12 Best Teas for a Sore Throat in 2025

Are you looking for the best tea for a sore throat? We’ve got a list of the top teas for you to try and get some relief. Drinking these warm fluids helps keep your throat moist and reduces irritation, while also delivering antioxidants your body needs to fight off illness.

A warm cup of tea offers a soothing, calming comfort. Here is our list of the 12 best teas for your sore throat.

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• The 12 Best Teas for a Sore Throat
• What Tea Is Best for a Sore Throat?

The 12 Best Teas for a Sore Throat

1. Green Tea

Green tea is known for being antioxidant-rich with anti-inflammatory properties, so it’s no wonder that this is one of the best teas for a sore throat. A study reported by the Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine Journal found that gargling green tea every six hours warded off sore throat symptoms in postoperative patients.

In addition to pain relief, the study also found that green tea may improve your immune function, which helps our bodies heal from illnesses. If you find green tea bitter, adding a slice of lemon can add some flavor and can even help break down mucus in the throat.   

If you’re wondering, “Does green tea have caffeine?” the answer is yes. So, if you’re sensitive to caffeine, you may want to limit how many cups of green tea you drink, especially if you are trying to sleep off your illness.

2. Chamomile Tea

Often considered the best tea for a sore throat, chamomile tea not only helps you relax but also offers phytonutrients that may ease throat pain. Its anti-inflammatory properties can help to reduce swelling and redness. In addition, a PubMed study found that the α-linolenic acid and apigenin found in chamomile tea have antimicrobial, antioxidant and pain-relieving properties. 

Chamomile is also the best tea for a sore throat and cough. According to Healthline, its antispasmodic action might soothe your cough. Additionally, its calming effects make it one of the best teas for sleep, providing relief at bedtime. If you’re not a fan of this caffeine-free herbal tea, inhaling the steam can still provide some relief. 

3. Marshmallow Root Tea

Since ancient times, people have believed that marshmallow root tea is the best tea for a sore throat and cough. Marshmallow root extract is rich in a substance called mucilage, which forms a protective mucus-like film over tissues in your throat.  

Marshmallow root also contains high doses of antioxidants, such as flavonoids, tannins and phenolic acids, which may reduce swelling and pain. It’s important to note that mucilage can interact with some oral medications, so it’s recommended that you consult with your doctor before trying this tea.

4. Licorice Root Tea

If you enjoy licorice, you might find this to be the best tea for a sore throat, thanks to its slightly sweet flavor and potential antiviral and antimicrobial effects. One key compound is glycyrrhizin, which inhibits the enzyme that breaks down cortisol. By keeping cortisol levels higher, glycyrrhizin may help control inflammation and alleviate throat discomfort.

One study by PubMed found that people who gargled 0.5g of licorice powder with water for 30 seconds helped reduce a postoperative sore throat. However, licorice root tea can be dangerous in large quantities, so moderation is important.

5. Elderberry Tea

In Europe, elderberry, also known as Sambucus nigra, is a popular herbal treatment for colds and symptoms like sore throats. Not only is this berry used in one of the best teas for a sore throat but you’ll also find elderberry gummies and syrups. 

Elderberry fruits and flowers are rich in antioxidants, largely due to their high anthocyanin content — the pigments that give them their deep color. Note that while the fruits and flowers are prized for their health benefits, the leaves are generally not consumed due to potential toxicity.

A study by PubMed showed that elderberries can speed up symptom improvement in influenza patients. The lightly sweet and floral flavors make this one of the best teas to drink for a sore throat while still having an enjoyable taste.

6. Peppermint Tea

Peppermint tea isn’t just a popular holiday treat. Peppermint tea is widely recognized as one of the best hot teas for a sore throat, thanks to its antioxidant, antimicrobial and antiviral properties. In addition, the mint naturally helps reduce inflammation and fight infection.

While the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) has examined the benefits of peppermint oil, research specifically on peppermint tea is still emerging. Some evidence suggests that peppermint tea’s natural cooling and soothing properties may help ease an irritated throat, in addition to aiding digestion, though further studies are needed to confirm these effects.

7. Horehound Tea

Have you ever heard that horehound tea is the best tea for a sore throat? Horehound has been used as a remedy for colds and sore throats for years. The tea is made from a flowering plant that is part of the mint family and has a very bitter flavor that some people say tastes like licorice and root beer. 

You can add some sweetness with a dash of honey and lemon. Horehound tea is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, along with its potential to help break down mucus, giving it a reputation as the best tea for a sore throat.

8. Turmeric Tea

Turmeric is often sold as a dried and ground spice that is recognizable due to the yellow color used in cooking, but it is also one of the best teas for a sore throat. This powerhouse house tea comes packed with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.

The compounds in turmeric tea are believed to relieve pain by numbing the throat and reducing inflammation. To make the best tea for a sore throat, simply steep turmeric powder in boiling water for a few minutes and finish by adding orange juice for natural sweetness and a vitamin C boost.

9. Lemon Tea 

Not only is lemon tea a refreshing drink, it is one of the best teas for a sore throat. Lemon is naturally packed with immune-boosting vitamin C that helps fight off illness. It is common to add a dollop of honey for extra sweetness and relief from a sore throat.

Honey has anti-inflammatory properties and a thick consistency that coats the throat to prevent further irritation. And while lemon tea is often hailed as one of the best teas for a sore throat, some say it might even support healthy blood pressure and heart function — though more research is definitely needed.

10. Ginger Tea 

Ginger can be used in so many ways to relieve the symptoms of a cold. The raw root can be peeled, sliced and chewed, ground down into a powder to add to your meals or steeped in hot water to make the best tea for a sore throat.  

Ginger root is full of antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that may help fight off sickness caused by bacteria and viruses. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), ginger can also help lower the body’s temperature in case of fever. For a better flavor, we recommend adding a teaspoon of honey and a wedge of lemon, which helps make it one of the best teas for a sore throat.

11. Slippery Elm Tea

Made from the inner bark of the slippery elm tree, this tea has been celebrated as one of the best teas for a sore throat for decades. It is used not only for cold symptoms but also for other conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease, Crohn's disease, irritable bowel syndrome and diarrhea, although the scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness for these remains limited.

Slippery elm contains mucilage, a gel-like substance that coats the throat to help prevent irritation and support healing. Because mucilage may interfere with medication absorption, WebMD suggests waiting one hour after taking oral medications before enjoying this best tea for a sore throat.

12. Fenugreek Tea 

Fenugreek, a traditional remedy and dietary supplement, is often hailed as an ingredient that makes one of the best teas for a sore throat. Fenugreek contains numerous antioxidants like phenolic acids and flavonoids that are known to reduce inflammation and pain.  

This tea is made from the leaves and seeds, which are rich in bioactive compounds that may help soothe throat discomfort. Its slightly nutty flavor and earthy aroma create a comforting experience that encourages you to sip it slowly, helping to soothe your throat — one reason it's considered among the best teas for a sore throat.

What Tea Is Best for a Sore Throat?

There is no single best tea to drink for a sore throat, as each tea provides different benefits and flavors. If you’re seeking relief from both a sore throat and a cough, demulcent teas like licorice root and slippery elm may be considered the best, while ginger and chamomile teas are often praised for their soothing, anti-inflammatory properties.

Boost the effectiveness of any herbal tea by adding honey to soothe the throat and taste sweeter. For the best experience when enjoying the best tea for a sore throat, let it cool to a warm, comfortable temperature instead of drinking it boiling hot, which can further irritate a sensitive throat.

With this list, you should be well on your way to trying the best hot tea for a sore throat and feeling some much-needed relief from the pain and irritation that comes with pharyngitis.

For even more ways to explore your favorite foods, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.