Lemon and Honey Tea for Sore Throat

Are you waking up with a sore, dry, and scratchy throat nowadays? If you are living in Delhi-NCR and surrounding areas where air quality is severe, your sore throat could be linked to the elevated levels of environmental pollutants like ozone, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and fine dust. Air pollution is one of the common causes of a sore throat. A painful and scratchy sensation while swallowing something can be highly uncomfortable.

Air pollution besides irritating our throat can also weaken immunity, which can lead to viral infections that can cause a sore throat as one of the symptoms. Many studies over time have proved that environmental pollution can pose a serious hazard to our health and can impact all aspects of our health, from lungs, heart to even the brain. Its impact on eyes, skin, throat, hair are some of the most visible and immediate effects of pollution.

A cup of hot and soothing tea is what one craves for to relieve a sore throat. A warm saltwater gargle can also provide great relief. In case your throat is acting up with pollution levels touching severe marks, we have some wonderful tea recipes for you that can provide much-needed relief.

Tea for Pollution

Priya Palan, a dietitian, lists the types of tea that can provide relief from a sore throat induced by air pollution:

1. Chamomile Tea

Chamomile tea is known to have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce swelling, redness, and aid in tissue repair of the throat.

2. Turmeric Tea

Turmeric is a member of the ginger family that has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. It stimulates the immune system and promotes healing while reducing inflammation. Turmeric tea can also help provide relief from pain.

3. Green Tea

Green tea is packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that provide relief from pain. Gargling with green tea can help soothe a sore throat.

4. Peppermint Tea

Mint is rich in polyphenols, a group of powerful antioxidants that can reduce inflammation and provide relief from pain and irritation.

Managing Sore Throat Amid Pollution

Abhilasha V, Chief Clinical Nutritionist at Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Bengaluru, shares tips to manage a sore throat in the face of air pollution and also shares tea recipes for relief:

1. Stay hydrated: Keeping yourself well-hydrated helps in keeping your throat moist and can soothe irritation caused by pollutants.

2. Use air purifiers: If possible, use air purifiers at home to filter out pollutants and improve indoor air quality.

3. Avoid smoking: If you smoke, consider cutting back or quitting, as smoke can irritate your throat and worsen the effects of pollution.

4. Gargle with salt water: Gargling with warm salt water can help soothe your throat and reduce inflammation.

5. Use a humidifier: Using a humidifier adds moisture to the air, preventing your throat from drying out.

6. Protective masks: If pollution levels are high, consider wearing a mask to filter out particulate matter when you’re outdoors.

7. Stay indoors on bad days: When pollution levels are exceptionally high, try to stay indoors as much as possible.

8. Avoid allergens: Identify and minimize exposure to allergens that can trigger throat irritation.

Tea Recipes for Sore Throat

Here are six soothing recipes to manage throat pain during the pollution season:

1. Honey and Ginger Tea

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
• 1 cup hot water

Instructions:

1. Mix honey and ginger in hot water.
2. Sip this tea slowly to soothe your throat.

2. Chamomile Tea with Honey

Ingredients:

• 1 chamomile tea bag
• 1 cup hot water
• 1 tablespoon honey

Instructions:

1. Steep the chamomile tea bag in hot water.
2. Add honey for sweetness and throat relief.

3. Turmeric and Honey Tea

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 cup hot water

Instructions:

1. Mix turmeric powder and honey in hot water.
2. Sip slowly, allowing the warmth to ease your sore throat.

4. Ginger and Lemon Tea

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 cup hot water

Instructions:

1. Steep freshly grated ginger in hot water.
2. Add lemon juice and honey.
3. Enjoy the soothing blend.

5. Peppermint and Chamomile Tea

Ingredients:

• 1 peppermint tea bag
• 1 chamomile tea bag
• 1 cup hot water
• 1 teaspoon honey (optional)

Instructions:

1. Steep peppermint and chamomile tea bags in hot water.
2. Add honey if desired.
3. Sip and experience the soothing relief.

Drinking lemon and honey tea for sore throat can be a comforting and effective remedy. Lemon is rich in vitamin C, which can help boost the immune system and fight off infections. Honey has antibacterial properties and can soothe the throat. Combining these two ingredients in a warm tea can provide relief from pain and discomfort.

Remember to stay hydrated, use air purifiers, and take necessary precautions to protect yourself from air pollution. Incorporating these tea recipes into your routine can help alleviate the symptoms of a sore throat caused by pollution. Stay healthy and take care of your throat amidst the challenges of air pollution.