best teas for a sore throat because it creates a cooling sensation that temporarily numbs throat pain while helping to reduce inflammation. Its antimicrobial properties add an extra layer of defense that makes it a good pick for the best tea for a sore throat.

Is Black Tea Good for Sore Throat?

Black tea, with its astringent tannins, can help reduce throat swelling, though it might be a bit harsh on its own. For extra soothing power, consider pairing it with honey and lemon, transforming it into a comforting blend that works well as the best tea for sore throat remedy.

Is Green Tea Good for Sore Throat?

Green tea earns high marks for its rich antioxidants and gentle anti-inflammatory properties. Its mild caffeine content means it won’t dehydrate you, and its catechins support immune health, making it a smart pick when searching for the best tea for sore throat relief.

Finding the best tea for sore throat relief doesn't have to feel like an overwhelming task. The key lies in matching your specific symptoms with the right therapeutic properties. Think slippery elm for pure throat coating, peppermint for congestion relief or ginger-turmeric when inflammation is your biggest enemy.

Remember that the healing power of tea goes beyond just the warmth of the liquid and the best tea for sore throat isn’t about flavor. Each brings its own unique combination of compounds that can reduce inflammation, fight infection, boost immune function and create a protective barrier for irritated tissues.

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