Nobody enjoys having a sore throat. Although it’s not a massive drag on your health it’s incredibly annoying and the irritation can keep you awake at night, be a cause of distraction throughout the day, and really get you down.
A sore throat is commonly caused by having a cold or flu virus. It’s often the first sign that you have picked up a viral infection. The typical treatments include drinking plenty of warm fluids, taking paracetamol, sucking lozenges, and resting.
However, essential oils harness a powerful and natural solution. They contain numerous health benefits that can help to soothe the symptoms of a sore throat, and it’s very possible they will be more effective than traditional treatments.
Whether you’re new to essential oils or have experience using them, this article will cover everything you need to know about the best essential oils for a sore throat.
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Why Use Essential Oils for a Sore Throat?
The uses and health benefits of essential oils are pretty much endless. I’ve covered oils to aid with weight loss and neuropathy in previous posts, and by applying different oils with appropriate properties you can sooth a sore throat.
They provide an easy, natural solution to a wide range of health benefits. Often giving people relief from certain ailments that they couldn’t achieve with traditional medicine.
Essential oils are sourced from herbs, plants, flowers, seeds, fruits and plants, it doesn’t get much more natural than that. The oil is extracted through a process that retains all the beneficial properties.
The following oils are high in anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and all the other properties effective in fighting off viral bacteria and infections that cause sore throats.
Best Essential Oils for a Sore Throat
Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Eucalyptus is used in a wide range of cold and flu medications readily available over the counter. Eucalyptus oil stimulates the body’s immune system, contains antioxidants, and helps to open up airways to improve breathing.
I covered how eucalyptus helps with sinusitis in this post. It’s also very effective at relieving a sore throat and reducing the inflammation that’s contributing to the irritation.
Click here to see this oil on Amazon.com
Thyme Essential Oil
Thyme oil has some strong antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. It’s been used for thousands of years to help with respiratory, digestive, and immune system support.
Thyme has a pleasant aroma and the scent along with the healing properties in this oil will help reduce inflammation in your throat and reducing the annoying tickling sensation.
Click here to see this oil on Amazon.com
Clove Essential Oil
Clove oil is another oil that’s very effective at reducing a sore throat and acts pretty quickly. It has antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties, making this oil is a powerful weapon against a sore throat.
Its antiviral properties help to purify the blood and stimulate blood circulation, important factors in the body’s healing process.
Click here to see this oil on Amazon.com
Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint oil, much like eucalyptus oil, is commonly found in products used to treat colds, flu, sore throats, and other such ailments. It’s effective at treating digestive issues, inflammation, and stomach cramps.
Menthol is the key chemical compound in peppermint oil. Menthol provides a cooling sensation, I’m sure you’ve had a sore throat before and will know how irritating it can be. Try peppermint oil if you’re struggling with the irritating feeling that comes with a sore throat.
Click here to see this oil on Amazon.com
Oregano Essential Oil
Oregano oil is another oil with strong antifungal and antiviral properties. It’s used to combat viruses, inflammation, and bacterial infections, this includes relieve from a sore throat and respiratory issues.
Often referred to as a natural antibiotic, oregano is a natural alternative to prescribed antibiotics that come with some potential side effects.
Click here to see this oil on Amazon.com
Lemon Essential Oil
Lemon is one of the most powerful and versatile oils. It’s commonly used in aromatherapy to help cleanse the body of toxins and stimulate lymph activity.
Lemon is also commonly used to treat viruses, sore throats, and inflammation due to being high in vitamin C, and having antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Click here to see this oil on Amazon.com
Juniper Berry Essential Oil
Juniper berries are high in flavonoid and polyphenol antioxidants. The berries and needles from this plant has been used for thousands of years to fight off viral infections and boost the immune system, and in oil form today it’s still really effective.
Juniper is commonly used as a natural remedy for colds, respiratory infections, muscles aches and pains, and sore throats. It’s a fun and easy oil to use and it has a lovely, sweet, earthy aroma.
Click here to see this oil on Amazon.com
Hyssop Essential Oil
Hyssop oil is another oil that was realised as a healing herb thousands of years ago. This oil is high in antiseptic properties, making it effective at fighting off bacteria, such as the bacteria that causes a sore throat.
It’s a great oil to use to prevent colds, coughs, sore throats, and respiratory infections. Certainly, an oil to have as part of your oil collection.
Click here to see this oil on Amazon.com
Different Ways to Use Essential Oils for a Sore Throat
Essential oils are fun and easy to use. No two oils are produced equally and the qualities can vary from company to company, so always buy therapeutic grade oils so ensure you’re getting the best possible quality.
Oils are 100% natural, so when used properly there are no real health concerns to be worried about. Here are some of the best ways to use oils as part of a weight loss program:
Diffusing
Just add a couple of drops along with some water and the diffuser will spray a fine mist into the air and you can absorb the benefits by breathing in the mist.
This is a good way to tackle a sore and tickly throat. You can just relax around the home and let the diffuser do the work.
Hot Relaxing Bath
This is one of the easiest and most satisfying ways to enjoy essential oils. Just add a couple of drops of essential oil to a hot bath, it will effectively be diffused in the steam and will also absorb into your skin.
Topically via Massage
There are lots of benefits to having a massage. Not only does it relax your body, but your mind too. It also allows you to inhale oil for hours afterwards as it’s slowly absorbed by your skin.
Always mix with a good carrier oil as essential oils can cause skin irritation when applied directly to skin.
Inhaling Directly
Add a couple of drops onto a cloth or just carry the bottle around with you and take a comforting smell whenever you feel your throat is particularly sore. The aroma will have an immediate impact and the health properties will be absorbed.
In Summary
Whenever I feel a sore throat developing or if I have a cough, cold, or flu symptoms, I use some of the above-mentioned oils. I can confirm firsthand these are the best essential oils for a sore throat, and they really work if you use them as directed. It’s a welcome change from traditional medicines and a lot safer.
If you’ve never used essential oils I urge you to at least try. There are so many positive benefits with no real downsides. If you have any recipes or oils that have helped you deal with a sore throat please share your experiences to help others. Just drop a comment below.
I’m a MA, (CMT) Certified Massage Therapist, Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT), and Reiki Master — I’m a licensed massage therapist with over 10 years of experience in the industry.
Thank you for article, just tired of medicine and want to try essential oils. Actually I used lavander and tea tree oils just for another perposes, now I’ll try to use it for throat. Was glad to find your post!