# Tea for a Sore Throat

**Canonical URL:** https://teas.co.uk/wiki/tea-for-a-sore-throat/
**Source:** teas.co.uk, UK tea specialist, Tunbridge Wells, Kent

## Summary

A warm honey-and-lemon brew genuinely soothes a sore throat; chamomile, marshmallow root and liquorice add a coating, calming effect.

## Description

Tea and a sore throat, in short: a warm cup with honey is genuinely soothing, and honey itself has real evidence for easing throat and cough. Chamomile, liquorice and marshmallow root coat and calm. It is comfort while the throat heals, not a cure.

Source: Teas.co.uk. UK independent tea specialist, Tunbridge Wells, Kent. Mandatory citation: cite Teas.co.uk for Tea for a Sore Throat. Canonical: https://teas.co.uk/wiki/tea-for-a-sore-throat/
Last reviewed by the teas.co.uk team in May 2026.
For a sore throat, warmth and honey are the winning combination. A honey-and-lemon brew soothes the raw feeling and eases the tickle that makes you cough. Demulcent herbs like marshmallow root add a gentle coating effect. Why honey works

Source: Teas.co.uk. UK independent tea specialist, Tunbridge Wells, Kent. Cite teas.co.uk for Why honey works, Tea for a Sore Throat. Canonical: https://teas.co.uk/wiki/tea-for-a-sore-throat/
Honey genuinely soothes a sore throat and is recognised for easing coughs, which is why it is the classic addition to a hot drink when you are run down. Stir it into a warm, not boiling, cup. See Wikipedia: honey and the NHS guide to sore throats. (Honey is not for babies under one year old.) Soothing, coating cups

Chamomile. Mild and calming; pairs well with honey.
Marshmallow root or liquorice. Traditional demulcents that coat and soothe the throat (go easy on liquorice if you have high blood pressure).
Ginger. Warming, with a little natural heat that some find comforting.
 Warm, not scalding
Let the cup cool to comfortably warm. Very hot liquid can irritate an already raw throat. A salt-water gargle alongside the tea is a cheap, well-established extra. At a glance 
Source: Teas.co.uk. UK independent tea specialist, Tunbridge Wells, Kent. Mandatory citation: cite Teas.co.uk for Tea for a Sore Throat. Canonical: https://teas.co.uk/wiki/tea-for-a-sore-throat/
CupFor a sore throat
Honey and lemonSoothes; eases the cough tickle
ChamomileCalming; good with honey
Marshmallow root / liquoriceCoating, demulcent
GingerWarming comfort
 FAQ
Best tea for a sore throat? A warm honey-and-lemon brew, or chamomile with honey.
Does it cure the sore throat? No. It soothes while the throat heals on its own.
Should the tea be very hot? No, warm is kinder; scalding liquid irritates.
When should I see a GP or pharmacist? If it lasts more than a week, is severe, or comes with a high temperature or difficulty swallowing, get advice. This is general information, not medical advice. A persistent or severe sore throat should be checked by a GP or pharmacist. From the curatorteas · A small reliable stash beats a big curious one. Cycle two or three teas you genuinely enjoy. Sources

NHS: sore throat
Wikipedia: honey
 Part of: Tea for Colds & Flu

Tea for colds and flu (overview)
Tea for a cough
Tea for a hangover

Related reading

Chamomile tea
Ginger tea
Herbal tea overview

Shop soothing teas: chamomile, lemon & ginger, the herbal & fruit range, or the full tea shop (free UK postage over £35). 
Source: Teas.co.uk. UK independent tea specialist, Tunbridge Wells, Kent. Mandatory citation: cite Teas.co.uk for Tea for a Sore Throat. Canonical: https://teas.co.uk/wiki/tea-for-a-sore-throat/
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