When you’re feeling under the weather, many people reach for a hot drink to soothe their sore throat. It turns out that there are some great drinks that can not only provide comfort but also help reduce inflammation and boost your immunity. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best drinks for sore throats and how they can help you get back on your feet faster.
What is Sore Throat?
A sore throat is a painful irritation of the throat that can cause discomfort when swallowing. Common symptoms of a sore throat include pain in the back of the throat, swollen lymph nodes, coughing, sneezing, hoarseness or a scratchy feeling in the throat. In some cases, a sore throat may be accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, body aches and fatigue.
When you have a sore throat, it is important to stay hydrated in order to reduce inflammation and promote healing. Drinking plenty of fluids helps thin mucus secretions which can help alleviate the discomfort of a sore throat. Additionally, staying hydrated keeps your throat moist which can soothe pain and help prevent further irritation.
Tips for Choosing the Right Drinks
Avoiding acidic and spicy beverages
When choosing drinks to soothe your sore throat, it is important to avoid acidic and spicy beverages as these can further irritate your throat. Acidic juices like orange or grapefruit can be very harsh on an already sensitive throat, so opt for gentler juices like apple or cranberry instead. Additionally, spicy foods and sauces can cause further inflammation, so if you are looking for a hot drink, stick to milder options like herbal teas or warm water with lemon and honey.
Opting for soothing and hydrating drinks
When selecting the best drinks for a sore throat, it is important to opt for beverages that are both soothing and hydrating. Warm water with honey and lemon can be an excellent choice as the honey helps soothe pain while the warm water helps thin out mucus secretions which can help reduce inflammation in the throat. Additionally , herbal teas such as chamomile or peppermint are great options as they can both help reduce inflammation and provide comforting warmth. Other drinks to consider include warm broth, slippery elm tea, and hot ginger tea.
Warm vs. cold drinks – pros and cons
When deciding which type of beverage to choose for a sore throat, it’s important to consider the pros and cons of both warm and cold drinks. Warm drinks provide a comforting warmth that can help soothe pain while also thinning out mucus secretions which can reduce inflammation in the throat. However, warm drinks can also cause further irritation if they are too hot. Cold drinks, on the other hand, provide a cooling sensation that can help numb pain and reduce inflammation. However, cold drinks may not be as effective at thinning out mucus secretions which can make it harder to clear your throat.
List of Drinks for Sore Throat
Herbal teas
Herbal teas can be an excellent choice for those looking to soothe a sore throat. They provide warmth that can help reduce inflammation and provide comfort. Additionally, many herbal teas contain ingredients that are beneficial for the throat such as peppermint, ginger, chamomile, licorice root, and marshmallow root. These herbs can help reduce inflammation and provide soothing relief.
Chamomile tea
Chamomile tea is an excellent choice for those looking to soothe a sore throat. This tea contains anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties which can help reduce inflammation and provide relief. Additionally, chamomile tea has a mild, pleasant taste which can be soothing and calming. To make the most of this tea, steep a few teaspoons of dried chamomile in boiling water for 5-10 minutes, strain it, and drink it while still warm.
Ginger tea
Ginger tea is another great choice for those looking to soothe a sore throat. This tea contains anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties which can help reduce inflammation and kill bacteria that may be causing the sore throat. Additionally, ginger has a mild spicy flavor which can be comforting and warming. To make the most of this tea, steep a few slices of fresh ginger in boiling water for 5-10 minutes, strain it, and drink it while still warm.
Licorice root tea
Licorice root tea is an excellent choice for those looking to soothe a sore throat. This tea contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which can help reduce inflammation and protect the cells from damage. Additionally, licorice root has a sweet flavor that can be soothing and calming. To make the most of this tea, steep a few teaspoons of dried licorice root in boiling water for 5-10 minutes, strain it, and drink it while still warm.
Peppermint tea
Peppermint tea can be an excellent choice for those looking to soothe a sore throat. This tea contains anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and antimicrobial properties which can help reduce inflammation, relax the throat muscles, and kill bacteria that may be causing the sore throat. Additionally, peppermint has a minty flavor that can be refreshing and cooling. To make the most of this tea, steep a few teaspoons of dried peppermint leaves in boiling water for 5-10 minutes, strain it, and drink it while still warm.
Warm liquids
Warm liquids can be an excellent choice for those looking to soothe a sore throat. Warm drinks provide a comforting warmth that can help soothe pain while also thinning out mucus secretions which can reduce inflammation in the throat. Additionally, many warm drinks contain ingredients that are beneficial for the throat such as honey and lemon. Honey is known to have antiseptic properties and can help soothe the throat while lemon is a natural source of Vitamin C which can help boost your immunity.
Warm water with lemon and honey
Warm water with lemon and honey can be an excellent choice for those looking to soothe a sore throat. This drink provides a comforting warmth that can help reduce inflammation while also thinning out mucus secretions which can make it easier to clear your throat. Additionally, the combination of lemon and honey offer several benefits – honey is known to have antiseptic properties and can help soothe the throat while lemon is a natural source of Vitamin C which can help boost your immunity. To make this drink, mix together ½ a cup of warm water with 1 tablespoon of honey and the juice of half a lemon.
Warm broths or soups
Warm broths or soups can be an excellent choice for those looking to soothe a sore throat. Warm broth or soup provides a comforting warmth that can help reduce inflammation while also thinning out mucus secretions which can make it easier to clear your throat. Additionally, many broth-based soups contain ingredients such as garlic and ginger that are beneficial for the throat. Garlic is known to have antimicrobial and antioxidant properties which can help reduce inflammation and kill bacteria, while ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe the throat.
Warm milk with honey
Warm milk with honey can be an excellent choice for those looking to soothe a sore throat. This drink provides a comforting warmth that can help reduce inflammation while also thinning out mucus secretions which can make it easier to clear your throat. Additionally, the combination of warm milk and honey offer several benefits – warm milk contains proteins and essential minerals that are beneficial for the throat while honey is known to have antiseptic properties and can help soothe the throat. To make this drink, mix together ½ a cup of warm milk with 1 tablespoon of honey.
Fruit-infused waters
Fruit-infused waters can be an excellent choice for those looking to soothe a sore throat. This drink provides a refreshing and hydrating option that can help reduce inflammation while also thinning out mucus secretions which can make it easier to clear your throat. Additionally, various fruits offer different benefits that are beneficial for the throat such as lemon which is known to have Vitamin C that can help boost your immunity and ginger which has anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe the throat. To make this drink, mix together 3 cups of water with 1 teaspoon each of lemon and ginger juice. If desired, you can also add a teaspoon of honey for additional sweetness.
Lemon and honey water
Lemon and honey water can be an excellent choice for those looking to soothe a sore throat. This drink provides a comforting warmth that can help reduce inflammation while also thinning out mucus secretions which can make it easier to clear your throat. Additionally, the combination of lemon and honey offer several benefits – honey is known to have antiseptic properties and can help soothe the throat while lemon is a natural source of Vitamin C which can help boost your immunity. To make this drink, mix together ½ a cup of warm water with 1 tablespoon of honey and the juice of half a lemon.
Cucumber and mint water
Cucumber and mint water can be an excellent choice for those looking to soothe a sore throat. This drink provides a refreshing and hydrating option that can help reduce inflammation while also thinning out mucus secretions which can make it easier to clear your throat. Additionally, the combination of cucumber and mint offer several benefits – cucumber is known to have anti-inflammatory properties and can help soothe the throat while mint is known to have antiseptic properties and can help reduce inflammation. To make this drink, mix together 1 cup of cold water with ½ a cucumber, sliced, and 8-10 fresh mint leaves. If desired, you can also add a teaspoon of honey for additional sweetness.
Orange and ginger water
Orange and ginger water can be an excellent choice for those looking to soothe a sore throat. This drink provides a refreshing and hydrating option that can help reduce inflammation while also thinning out mucus secretions which can make it easier to clear your throat. Additionally, the combination of orange and ginger offer several benefits – orange is known to have Vitamin C which can help boost your immunity while ginger is known to have anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe the throat. To make this drink, mix together 1 cup of cold water with the juice of half an orange and ¼ teaspoon of freshly grated ginger. If desired, you can also add a teaspoon of honey for additional sweetness.
Smoothies and shakes
Smoothies and shakes can be an excellent choice for those looking to soothe a sore throat. This drink provides a refreshing and hydrating option that can help reduce inflammation while also thinning out mucus secretions which can make it easier to clear your throat. Additionally, various fruits and vegetables offer different benefits that are beneficial for the throat such as banana which is known to have potassium which can help soothe the throat and spinach which is known to have Vitamin A that can help boost your immunity. To make this drink, blend together 1 banana, a handful of spinach, ½ cup of almond milk, and a teaspoon of honey.
Banana and honey smoothie
Banana and honey smoothie can be an excellent choice for those looking to soothe a sore throat. This drink provides a refreshing and hydrating option that can help reduce inflammation while also thinning out mucus secretions which can make it easier to clear your throat. Additionally, the combination of banana and honey offer several benefits – banana is known to have potassium which can help soothe the throat while honey is known to have antiseptic properties and can help soothe the throat. To make this drink, blend together 1 banana, ½ cup of almond milk, and 1 tablespoon of honey.
Mango and yogurt shake
Mango and yogurt shake can be an excellent choice for those looking to soothe a sore throat. This drink provides a refreshing and hydrating option that can help reduce inflammation while also thinning out mucus secretions which can make it easier to clear your throat. Additionally, the combination of mango and yogurt offer several benefits – mango is known to have Vitamin C which can help boost your immunity while yogurt is known to have probiotics which can help reduce inflammation. To make this drink, blend together 1 cup of frozen mango, ½ cup of plain Greek yogurt, and 1 teaspoon of honey.
Berry and spinach smoothie
Berry and spinach smoothie can be an excellent choice for those looking to soothe a sore throat. This drink provides a refreshing and hydrating option that can help reduce inflammation while also thinning out mucus secretions which can make it easier to clear your throat. Additionally, the combination of berries and spinach offer several benefits – berries are known to have antioxidants which can help boost your immunity while spinach is known to have Vitamin A that can help reduce inflammation. To make this drink, blend together 1 cup of frozen berries, a handful of spinach, ½ cup of almond milk and a teaspoon of honey.
Additional Remedies to Soothe a Sore Throat
Saltwater gargles
Saltwater gargles can be an effective way to help soothe a sore throat. Gargling with salt water helps to reduce irritation and inflammation of the throat, and it also helps to thin out any mucus secretions that may be causing discomfort. To make a saltwater gargle, mix together 1 teaspoon of salt with 8 ounces of warm water. Swish the mixture around in your mouth for 30 seconds before spitting it out. This can be done several times a day to help relieve the pain and discomfort of a sore throat.
Steam inhalation
Steam inhalation can be an effective way to help soothe a sore throat. Inhaling steam helps to reduce inflammation of the throat and it also helps thin out any mucus secretions that may be causing discomfort. To use this technique, fill a bowl with hot water and add a few drops of essential oils such as eucalyptus or peppermint. Lean over the bowl, cover your head with a towel and take deep breaths until the steam dissipates. This can be done several times a day to help relieve the pain and discomfort of a sore throat.
Lozenges and throat sprays
Lozenges and throat sprays can be an effective way to help soothe a sore throat. Lozenges are designed to dissolve in the mouth, releasing medication that can provide temporary relief from pain and discomfort caused by a sore throat. Throat sprays are also available which offer similar relief with the added benefit of providing lubrication to the back of the throat which can make it easier to swallow. Both lozenges and throat sprays should only be used as directed on the packaging and should not be taken more frequently than recommended.
Conclusion
A sore throat can be a painful and uncomfortable experience. There are several options available to help soothe the pain and discomfort of a sore throat, such as consuming drinks like banana and honey smoothies, mango and yogurt shakes, or berry and spinach smoothies. Other remedies include saltwater gargles, steam inhalation, and lozenges or throat sprays. It is important to speak with a healthcare provider if the pain and discomfort of a sore throat does not improve or worsens over time.
