8 Best Essential Oils for Sore Throat in 2022
Sore throats are common, but that doesn’t make them any less painful. If you’re looking for relief from your sore throat, using essential oils is a great option.
In this post, we’ll discuss the best essential oils for sore throat relief and how to use them.
The following essential oils have been found to be very effective when it comes to treating a sore throat:
- Lemon
- Lavender
- Peppermint
- Eucalyptus
- Tea Tree
- Clove
- Oregano
- Cinnamon Bark Oil
We’ll also provide some tips on prevention so you can avoid getting a sore throat in the first place. Let’s get started!
What is a Sore Throat?
Sore throats are common viral infections that affect the throat, tonsils, and pharynx. The condition is characterized by pain or discomfort in the throat due to inflammation caused by infection.
Sore throats are characterized by various symptoms such as pain or burning sensations along with discomfort, tenderness to touch, throat irritation, voice changes or changes in swallowing habits. Often times you can experience dry mouth, fatigue , swollen glands and loss of appetite.
Sore throats are also well known to cause difficulties when it comes to sleep, leaving you with disrupted sleep patterns or insomnia. The discomfort experienced can make even the simplest of tasks difficult to complete.
While sore throats can be extremely painful and uncomfortable there are many natural remedies that have been found to help alleviate the pain associated with this condition. Essential oils are one of the best products you can use.
FREE Essential Oils for Sore Throat Recipe Printable!
8 Essential Oils for Sore Throat Relief
Here are the BEST Essential Oils for sore throat!
Lemon Essential Oil
Lemon oil, derived from the peel of a lemon, is cooling and refreshing, making it perfect for soothing irritation in the throat. A lot of throat lozenges are flavored with lemon because it’s a known antioxidant and antimicrobial. The extracts found in the lemon rind help break down mucus in the throat which makes it easier for the body to expel it.
Lavender
Lavender essential oil is one of the most popular ones and for good reason! It can help with many health issues! This oil has anti-inflammatory properties, which means that it helps with reducing the swelling of the throat. Lavender essential oil also assists the body in combating mild bacterial and fungal infections, especially those found to cause sore throats.
Peppermint
Peppermint oil is a natural essential oil that has been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments.
One of its most common uses is as a natural remedy for sore throats. Peppermint oil contains menthol, which helps to soothe the throat and provide relief from pain and inflammation. It can also help to clear congestion and mucus from the throat.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus Oil is a natural product that has been used for ages as a way to provide relief from sore throat.
It has also been found to have antibacterial properties which makes it helpful in treating respiratory infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia. Eucalyptus essential oil can work similarly to cough medicine but without the risk of addiction or side effects because there are not any drugs within its composition.
Eucalyptus essential oil is often mixed with other oils like lavender, peppermint, tea tree, lemon balm and more so you might choose this type if you want your eucalyptus treatment to include other beneficial properties.
A 2011 study found eucalyptus essential oil is a highly effective antibacterial, even against drug-resistant bacteria!
Tea Tree
Tea tree oil is a natural, plant-based remedy that can provide relief from the symptoms of a sore throat. The benefits are due to an ingredient called terpinen-4-ol, which has antimicrobial properties and is believed to help fight infection and inflammation.
Tea tree oil is a powerful disinfectant and has been used to treat bacterial infections that can lead to sore throats. Inhaling the oil helps with reducing swelling in the throat, resulting in less pain and discomfort.
Clove
This oil is very effective for clearing the respiratory passage and also acts as an analgesic, a natural pain reliever. It has been shown to reduce throat discomfort by up to 60 percent. Clove oil has been used as an effective pain reliever for centuries, making it a popular essential oil among those suffering from a sore throat. It also helps to reduce swelling which often leads to discomfort and pain associated with this condition.
Oregano
Oregano essential oil helps with delivering antibacterial properties to the source of your infection, thus speeding up the healing process. This oil also possesses antiviral benefits which make it a great choice for fighting off the virus that is causing your sore throat.
Cinnamon Bark
Cinnamon bark oil helps with relieving swelling and also contains antibacterial properties. This makes it effective in reducing inflammation caused by small bacterial infections.
Treating a Sore Throat with Essential Oils
Now that you know the best essential oils to use for your sore throat, here’s how to effectively use them!
Apply Directly to Throat
One of the best ways to use essential oils for relief from a sore throat is by mixing them together into a carrier oil. Popular options include coconut, jojoba, and almond oil. Mix 5-10 drops of each oil into the carrier of your choice. Gently rub the mixture on the outside of the throat up to 6 times per day.
I would recommend using all 4 of these oils in a blend for maximum benefit: 5 drops each peppermint, lavender, lemon and eucalyptus. Apply 3-4 drops topically along your throat/thyroid area (use diluted). The effects will be long lasting, and best of all you will smell AMAZING!
Steam Inhalation
Another option is by creating a steam inhalation with your preferred essential oils. Fill a bowl with hot water and ad 12 to 15 drops of essential oils!
Ingesting
There is some debate on whether essential oils should be taken orally. I would recommend to do your own research and see if this is something you want to do. I will provide some information and research below.
According to the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy,
Essential oils may be applied on the skin (dermal application), inhaled, diffused or taken internally.
BUT only the most “pure, authentic, and genuine” essential oil should be used. Not all brands are the same. Many essential oil brands will use fillers and synthetic chemicals.
Young Living is reputable company providing pure essential oils.
FREE Essential Oils for Sore Throat Recipe Printable!
Essential Oils for Sore Throat Recipes
Recipe 1: Apply Topically
Ingredients
- 5 drops lemon
- 5 drops eucalyptus
- 5 drops peppermint
- 5 drops lavender
- 1 oz carrier oil
- small container
Instructions
- Mix the essential oils with the carrier oil in the small container
- Gently rub mixture on throat up to 6 times a day
Recipe 2: Ingest
Ingredients
- 3 drops lemon
- 1 drop eucalyptus
- 1 cup warm water
Instructions
- Mix essential oils in water
- Gargle for about 10 seconds
- Drink and enjoy!
Recipe 3: Steam Inhalation
Ingredients
- 3 drops clove
- 3 drops peppermint
- large bowl hot water (just boiled)
Instructions
- Add essential oils to bowl of water
- Drape a towel around your head to create a tent over your head and the bowl
- Relax and breathe in the fragrant steam for 5 minutes. Be careful not to burn yourself!
