Best Essential Oils For Sore Throat | How To Use Essential Oils For Sore Throat Pain

Overview

Dealing with a sore throat can be a frustrating and uncomfortable experience. However, with the right approach, you can find relief and healing without resorting to harsh medications. Sore throats can sometimes be very painful. There are many commercial products available in the market to treat sore throats. But people are searching for more natural solutions to treat this issue. If you are one of them, then you have reached the right place. In this article, we are going to discuss essential oils for treating sore throat.

Essential oils are natural oils that are extracted from different parts of the plant, like leaves, flowers, fruit, stem, bark, etc. Essential oils are rich in properties like anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiviral, antifungal, etc., that help in dealing with a sore throat as well as symptoms of a sore throat. Below is an extensive list of essential oils that can be used to get rid of sore throat.

What Are The Best Essential Oils For Sore Throat?

1. Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender oil is well-known for its calming and relaxing properties. Its gentle floral aroma not only promotes a sense of tranquility but also possesses anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial characteristics. These properties make lavender oil an excellent option for reducing throat inflammation and fighting off infections that may cause a sore throat. The lavender essential oil may be one of the best oils for treating sore throats caused due to bacterial infections. 

2. Tea Tree Essential Oil 

This is one of the most effective essential oils for a sore throat. Tea tree oil is a potent essential oil with strong antimicrobial and antiseptic properties. When diluted with carrier oil, like coconut oil, it can be applied topically to the neck area to help combat throat infections effectively. Its ability to target harmful bacteria and viruses makes it a valuable asset in relieving sore throat symptoms. 

3. Eucalyptus Essential Oil 

Eucalyptus oil is a natural decongestant with powerful antibacterial properties. When inhaled, it can help clear respiratory passages and reduce throat irritation caused by congestion. The cooling effect of eucalyptus oil also provides soothing relief to an inflamed throat.

4. Peppermint Essential Oil 

Peppermint oil is revered for its refreshing minty aroma and ability to alleviate pain and inflammation. When applied topically or used as steam inhalation, peppermint oil can help relax muscles and soothe your sore throat. Its cooling sensation provides quick relief from discomfort.

5. Chamomile Essential Oil 

Chamomile oil offers gentle and calming properties, making it a great choice for soothing a sore throat. Its anti-inflammatory effects can help reduce swelling, while the calming aroma promotes relaxation, making it easier to rest and recover.

6. Thyme Essential Oil 

Thyme essential oil contains potent antimicrobial properties that can be beneficial in relieving sore throat symptoms caused by infections. It may also assist in boosting the immune system, supporting the body’s natural defense mechanisms.

7. Ginger Essential Oil 

Ginger oil has analgesic properties, which can help reduce pain associated with a sore throat. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects make it effective in soothing inflamed throat tissues and combating infections. Thus, it is one of the many oils on the market that can be used for sore throat. 

8. Lemon Essential Oil 

Lemon oil is well-known for its invigorating citrus scent and antiviral properties. Inhaling lemon oil can help support the immune system and aid in fighting off viral infections that lead to strep throat. It also helps to keep the throat moist. Studies found that lemon essential oil can also be used to treat acute sore throats. 

9. Frankincense Essential Oil 

Frankincense oil has been used for centuries for its healing properties. It possesses anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, which can assist in reducing inflammation and easing sore throat discomfort. Its anti-inflammatory property also helps to reduce inflammation in the mouth and throat, including sore throat. 

10. Myrrh Essential Oil 

Myrrh oil is renowned for its soothing properties, making it a valuable addition to sore throat remedies. Its antimicrobial attributes can also help combat infections. Mainly cause of a sore throat is some sort of viral infection. This oil contains antiviral properties that help in dealing with the cause of sore throat and thus help in relieving a sore throat. 

11. Oregano Essential Oil 

Oregano oil is a potent antimicrobial agent, making it effective in fighting bacterial, viral, and fungal infections that contribute to sore throat treatment.

12. Cypress Essential Oil 

Cypress oil has astringent properties, which may help reduce excess mucus and alleviate congestion in the throat and respiratory tract.

13. Rosemary Essential Oil 

This essential oil can be used to treat a sore throat. Rosemary oil acts as a mucolytic, helping to break down mucus and ease respiratory discomfort associated with sore throats.

14. Pine Essential Oil 

Pine oil also possesses mucolytic properties, making it beneficial for alleviating congestion and promoting easier breathing, and thus can be used to treat sore throat. 

15. Cinnamon Bark Essential Oil 

Cinnamon bark oil is a warming essential oil with antimicrobial properties that can aid in soothing sore throats and supporting immune function. 

16. Clove Essential Oil 

Clove oil contains analgesic and antimicrobial properties, providing relief from throat pain and helping combat infections. This is one of the effective essential oils for sore throat.

17. Marjoram Essential Oil 

Marjoram oil has calming and soothing properties, which can be helpful for relaxing inflamed throat tissues and promoting restful sleep. 

18. Lemongrass Essential Oil 

Lemongrass oil has a pleasant citrus scent and can act as a decongestant, supporting respiratory health and providing relief from throat discomfort. This is a great natural remedy for sore throat. 

19. Geranium Essential Oil 

Geranium oil can be used for sore throat as it offers anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, making it beneficial in easing sore throat symptoms.

20. Spearmint Essential Oil 

Spearmint oil shares similar properties with peppermint oil, providing a cooling sensation and relief from throat pain and inflammation. This is one of the best natural remedies for sore throat. 

What Are The Benefits Of Using Essential Oils For Sore Throat?

Essential oils offer numerous therapeutic benefits when it comes to easing the discomfort of a sore throat:

1. Antibacterial Properties: Many essential oils possess potent antibacterial properties, which can help combat bacterial infections that often lead to sore throats.
2. Anti-inflammatory Effects: Essential oils like eucalyptus, lavender, and chamomile have anti-inflammatory properties, reducing swelling and irritation in the throat.
3. Analgesic Properties: Certain essential oils, such as peppermint and ginger, have analgesic properties that can alleviate pain and discomfort associated with a sore throat.
4. Mucolytic Action: Some essential oils, like pine and rosemary, act as mucolytics, helping to break down mucus and relieve congestion in the throat and respiratory tract.
5. Antiviral Properties: Essential oils like tea tree and lemon have antiviral properties that can aid in fighting off viral infections that cause sore throats.
6. Relaxation and Stress Relief: The aromatic properties of many essential oils promote relaxation and reduce stress, which can be beneficial for overall healing during a sore throat episode.

How To Use Essential Oils For Sore Throat Relief?

Following are the different ways to use essential oils:

1. Steam Inhalation

Add a few drops of your chosen essential oil to a bowl of hot water. Cover your head with a towel and lean over the bowl to inhale the steam deeply. This method helps relieve congestion and soothes the throat.

2. Topical Application

Dilute the essential oil with a carrier oil like coconut or almond oil and massage it gently onto your neck and chest. This allows the oil to absorb into the skin and provide localized relief. You can also add the essential oils to a cotton ball and use it to apply on your pulse points, or you can take a sniff from it to enjoy the therapeutic effects and medical uses of essential oils. 

3. Gargling

Mix a drop or two of essential oil in a glass of warm water and gargle the solution for about 30 seconds. Ensure that you do not swallow the mixture. Gargling can help soothe the throat and reduce inflammation.

4. Aromatherapy Diffusion

Use an essential oil diffuser to disperse the oil into the air. Inhaling the aromatic molecules can promote relaxation and alleviate throat discomfort.

5. Compress

Add a few drops of essential oil to warm water, soak a clean cloth in the mixture, and apply it as a compress to your throat. This can offer localized relief and reduce swelling.

DIY Essential Oil Recipes For Sore Throat

Recipe #1 – Soothing Throat Spray

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tablespoon vegetable glycerin
• 5 drops of lavender oil
• 3 drops tea tree oil
• 2 drops peppermint oil

Instructions: 

Mix all the ingredients in a small spray bottle. Shake well before each use. Spray directly into the throat for instant relief.

Recipe #2 – Honey and Lemon Throat Lozenges

Ingredients:

• 1 cup raw honey
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 5 drops eucalyptus oil
• 3 drops ginger oil

Instructions: 

In a saucepan, warm the honey and lemon juice over low heat. Remove from heat and stir in the essential oils. Pour the mixture into silicone molds and let it cool and solidify. Pop out the lozenges and store them in an airtight container.

Recipe #3 – Eucalyptus and Lavender Steam Blend

Ingredients:

• 4 cups hot water
• 4 drops eucalyptus oil
• 3 drops lavender oil

Instructions: 

Add the hot water to a large bowl and mix in the essential oils. Cover your head with a towel and inhale the steam for 10-15 minutes, taking deep breaths.

Recipe #4 – Thyme and Lemon Gargle Solution

Ingredients:

• 1 cup warm water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 drops thyme oil
• 2 drops of lemon oil

Instructions: 

Mix all the ingredients in a glass until the salt dissolves. Gargle the solution for about 30 seconds and spit it out. Repeat several times a day as needed.

Recipe #5 – Soothing Throat Balm

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 5 drops chamomile oil
• 3 drops spearmint oil
• 2 drops of myrrh oil

Instructions: 

In a small bowl, mix the coconut oil with the essential oils until well combined. Transfer the mixture to a small container. Apply a small amount to your throat as needed for relief.

Risks And Precautions

• Essential oils come from different parts of plants and thus are natural remedies. Most natural remedies are safe for use, but they should be used in an appropriate manner to ensure their safety. 
• Essential oils being natural plant extracts are highly concentrated and using undiluted essential oils can result in skin irritation, redness, or inflammation. So, it is important to always dilute essential oils with any carrier oil like coconut oil, jojoba oil, argan oil, avocado oil, etc., and then apply it topically. 
• Always undertake a patch test before applying essential oils to make sure that you are not allergic to any essential oil. 
• Avoid using essential oil if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Keep essential oils out of reach of children.
• Avoid using essential oils around your pet, as it can irritate them.

Summary

In this article, some of the oils that could be helpful for many sore throat problems have been discussed. Know that essential oils are an alternative natural remedy for many throat issues. The antibacterial activity of essential oils makes it best to use for treating bacterial sore throats. Using oils can have many other medicinal benefits. These organic oils, when applied topically or inhaled, can alleviate inflammation and congestion outside of the throat, providing targeted relief.

Frequently Asked Questions

Source:

• Mulyaningsih, S., Sporer, F., Reichling, J. and Wink, M., 2011. Antibacterial activity of essential oils from Eucalyptus and of selected components against multidrug-resistant bacterial pathogens. Pharmaceutical biology, 49(9), pp.893-899.
• Battaglia, S., 2003. The complete guide to aromatherapy (pp. 1-602). Queensland, AU: International Centre of Holistic Aromatherapy.
• Shaaban, M.T., AO, E. and Abotaleb, N.A., 2020. Antimicrobial Activities of Some Essential Oils against Bacteria isolated from patients with sore throat infection. Egyptian Journal of Medical Microbiology, 29(2), pp.63-71.
• Yadav, E., Kumar, S., Mahant, S., Khatkar, S. and Rao, R., 2017. Tea tree oil: a promising essential oil. Journal of Essential Oil Research, 29(3), pp.201-213.
• Anwar, F., Abbas, A., Mehmood, T., Gilani, A.H. and Rehman, N.U., 2019. Mentha: A genus rich in vital nutra‐pharmaceuticals—A review. Phytotherapy Research, 33(10), pp.2548-2570.
• Srivastava, J.K., Shankar, E. and Gupta, S., 2010. Chamomile: A herbal medicine of the past with a bright future. Molecular medicine reports, 3(6), pp.895-901.
• Kowalczyk, A., Przychodna, M., Sopata, S., Bodalska, A. and Fecka, I., 2020. Thymol and thyme essential oil—new insights into selected therapeutic applications. Molecules, 25(18), p.4125.
• Srivastava, K.C. and Mustafa, T., 1992. Ginger (Zingiber officinale) in rheumatism and musculoskeletal disorders. Medical hypotheses, 39(4), pp.342-348.
• Moghaddasi, M.S. and Kashani, H.H., 2012. Ginger (Zingiber officinale): A review. Journal of Medicinal Plants Research, 6(26), pp.4255-4258.
• Leigh‐de Rapper, S. and van Vuuren, S.F., 2020. Odoriferous therapy: A review identifying essential oils against pathogens of the respiratory tract. Chemistry & Biodiversity, 17(6), p.e2000062.
• Buch, R.M., Carlson, R.E. and von Fraunhofer, J.A., 2022. Frankincense: an ancient oil in the modern world. Journal of Essential Oil Research, 34(4), pp.303-312.
• Lemenith, M. and Teketay, D., 2003. Frankincense and myrrh resources of Ethiopia: II. Medicinal and industrial uses. SINET: Ethiopian Journal of Science, 26(2), pp.161-172.
• Fines, T., 2021. FIGHT THE FLU-8 BEST Natural Remedies. Critical Bench.
• Price, S., 2003. Aromatherapy for Common Ailments: How to use essential oils–such as Rosemary, Chamomile, and Lavender–to prevent and treat more than 40 common ailments. Simon and Schuster.
• Dehghani, A. and Anvari, H.M., 2019. Effects of Rosemary extract on sore throat after intratracheal intubation; A double-blind clinical trial. J Biochem Tech, 2, pp.183-7.
• Krishnamoorthy, B. and Rema, J., 2003. End uses of cinnamon and cassia. In Cinnamon and Cassia (pp. 327-342). CRC Press.
• Hassan, H.M., Aboel-Ainin, M.A., Ali, S.K. and Darwish, A.G.G., 2021. Antioxidant and Antimicrobial activities of MEOH Extract of Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus). Journal of Agricultural Chemistry and Biotechnology, 12(2), pp.25-28.