Top Essential Oils for Sore Throat

The uses for essential oils truly are endless and if you have read any of my other essential oil articles, you’re probably not even that surprised that they can be used for sore throats, too.

The following essential oils for sore throat pain will kill germs, ease inflammation and speed healing of this annoying and painful malady:

1. Peppermint



Peppermint oil is commonly used for treatment of the common cold, cough, sinus infections, respiratory infections, and inflammation of the mouth and throat, including sore throats.
Peppermint essential oil contains menthol, which provides a cooling sensation and a calming effect to the body. Research indicates that the antioxidant, antimicrobial and decongestant properties of peppermint essential oil can help alleviate your sore throat. Menthol also helps to sooth and calm sore throats as well as thin mucus and break up coughs.

2. Lemon



Lemon essential oil is known for its ability to cleanse toxins from any part of the body and is widely used to stimulate lymph drainage, to rejuvenate energy and purify skin.

Lemon oil is derived from the skin of the lemon and is excellent for sore throats since it is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, high in vitamin C, increases salivation and helps keep the throat moist.

3. Eucalyptus



Today, oil from the eucalyptus tree appears in many over-the-counter cough and cold products to relieve congestion. The health benefits of eucalyptus oil are due to its ability to stimulate immunity, provide antioxidant protection and improve respiratory circulation.

Originally referred to as “eucalyptol” by the scientific community, the health benefits of eucalyptus oil come from a chemical now known as cineole, which is an organic compound shown to hold astounding, widespread medicinal effects — including everything from reducing inflammation and pain to killing leukemia cells! It’s no wonder it can be one of the steps to beat a cold and sore throat.

4. Oregano



This well-known herb in oil form is a smart choice for defense against a sore throat. There is evidence that the essential oil of oregano has antifungal and antiviral properties. One study even showed that treatment with oregano oil may be useful for parasite infections.

5. Clove



Clove essential oil is useful for boosting the immune system, so it is extremely useful at discouraging and relieving a sore throat. The sore throat benefits of clove oil can be attributed to its antimicrobial, antifungal, antiseptic, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and stimulating properties. Chewing on a clove bud can help a sore throat (as well as a toothache).

6. Hyssop



Hyssop was used in ancient times as a cleansing herb for temples and other sacred places. In ancient Greece, the physicians Galen and Hippocrates valued hyssop for inflammation of the throat and chest, pleurisy and other bronchial complaints.

It’s not surprising that hyssop has a long history of medicinal use. The antiseptic properties of hyssop oil make it a powerful substance for fighting infections and killing bacteria. Whether your sore throat is viral or bacterial, hyssop is an excellent choice for a sore throat as well as lung inflammation.

7. Thyme



Thyme oil is one of the strongest antioxidants and antimicrobials known, and it has been used as a medicinal herb since ancient times. Thyme supports the immune, respiratory, digestive, nervous and other body systems.

A 2011 study tested thyme oil’s response to 120 strains of bacteria isolated from patients with infections of oral cavity, respiratory and genitourinary tracts. The results of experiments showed that the oil from the thyme plant exhibited extremely strong activity against all of the clinical strains. Thyme oil even demonstrated a good efficacy against antibiotic-resistant strains. What a sure bet for that scratchy throat! (9)

8. Juniper Berry



With a sweet, woodsy smell, juniper berry essential oil is a popular ingredient in many household cleaning products, aromatherapy blends and fragrance sprays. Today, juniper berry essential oil is also commonly used as one of the best natural remedies for sore throat as well as respiratory infections, fatigue, muscle aches and arthritis.

Juniper berry’s use for sore throat is validated by research that shows juniper berry essential oil actually contains over 87 different active constituent compounds, including strong antioxidants, antibacterials and antifungals.

Recipes Using Essential Oils for Sore Throat

Easy, Anti Sore Throat Steam Inhalation

INGREDIENTS:

3 drops clove essential oil
3 drops juniper berry essential oil
large bowl of boiling hot water

DIRECTIONS:

Add the clove and juniper berry oils to a large bowl of boiled water.
Drape a towel over your head to create a tent over and around the bowl.
Relax and breathe in the fragrant steam for 5 minutes. Of course, be careful not to burn yourself.
You can also add 3 drops of lemon oil and 1 drop of eucalyptus oil to your water, gargle for 10 seconds and then drink.

Risks of Essential Oils for Sore Throat

Make sure you are using therapeutic grade essential oils for sore throat pain. Inhaled or topical use of essential oils is generally safer than oral use. Never ingest any essential oils or apply undiluted essential oils to the skin without proper training or medical supervision. It is critical to understand how best to use essential oils.

Always consult a specialist and conduct a patch test before proceeding with caution as essential oils may react differently for different individuals. Infants, children, pregnant women, seniors and people with severe illnesses should not use essential oils internally except under the supervision of a physician. If pregnant, check with a professional before using essential oils externally on your body as well.

If your sore throat is severe or lasts longer than one week, seek medical attention.