I’m pretty sure we’ve all experienced this horrible cold and sore throat at some point of time and most definitely dread ever getting one again. It can last for a few days and can really make you feel under the weather the whole time!
A sore throat is pain and irritation in the throat and makes your voice sound very different than it actually is. It can be caused by a number of issues like seasonal allergies, cold and flu, straining of the larynx, Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), tumours etc.
What’s more soothing than a nice hot tea to soothe a sore throat! Here are some teas you could consume to relieve you from a sore throat –
1. Chamomile Ginger tea for sore throat:
Chamomile has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties to treat cold. It is antispasmodic in nature and can help reduce swelling and repair the worn out and irritated tissues. Adding honey can act as a natural anti-inflammatory agent and can offer pain relief while soothing your throat.
How to make it:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 2 chamomile tea bags
(Or 1 tbsp chamomile tea powder) - 1 tsp grated ginger
- Honey/Sugar to taste (optional)
Method:
Into a heating pot add in the water and the tea bags and let it come to a boil. When it starts to boil, add in the grated ginger and simmer for a minute or two and then turn off the flame. Let it sit for two minutes until the tea and ginger gets properly infused into the water. Strain it into a cup, add some sugar or honey to taste (which is optional) and consume it when it is still hot.
2. Honey Ginger tea for cold:
Honey can help thin the mucus build up, that blocks the nasal passageway that can lead to upper respiratory tract infections. Ginger can help reduce inflammation of the airway.
How to make it:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of water
- 1.5 inch of freshly sliced ginger
- 1 tbsp raw honey
- ½ tbsp lemon juice (optional)
Method:
In a heating pot, add in one cup of water and let it come to a boil, then add in the freshly sliced ginger and let it simmer for a couple of minutes on low flame, while covering the pot with a lid. Then turn off the flame and strain the mixture into a glass and add in the honey as per your taste requirements and lemon juice if you wish to. Stir it well and it is ready to consume. Consume it while it is still hot. READ MORE – CUCUMBER WATER for glowing and healthy skin
3. Cinnamon tea for cold, sinus and sore throat:
Cinnamon can help give your immune system a boost and also have a soothing effect to your throat. Honey can act as a natural anti-inflammatory agent and can offer pain relief while soothing your throat.
How to make it:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon power
- 1 tbsp honey
Method:
In a heating pot, add in one cup of water and let it come to a boil. Turn off the flame and let it sit. Into a cup add in the cinnamon powder and honey and stir it well, until combined. Then add in the hot water. Stir it well and it is ready to consume. Consume it while it is still hot.
4. Mint Tea for headache:
Mint contains menthol which is an effective decongestant and has cooling and soothing properties. Adding honey can act as a natural anti-inflammatory agent and can offer pain relief while soothing your throat.
How to make it:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of water
- 10 – 12 mint leaves
- 1 – 2 thin slices of lemon or 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)
- Sugar/Honey (optional or as per your requirement)
Method of preparation:
Into a heating pot, add in the water and let it come to a boil. When the water is boiling, add in the chopped mint. Let it boil for another minute and turn off the flame. In a cup, add the sugar/honey and lemon slices/juice and then add in the strained, boiled mint tea and it is ready to drink. Consume it while it is still hot.
You can also make a variation of your mint tea by adding an inch of grated ginger, for some additional flavor and to enhance its taste, while ginger also helps soothe a sore throat.
Tip: If you’re unable to make any of the above teas, you can also make your regular black tea and when the water is boiling add in 1 tsp of grated ginger and a 1 inch stick of cinnamon and let it continue to boil for a few minutes. Strain this into a cup, add in 1 tbsp lemon juice and 1 tbsp honey, stir it well and it is ready to consume. Consume while it is still hot.