Is Peppermint Tea Good for Sore Throat?

Yes, peppermint tea may temporarily soothe a mild sore throat when sipped warm because the liquid moistens irritated tissue and the warmth can feel comforting. Research has not established that peppermint tea itself treats a sore throat, so use it for comfort rather than as a substitute for medical care.

When can peppermint tea help a sore throat?

Peppermint tea can be a pleasant way to drink fluids when your throat feels dry or scratchy. Its effect is likely to be temporary, and it may not be more helpful than another drink you find comfortable.

A sore throat has many possible causes, including infections and irritation. Peppermint tea does not address all of them or replace an examination when symptoms are concerning. If warm drinks do not feel good, other best drinks for sore throat may be easier to tolerate.

How might peppermint tea soothe the throat?

The most dependable benefit is fluid: drinking can help prevent dryness and keep you hydrated when swallowing is uncomfortable. A comfortably warm drink may also feel soothing, though very hot liquid can irritate or burn your mouth and throat.

Peppermint contains menthol, which can create a cooling sensation. That sensation does not necessarily mean swelling has gone down or that an infection is being treated. The amount of menthol in a cup of peppermint tea can vary, and the available studies do not establish how much, if any, is needed for throat relief.

Choose the temperature that feels comfortable. If peppermint tea makes your throat or stomach feel worse, stop drinking it rather than trying to force the remedy.

What does the evidence say about peppermint tea?

There is limited evidence for peppermint-containing products and sore-throat symptoms, but the studies below did not test peppermint tea. They cannot establish that a cup of peppermint tea will have the same effect.

In a 2017 study of 70 patients after spine surgery, an aroma gargle containing peppermint, tea tree and lemon oils was compared with cold-water gargling and wet gauze. The aroma-gargle group reported better sore-throat outcomes. The study was not randomized, involved a specific postoperative setting and used several oils together, so it cannot show that peppermint alone was responsible.

A randomized trial of an aromatic-herb spray included 60 people with upper respiratory infections. The spray contained peppermint and four other plants. Participants reported greater improvement in their most bothersome symptom shortly after using the spray than those given a placebo, but there was no significant difference after 3 days. The symptom assessed could be sore throat, hoarseness or cough, so this is not proof of a specific effect on sore throat.

How can you prepare peppermint tea for a sore throat?

This fresh-peppermint version is steeped in the refrigerator and then gently warmed. It makes more than one serving, so refrigerate the unused portion promptly.

Ingredients

• 1 litre drinking water, about 4¼ US cups
• 2 sprigs fresh peppermint, about 5 g
• Optional: 1 teaspoon honey, about 5 mL, per serving

Steps

1. Wash the peppermint and place it in a clean covered pitcher with the water.
2. Refrigerate and steep for 2–4 hours.
3. Strain out the peppermint. Gently warm a serving until comfortably warm, not hot.
4. Add honey if desired and sip slowly. Never give honey to a child under 1 year old.
5. Refrigerate the remaining peppermint tea and drink it within 24 hours for best flavour. Discard it after 2–3 days, or sooner if it becomes cloudy, slimy or sour-smelling. Do not leave it at room temperature for more than a few hours.

You can also prepare a plain peppermint tea bag according to its package instructions and let the drink cool before sipping. Do not add peppermint essential oil: concentrated oils are not the same as brewed leaves and should not be swallowed as a home remedy.

Who should be careful, and when should you get medical help?

Peppermint can worsen reflux or heartburn for some people. If you have gastroesophageal reflux disease or notice burning after peppermint tea, choose a drink that does not trigger your symptoms. Avoid peppermint tea if you are allergic to peppermint.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, ask your healthcare professional about regular herbal-tea use. If you take medication or have a medical condition, check with a pharmacist or clinician before using concentrated peppermint products or drinking herbal preparations regularly. For children, offer only a comfortable temperature and ask a pediatrician for advice if you are unsure whether a drink is appropriate.

Seek urgent medical help for trouble breathing, inability to swallow saliva, drooling, a muffled voice or significant neck swelling. Contact a clinician for severe or worsening pain, difficulty drinking, signs of dehydration, a high fever, or a sore throat that is not beginning to improve after a few days. A clinician can assess the cause and whether specific treatment is needed.