Sore throat, also known as pharyngitis, occurs when the tissue at the back of the throat becomes inflamed. While a number of herbal remedies exist to treat sore throat, scientific evidence of their efficacy is limited. Most of the herbs suggested for pharyngitis have a long history of use and recommendations are made based upon strong anecdotal evidence. Most herbs believed to reduce sore throat symptoms are soothing, mucilaginous and in some cases, antibacterial. Brewing these herbs as teas provides the best results, and most can be purchased at supermarkets or natural health stores.
Step 1
Drink licorice root tea to sooth a sore throat. Prepare the tea by placing five to seven 1/2-inch root pieces in 3 cups of water and bringing to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer until about half the water has boiled away. Strain and drink as needed. Licorice has been used traditionally to treat sore throat, colds and coughs for hundreds of years.
Step 2
Drink marshmallow root tea, a traditional remedy for treating sore throat and cough. The herb's mucilage coats and soothes irritated tissue. Steep 1 to 3 tsp. dried marshmallow root in 1 cup boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes; strain and drink immediately. If the root is not available, use marshmallow leaves, as they offer the same soothing benefits.
Step 3
Use slippery elm to help soothe inflammation of the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the herb may help ease a sore throat and has been used traditionally for this purpose. Pour 2 cups boiling water over 2 tbsp. powdered slippery elm bark and steep for three to five minutes. Drink up to three cups per day as needed.
Step 4
Drink a soothing eucalyptus tea to help ease the pain of a sore throat. In his book "The Green Pharmacy," James A. Duke suggests eucalyptus for its soothing astringent action and the ability of its aromatic oils to cool inflamed throat tissue. Combine 1 to 2 tsp. crushed eucalyptus leaves with 1 cup boiling water, steep for five to 10 minutes, strain and drink. Consume up to three cups per day as needed.
Step 5
Make garlic and ginger tea, an effective herbal remedy for sore throat. According to the "Quick Access Consumer Guide to Conditions, Herbs and Supplements," these herbs together produce a warming effect on inflamed tissue and offer an antimicrobial effect that promotes healing. Simmer two cloves of garlic and two to three slices of fresh ginger root in 1 cup of water for about 10 minutes, strain and drink warm. Add lemon and/or honey to flavor if desired.
Tips and Warnings
- Add lemon or honey to any herbal tea if you find the taste unpalatable. Honey also has a soothing effect on an inflamed, sore throat.
- Do not consume licorice if you have high blood pressure. Avoid taking herbs while pregnant, nursing or taking prescription medications unless under the supervision of a doctor.
Things You'll Need
- Licorice root
- Dried marshmallow root
- Powdered slippery elm bark
- Crushed eucalyptus leaves
- Garlic cloves
- Fresh ginger root
- Lemon (optional)
- Honey (optional)
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Pharyngitis
- Mayo Clinic: Sore Throat Alternative Medicine
- "The Green Pharmacy"; James A. Duke; 1998
- "Quick Access Consumer Guide to Conditions, Herbs & Supplements"; Quick Access; 2000
