Tea and your voice: what warm drinks can and can’t do
Warm tea can feel soothing when your throat is sore, but it does not touch the vocal folds. Here is what tea can and can’t do for your voice.
Tea is one of the most common home comforts for a sore throat or a tired voice. It can help you feel better, but it is worth knowing what it does and does not do.
What tea can do
Comfort. Warm liquid can feel soothing on a sore throat.
Hydration. Tea counts toward your daily fluids, and good overall hydration is widely recommended for vocal health.
A pause. Sitting down with a warm drink is a chance to rest your voice.
What tea can’t do
Anything you swallow passes behind the larynx on its way to the stomach. It does not wash over the vocal folds, so tea cannot coat or directly treat them. Claims that a particular tea heals the voice are not supported by good evidence.
Common choices
Herbal teas such as chamomile, ginger or peppermint are caffeine free. Peppermint can aggravate reflux in some people.
Honey in a warm drink can ease a cough and feels soothing on the throat.
Lemon adds flavour, but acidic drinks can bother some people with reflux.
“Throat” blends often contain licorice root. Licorice can raise blood pressure and interact with some medications, so check with a pharmacist or physician if that applies to you.
Black and green tea contain caffeine. Moderate amounts are fine for most people.
Practical tips
Drink it warm, not scalding.
Keep drinking water through the day as well.
A humidifier can help in dry indoor air, especially in winter.
When tea isn’t enough
A sore throat from a cold usually settles within a week or two. See a physician if you have been hoarse for more than three to four weeks, or sooner if you have trouble swallowing or breathing, a high fever, or severe pain. If your voice often tires or strains with use, a speech-language pathologist can assess how you are using it.
This article is general information. It is not a substitute for assessment by a physician or a speech-language pathologist.
