The Best 10 Drinks for Cough and Sore Throat

With the advent of winter, sudden climate fluctuations begin to appear, and the atmosphere shifts from warmth and moderation to extreme cold and rain, with which you begin to get sick and cough.

These fluctuations make you vulnerable to various types of infections, whether viral or bacterial, and weaken your immune system, creating an atmosphere conducive to the emergence of diseases, especially respiratory ones.

Sore throat and cough are among the most prominent of these respiratory diseases, which make you face real suffering. When you suffer from them, you will suffer from a loss of voice, high temperature, fatigue, and other annoying symptoms, and this will in turn affect your life at work or at home.

Therefore, every winter you seek to find solutions to alleviate this suffering, and drinks for coughs and sore throats usually come to the forefront of your search, but what are the best of these drinks?

This is what you will learn about in our article, as we will mention to you the best types of drinks for coughs and sore throats, in addition to explaining the different types of coughs and the resulting choice of these drinks.

Cough Types

Coughing occurs as a natural response of the respiratory system aimed at removing foreign bodies and mucus accumulated in the throat and bronchi. However, coughing may occur for various other reasons.

Cough is classified into several types according to the symptoms and characteristics accompanying it, and we mention the most common of them:

• Dry cough: Dry cough is characterized as a cough that is not accompanied by the release of phlegm or mucus. It is usually intermittent and accompanied by pain and discomfort in the throat, and has a hoarse and constant sound because the airway does not change with the cough.
• Wet cough: Wet cough is characterized as a cough accompanied by the release of phlegm or mucous secretions, which may be sticky or liquid. The cause of this cough is often inferred from the color and consistency of the phlegm, in addition to its smell.

Sore Throat Types

Sore throat is a common medical condition that affects the mucous membranes in the winter as a result of several causes, including viral infection, bacterial infection, chemical or mechanical irritation and allergies.

Depending on the cause and accompanying symptoms, sore throat can be classified into:

• Viral sore throat: Viral sore throat occurs when your respiratory system is exposed to viral infections such as cold and influenza viruses, and is usually accompanied by a dry cough or a clear phlegm, in addition to a runny nose and high temperatures without shivering.
• Bacterial sore throat: Bacterial sore throat occurs when your respiratory system is exposed to a bacterial infection such as Mycoplasma pneumoniae. This type of infection is usually accompanied by a significant rise in temperature, shivering, swelling in the throat, and sporadic muscle and joint pain.

The Best Drinks for Cough and Sore Throat

Drinks for coughs and sore throats vary greatly, but some of them are more beneficial than others. Therefore, we will mention to you a list of the best drinks for coughs and sore throats that are most beneficial during the winter:

Warm Water

Warm water is considered one of the most important drinks for coughs and sore throats, as it is a natural drink available to everyone, and it has a relaxing and soothing effect on the symptoms, which speeds up recovery.

The mechanism of its effect on cough and sore throat is mentioned as follows:

• Moisturizing the throat: Warm water moisturizes the mucous membranes in the throat, which helps relieve dryness and irritation that cause feelings of discomfort and the desire to cough.
• Relieve congestion: People with sore throat and cough may suffer from congestion in the upper respiratory tract, so drinking warm water can help relieve congestion and clean the respiratory passages.
• Alleviating dry cough: When the cough is dry and annoying, drinking warm water can help relieve it by stimulating mucous secretions and acting as a soothing and relaxing substance for the respiratory system.
• Supporting the immune system: Warm water is considered one of the most important factors in public health and supporting the immune system, because when the body is sufficiently hydrated, the immune system is better able to fight infections and fight coughs and sore throats.

Wild Thyme

Wild thyme is considered one of the medicinal herbs known for its therapeutic and anti-inflammatory properties, which has been used throughout the ages as a drink for coughs and sore throats until it has now become part of the medicines to soothe coughs and relieve sputum.

Wild thyme contains phenolic compounds that help soothe irritation in the throat and relieve pain. It also has antimicrobial properties related to coughs and sore throats.

In addition, wild thyme contains compounds called saponins, which are considered a soothing substance for the respiratory passages and anti-spasmodic, thus making wild thyme an effective drink for coughs and sore throats.

You can drink wild thyme as a warm drink on its own after boiling it in water and leaving it for a few minutes before filtering it, or adding a little honey to it to improve its taste and enhance its effect.

Chamomile

Chamomile leaves contain a group of active compounds that contribute to soothing a sore throat and relieving a cough, which makes it a good choice as a drink for coughs.

Experiments have also proven the benefit of chamomile as a drink for dry coughs more than for wet coughs, by reducing muscle contractions in the bronchial tubes and calming the nerves responsible for coughing.

You can benefit from chamomile tea either as a warm drink to be taken, or as an infusion whose vapors are inhaled. In both cases, the same benefit is obtained in calming the cough.

Common Sage

Sage is characterized by its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, which makes it on the list of drinks for coughs, because it contains powerful natural compounds, such as flavonoids, tannins, and essential oils, which work synergistically to soothe pain, reduce swelling, and relieve an annoying cough.

You can use sage in many different ways to benefit from its therapeutic benefits. You can drink tea prepared from dried sage leaves and enjoy its wonderful aromatic taste and amazing soothing of sore throat.

You can also use sage oil for inhalation and massage, as inhaling the vapor of sage essential oil is an effective way to purify the respiratory system and soothe coughs. In addition, mixing a few drops of sage oil with a carrier oil such as coconut oil or sweet almond oil and using it to gently massage the chest and neck will help you. In relieving stress and cough together.

A study conducted in 2009 showed that the effect of sage on the throat was similar to the effect of medications containing traditional anesthetic agents, such as chlorhexidine and lidocaine.

Mint

Mint stands out as one of the favorite drinks on the list of drinks for a wet cough accompanied by phlegm, as it is one of the aromatic herbs that has a stimulating and soothing effect on the respiratory system at the same time.

Mint contains powerful natural compounds called menthol, which add many benefits to mint, including:

• Relieve spasm: Menthol contains relaxant properties that help relieve spasm in the muscles of the upper respiratory tract.
• Soothing the throat: Menthol works to soothe and cool the irritated mucous membranes in the throat, which helps relieve the pain and congestion associated with coughing.
• Reducing phlegm: Menthol also helps in thinning phlegm and facilitating its expulsion, which contributes to facilitating the breathing process and relieving pressure on the chest.

Marshmallow Root

Seal is a rich source of beneficial plant chemical compounds, such as saponins, flavonoids, and tannins, which have many benefits. Saponins have anti-inflammatory properties and soothe irritation, which helps you relieve cough and soothe irritated mucous membranes. Flavonoids and tannins also work to strengthen the immune system and fight infections.

In addition, seal is considered an antimicrobial and antifungal herb, which makes it useful in fighting factors that cause irritation in the respiratory system and cleaning the respiratory tract.

To prepare khatmeya, you can use the dried leaves and flowers of the plant and boil them in water for 10-15 minutes, then leave them to steep like other cough drinks, then filter them and drink the resulting liquid. This drink is taken two to three times a day.

But it is important that you follow the correct instructions for using khatmiya and the recommended doses, and diabetics should consult a doctor before taking it. This is due to the possibility of it interacting with diabetes medications, as it has been found to have a lowering effect on blood sugar levels in the body.

Boiled Pomegranate Peels

Pomegranate peels are a rich source of nutrients and effective plant compounds that provide many amazing medical benefits. Pomegranate peels contain high levels of polyphenols and flavonoids, which are powerful antioxidants that enhance the body’s health and protect it from diseases.

When you eat boiled pomegranate peels, you will get a soothing and moisturizing effect on the throat. The polyphenols found in pomegranate peels work to soothe the inflamed membranes in the throat and reduce congestion, which helps relieve pain and irritation.

However, pomegranate peels also contain compounds with antimicrobial properties, which means they may help fight infections that may be causing the cough, and thus enhance the healing process.

Pomegranate decoction is obtained by boiling pomegranate peels in water for 15 to 20 minutes, then leaving them to steep, and then drinking them slowly and carefully to obtain the greatest benefit on the throat level.

Ginger Tea

Ginger is considered a powerful aromatic spice that has been used in folk medicine for centuries to treat many health conditions, the most famous of which is its use as a drink for coughs and sore throats.

This is due to the active compounds present in it, which help reduce the proliferation of bacteria causing infection and soothe inflammation of irritated mucous membranes, in addition to containing natural compounds with analgesic properties that help relieve annoying itching and pain in the throat.

To prepare a ginger drink, add about 20 to 40 grams of fresh ginger slices to a cup of hot water, leave for a few minutes and then drink it. It is recommended to drink this warm drink several times a day to get greater benefit.

But it must be taken into account that some people may be sensitive to ginger, or may suffer from side effects resulting from it, such as heartburn.

Anise

Anise is one of the best drinks for wet and dry coughs, and one of the effective and natural options for relieving sore throat symptoms.

The benefits of anise for cough are due to its active ingredients, which include volatile oils, such as anethole and methyl caffeicol, which have antispasmodic and muscle-soothing properties. They work to relieve muscle spasms in the respiratory system and help soothe an annoying dry cough.

In addition to the above, anise contains anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which enhances the body’s ability to fight infection and relieve sore throat associated with cough.

However, anise causes drowsiness in many people after drinking it, so the best time to drink anise is in the evening before bed.

Pineapple Juice

It is not only herbs that help in treating coughs, but pineapple juice can also be included in the list of the best drinks for coughs, as it is not limited to being just a refreshing drink, but it carries with it many effects that benefit the respiratory system.

Pineapple juice contains a compound known as bromelain, which is a natural enzyme that helps relieve coughs, and works to break down the phlegm accumulated in the bronchi and throat, which helps relieve congestion and calm an annoying cough.

The surprising thing is that pineapple juice also contains a high percentage of vitamin C, which is considered one of the most powerful natural antioxidants. Vitamin C also strengthens the immune system to fight infection and inflammation, which contributes to alleviating sore throat caused by coughing.

You can enjoy the benefits of pineapple juice for cough by drinking a cup of fresh juice daily, and it is preferable to choose fresh pineapple to ensure maximum health benefits.

But caution must be taken because some people may suffer from an allergy to bromelain, and therefore taking it may exacerbate the problem instead of treating it.

Benefits of Adding Honey to Drinks for Cough

Adding honey to drinks is an effective treatment for coughs in both children and adults, because honey has many therapeutic properties that help relieve and soothe coughs.

Among these characteristics we mention the following:

• Strengthening the immune system.
• Rich in antioxidants.
• Anti-inflammatory.
• Antibacterial.
• Does not cause side effects.

Honey also helps coat a sore throat, which reduces coughing and prevents irritation of the respiratory passages.

It should be noted that honey is considered a safe alternative to cough medicines, and a comprehensive American review was conducted in 2020 that included 14 studies on the benefits of honey in treating respiratory infections. The results showed that honey contributed to reducing cough attacks and alleviating their severity in people who took honey compared to those who took cough medicines.

The dose used varies according to the age group and ranges from half a teaspoon to two teaspoons twice a day.

There are also various cough drinks to which honey can be added, but we mention among them:

• Green tea with honey.
• Thyme with honey.
• Turmeric and honey drink.
• Lemon with honey.

Drinks to Avoid while Coughing

After we mentioned a list of the best drinks for coughs, we must not forget that there is a group of drinks that are best avoided while you are suffering from cough and sore throat, due to their harmful effects on the health of your respiratory system.

We will mention the following among these drinks:

• Cold and iced drinks: Cold and iced drinks may increase irritation and congestion in the throat, which in turn leads to an increase in the severity of the cough.
• Soft drinks: Soft drinks may cause irritation in the throat and make coughing worse.
• Acidic drinks: Acidic drinks such as orange juice and lemon juice may increase irritation in the throat and cause heartburn, so it is best to avoid these drinks while suffering from cough and sore throat.
• Alcoholic drinks: You should avoid consuming alcohol during coughing and sore throat, because it causes dryness and irritation in the throat.
• Caffeinated drinks: Caffeine in drinks such as coffee and black tea can dry out the throat.
• Milk: Milk can negatively affect a wet cough, because it increases the production of mucus in the respiratory system.

Tips when Drinking Drinks for Coughing

In order to get the best benefit from drinks for coughing, you must adhere to some health tips that support the effect of drinks on the respiratory system and speed up the recovery process.

These tips are divided into two groups:

Tips for Physical Activity

1. Rest and relaxation: Try to get enough rest and relaxation in order to support your immune system and speed up the healing process, as stress and tension have a negative impact on your health condition and the healing process.
2. Good sleep: Good sleep for at least 6 to 8 hours helps restore the body’s strength and speed up the recovery process.
3. Practicing physical activity: Do regular exercise in order to improve your physical fitness and enhance the health of your respiratory system.
4. Practice deep breathing: Practice deep, slow breathing to soothe the throat and relieve the cough, by taking a deep breath through the nose, holding it for a few seconds, then exhaling it slowly through the mouth.

Personal Care and Hygiene Tips

1. Avoid smoking and polluted places: You should avoid smoking in any form, including exposure to secondary smoke, as it has been found that smoking can increase throat irritation and the amount of coughing.
2. Humidifying the air: Use an air humidifier at home to increase the humidity in the air, in order to relieve congestion and soothe the throat.
3. Eat healthy food: Maintain your intake of healthy, balanced food that contains the necessary vitamins and minerals in order to support your immune system and the healing process. Also, avoid fatty and fried foods that increase irritation and worsen coughing.
4. Stay away from infected people: If there are people around you with colds or influenza, try to stay away from them as much as possible in order to reduce the chances of infection.
5. Hand washing: Wash your hands regularly and well using lukewarm water and soap for at least 20 seconds, as this contributes to preventing infection and the transmission of germs.
6. Avoid covering with blankets: Materials made of fur are a good place for germs that are excreted during coughing to nest, which in turn will lead to an increase in the duration and intensity of the cough, so you should avoid using covers or clothes made of fur, such as blankets.
7. Gargling with water and salt: Gargling with water and salt helps combat mild sore throat and expel the bacteria causing the infection.

In the end, after we have presented to you the best drinks for coughs and sore throats, we can say with confidence that true beauty is evident in every detail of our lives, even in our choices of drinks. A wise woman knows that personal care is not just taking care of the external appearance, but is also related to taking care of her health and well-being.

Therefore, we have chosen for you these unique drinks that combine health benefits with sophisticated elegance. Let every sip you taste be a reminder to you that you are a strong and beautiful woman and always deserve the best.

Frequantly Asked Questions

Sources:

healthline

medical News Today