What Should I Drink If My Throat Is Swollen? A Guide to Soothing Sips

October 13, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Mayo Clinic, staying properly hydrated is one of the most effective ways to help soothe a sore or swollen throat. So, what should I drink if my throat is swollen? The right beverage choices can provide relief, reduce inflammation, and help you on the road to recovery.

Quick Summary

This guide covers the best warm and cold beverages to soothe a swollen throat, including herbal teas, broths, and popsicles. It also lists drinks to avoid, such as acidic juices and caffeine, to prevent further irritation.

Key Points

Hydration is Vital: Keeping your body well-hydrated with fluids like water and broth is crucial for soothing a swollen throat.
Warm and Cold Drinks Both Work: Both warm liquids (teas, broth) and cold items (popsicles, ice water) can provide effective relief, depending on personal preference.
Herbal Teas Offer Support: Ginger, chamomile, and peppermint teas have natural anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that can help reduce swelling and pain.
Honey is a Natural Soother: Adding honey to warm drinks can coat the throat, providing comfort and antibacterial benefits.
Cold Numbness Helps Pain: Cold beverages and frozen treats can numb the throat, reducing pain and inflammation.
Avoid Irritants: Stay away from acidic juices, alcohol, caffeine, and carbonated drinks, as they can further irritate a sensitive throat.
Prioritize Easy-to-Swallow Nutrition: Smoothies and soups are great for providing nutrients when solid foods are difficult to swallow.
Know When to See a Doctor: Seek medical advice for a sore throat that lasts longer than a week, is severe, or is accompanied by a high fever or difficulty breathing.

The Healing Power of Warm Drinks

Warm liquids are a time-honored remedy for soothing throat pain and helping to thin mucus. However, it is crucial to ensure drinks are warm, not scorching hot, to avoid further irritation.

Herbal Teas

Certain herbal teas are celebrated for their anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. Many are caffeine-free, ensuring they won't dehydrate you.

Chamomile Tea: Known for its gentle, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects, chamomile tea can help reduce swelling and even promote better sleep.
Ginger Tea: Ginger contains compounds with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can help ease pain and congestion.
Peppermint Tea: The menthol in peppermint can provide a cooling, numbing sensation to a sore throat and help to break up mucus.
Licorice Root Tea: This tea contains glycyrrhizin, which has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial qualities that can help calm throat irritation.

Warm Broth

Warm broths, especially chicken soup, are hydrating and provide essential nutrients when eating solids is difficult. Research has also suggested that chicken soup may have a mild anti-inflammatory effect.

The Benefits of Cool and Cold Beverages

For some, the cold temperature of drinks can offer immediate relief by numbing the nerve endings in the throat and reducing swelling.

Ice Water and Ice Chips

Plain, cold water is a simple yet effective way to stay hydrated. Sucking on ice chips provides a more concentrated cooling effect, which can help numb the throat and dull pain.

Smoothies and Shakes

Nutrient-rich smoothies made with soft, low-acid fruits like bananas, melons, or berries can be a great way to get vitamins and minerals when you have a reduced appetite. Smoothies can be made with milk, yogurt, or alternative dairy products. The myth that milk increases phlegm has been debunked by medical experts like the Mayo Clinic.

Popsicles and Frozen Treats

Frozen fruit bars and popsicles can provide a dual benefit: they hydrate while the cold temperature offers a soothing, numbing effect, which is particularly helpful for children.

Best Ingredients to Add to Your Drinks

Enhance the healing properties of your beverages with these additions:

Honey: Honey coats the throat, providing a soothing effect, and has natural antimicrobial properties. Note: Do not give honey to children under 1 year old due to the risk of botulism.
Lemon: When added to warm water, lemon can help thin mucus. It also provides a dose of vitamin C and antioxidants.
Salt: Gargling with warm salt water is an age-old remedy that can help reduce swelling and break down mucus. Add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of salt to 4 to 8 ounces of warm water.
Ginger: Adding fresh ginger to tea can increase its anti-inflammatory punch.

What to Avoid When Your Throat is Swollen

Certain beverages and ingredients can exacerbate a swollen throat and delay recovery. It is best to avoid them while you are healing.

Acidic Juices: Citrus juices like orange, lemon, and grapefruit can irritate the sensitive throat lining and increase pain. While some use lemon in warm water, its use should be moderate and not concentrated.
Caffeine and Alcohol: Both are diuretics, meaning they can cause dehydration. A dry throat is an irritated throat, so it is best to avoid coffee and alcoholic beverages.
Carbonated Drinks: The fizz in sodas can irritate the throat, making it feel more scratchy and uncomfortable.
Extremely Hot Liquids: As mentioned, liquids that are too hot can scald the delicate throat tissue and worsen pain.

A Comparison of Soothing Beverages


Drink Type	Best Served	Primary Benefit	Specific Examples
Herbal Tea	Warm	Reduces inflammation, soothes	Chamomile, Ginger, Peppermint
Broth/Soup	Warm	Hydrates, provides nutrients	Chicken soup, vegetable broth
Honey & Lemon Water	Warm	Coats throat, anti-inflammatory	Add to herbal tea for extra relief
Water	Cold or Room Temp	Hydrates, flushes irritants	Ice water or plain water
Smoothie	Cold	Numbing, nutrient-dense	Banana, mango, berries
Popsicles	Cold/Frozen	Numbs pain, hydrates	Frozen juice bars, fruit popsicles
Milk	Cold	Soothes and hydrates	Can be mixed into smoothies

Conclusion: Listen to Your Body and Stay Hydrated

For a swollen throat, the best approach is to prioritize hydration and choose soothing drinks. Whether you prefer warm teas or cold popsicles, the key is to avoid irritating substances and give your body the fluids it needs to heal. If your symptoms are severe, include a high fever, or persist for more than a week, it is crucial to consult a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis. Listening to your body and providing it with the right nutrition and hydration are the first steps toward feeling better.

For more detailed health information on sore throats, you can visit the Cleveland Clinic website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, it is generally okay to drink milk. While some believe milk increases phlegm, this is a common misconception, and cold milk or yogurt can be quite soothing for some people.

It is best to avoid acidic citrus juices, including orange juice, as their high acidity can further irritate the sensitive throat lining and cause discomfort.

Mix 1 to 2 tablespoons of honey and the juice of half a lemon with a cup of warm (not hot) water. This classic remedy can soothe your throat and provide beneficial antioxidants.

Effective herbal teas include chamomile, ginger, peppermint, and licorice root. Each offers unique properties like anti-inflammatory effects and soothing capabilities to help with a swollen throat.

No, you should avoid coffee. Caffeine is a diuretic that can cause dehydration, and the acidity of coffee can irritate an already sensitive throat.

Yes, popsicles and other frozen treats are excellent for children. The cold temperature helps numb the throat and reduce swelling while providing hydration.

You should see a doctor if your sore throat lasts more than a week, is severe, or if you also experience a high fever, difficulty breathing or swallowing, a rash, or swollen lymph nodes.