Here Are The Best Teas To Drink When You Have A Sore Throat

A sore throat can seem like a minor inconvenience, but it's no fun when it hurts to swallow — and that scratchy, raw pain can linger for days. Now the good news: A minor sore throat — maybe from one too many Zoom calls, a cold, or seasonal allergies — is easier to treat than you may think, and it doesn't have to involve medication. Turns out, tea offers a host of throat-healing benefits. "For colds and sore throat, a warm cup of any kind of tea will likely help soothe a sore throat immediately," Diane McKay, a researcher at Tufts University, told the Los Angeles Times.

More specifically, as Robert Glatter, an attending emergency physician in New York City, told Women's Health, "Research indicates that green tea has anti-inflammatory effects, which may help to reduce swelling of tissues in the throat." The same goes for mint tea, which contains menthol, a compound known for its soothing effects, he explained.

If you're not a fan of green or mint teas (or want to stay away from menthol, which for some can be drying), try reaching for lemon tea. "Great for helping with sore throats and colds, lemon tea is packed with vitamin C, which helps boost the immune system," Yeral Patel, a board-certified functional medicine physician, revealed to Women's Health. And you can always try adding some honey to combat the bitter taste.

Turmeric tea will also work wonders for a sore throat. "Turmeric tea is ideal for sore throats because turmeric has anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and most importantly, anti-inflammatory properties, which help soothe the throat and boost the immune system," said Patel. Healthline agreed, recommending that you opt for turmeric tea bags or simply use the same ground turmeric in your spice cabinet by boiling it in water then draining before drinking.