What Hot Drinks Are Good for Your Throat?

November 13, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2025 review of research on herbal sore throat remedies, certain hot drinks can provide significant relief for inflammation and discomfort. This guide will explore exactly what hot drinks are good for your throat, leveraging natural ingredients with known soothing properties to help you feel better fast.

Quick Summary

This article details a variety of warm beverages, including specific herbal teas and common pantry mixtures, that help soothe a sore throat. Learn how ingredients like honey, lemon, ginger, and chamomile work to reduce inflammation, break up mucus, and promote healing for effective relief. Also, understand the importance of hydration and when to seek professional medical advice.

Key Points

Honey and Lemon: Honey coats and soothes the throat while lemon's vitamin C and acid fight infection and break down mucus.
Ginger's Power: Fresh ginger tea offers anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits to combat infections and reduce swelling.
Menthol in Peppermint: Peppermint tea contains menthol, which acts as a decongestant and provides a cooling, numbing effect on a sore throat.
Chamomile's Calming Effect: Chamomile tea is anti-inflammatory and promotes relaxation and sleep, aiding in faster recovery.
The Danger of Excessive Heat: Never consume beverages that are scalding hot; temperatures above 65°C can damage the esophagus and increase long-term health risks.
Broth for Hydration: Clear broths provide electrolytes and hydration, and the salt helps thin mucus, all while being easy on a sore throat.

Soothing Your Throat: The Science Behind Hot Drinks

When a scratchy, painful sore throat strikes, a warm beverage is often the first thing people reach for. The comforting heat and hydrating properties can provide welcome relief. But beyond the immediate comfort, certain ingredients in hot drinks offer specific medicinal benefits that can help address the root cause of the irritation. Warm liquids increase blood flow to the affected area, which helps reduce swelling, and also aid in thinning and clearing thick mucus that can exacerbate throat pain. Staying properly hydrated is also crucial for recovery, as dehydration can worsen swelling and inflammation.

The Best Hot Drinks for Throat Relief

Honey and Lemon Tea

This classic remedy is a favorite for a reason. Honey acts as a demulcent, coating the throat and providing a protective barrier that reduces irritation and soothes a persistent cough. Its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties can also help fight the underlying infection and reduce swelling. Lemon, rich in Vitamin C, boosts the immune system while its acidity helps to break down mucus. To prepare, simply mix 1 to 2 tablespoons of honey and the juice of half a lemon into a mug of warm (not boiling) water. For an extra kick, add a slice of fresh ginger.

Ginger Tea

Known for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, ginger tea is an excellent choice for a sore throat. The compound gingerol helps fight off infections, reduces swelling, and can help with mild pain. The warming sensation of ginger can also provide a comforting effect. You can make fresh ginger tea by steeping sliced ginger root in hot water for several minutes. For enhanced flavor and benefits, add honey and a squeeze of lemon.

Peppermint Tea

Peppermint tea is another great option, thanks to its menthol content. Menthol is a natural decongestant that can help thin mucus and calm coughs. It also has a natural cooling, numbing effect that can temporarily soothe throat pain. Peppermint possesses antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a powerful tool for fighting off cold and flu symptoms.

Chamomile Tea

Used for hundreds of years for its calming effects, chamomile tea contains compounds with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and astringent properties. It can help reduce inflammation and swelling, and inhaling the steam from a hot cup of chamomile tea can help relieve cold symptoms. Chamomile is also known for promoting relaxation, which can be beneficial for getting the rest needed to recover from an illness.

Broths and Soups

Clear broths, such as chicken or beef, are a fantastic way to stay hydrated while also soothing a sore throat. The warmth is comforting, and the salt can help loosen mucus. Unlike sweet drinks, broths provide electrolytes and nutrients without the added sugars that can feed bacteria. Just be sure the broth isn't too hot, as scalding liquids can further irritate the throat.

Comparison Table of Hot Drinks for Throat Relief


Drink	Primary Benefits	Key Ingredients	How It Works
Honey & Lemon	Soothing, Antimicrobial	Honey, Lemon	Coats the throat, fights infection, breaks down mucus
Ginger Tea	Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial	Ginger Root	Fights infection, reduces swelling, provides warmth
Peppermint Tea	Soothing, Decongestant	Menthol, Polyphenols	Thins mucus, calms coughs, offers temporary numbing
Chamomile Tea	Anti-inflammatory, Relaxing	Chamomile	Reduces swelling, aids sleep, boosts immune system
Clear Broth	Hydrating, Electrolytes	Salt, Broth	Replenishes fluids, loosens mucus, provides nutrients

Important Considerations for Consumption

When drinking hot beverages for throat relief, it is crucial to avoid liquids that are too hot. Consuming beverages above 65°C can cause thermal injury to the esophagus and has been linked to an increased risk of esophageal cancer with long-term exposure. Always allow your drink to cool to a comfortable, warm temperature before sipping. A good rule of thumb is to wait until you can hold the mug comfortably and the liquid does not burn your tongue. Additionally, individuals with specific health conditions, such as pregnant women or those with a history of certain illnesses, should consult a healthcare professional before using herbal remedies like licorice root or fenugreek.

Conclusion

For generations, people have turned to hot drinks to find relief from a sore throat. By understanding the specific benefits of ingredients like honey, lemon, ginger, and various herbal teas, you can create a comforting and effective remedy right in your own kitchen. Whether it's the anti-inflammatory power of ginger or the soothing properties of a honey and lemon mix, these beverages offer more than just temporary comfort. They provide natural, hydrating relief that can help speed up your recovery. Remember to prioritize warm rather than scalding temperatures to ensure safety and effectiveness. While these home remedies are often highly effective for minor ailments, if your symptoms are severe or persist, you should seek professional medical advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Warm liquids help soothe a sore throat by increasing blood flow to the inflamed area, which reduces swelling. They also help loosen and thin mucus, providing relief from congestion and irritation.

While the warmth from coffee can feel comforting, its acidity and caffeine content can be irritating and dehydrating, respectively. For better relief, it's recommended to choose herbal, caffeine-free options like chamomile or peppermint tea.

Honey is safe for most people, but it should never be given to infants under one year of age due to the risk of infant botulism. For older children, a warm drink with honey can be very soothing.

Beverages should be warm and comforting, not scalding. Studies suggest that drinking liquids over 65°C can cause thermal injury to the esophagus over time. Always test the temperature with a small sip before drinking.

Herbal teas are generally caffeine-free and contain specific compounds that offer medicinal benefits, such as the menthol in peppermint or the anti-inflammatory agents in ginger. Regular teas (black, green) are caffeinated and may offer some antioxidant benefits, but can sometimes be slightly more acidic.

Yes, ingredients like cinnamon, turmeric, and cayenne pepper have antimicrobial or anti-inflammatory properties that can be added to your hot drinks for extra benefits. Always start with small amounts to gauge your tolerance.

For strep throat, warm liquids can help manage symptoms like pain and dryness, but they are not a cure. Strep throat is a bacterial infection and requires a full course of antibiotics prescribed by a doctor. Home remedies can be used to provide comfort alongside medical treatment.