Manzanilla (Chamomile) Tea for Sore Throat: Does It Really Work?
What Is Chamomile Tea (Manzanilla)?
Chamomile tea is an herbal infusion made from the dried flowers of the chamomile plant. There are two main types: German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) and Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile). Both are used medicinally, though German chamomile is more commonly found in tea.
The name “manzanilla” is Spanish for chamomile and translates to “little apple,” referring to the apple-like scent of the flowers. Chamomile has been used as a medicinal herb for thousands of years, dating back to ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome.
Chamomile contains several active compounds that may provide health benefits. These include apigenin (an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties), bisabolol (which may have anti-irritant and anti-inflammatory effects), and chamazulene (formed during the tea-making process, which gives chamomile its blue color and anti-inflammatory properties).
Traditional medicine has used chamomile tea to treat digestive problems, anxiety, insomnia, skin conditions, and respiratory complaints including sore throat. However, the scientific evidence supporting these uses varies considerably.
What Causes a Sore Throat?
A sore throat (pharyngitis) is pain, scratchiness, or irritation of the throat that often worsens when you swallow. Most sore throats have specific causes that determine the best treatment approach.
Common causes include:
- Viral infections – The most common cause, including colds, flu, mononucleosis, and COVID-19 (antibiotics don’t work for these)
- Bacterial infections – Strep throat (caused by Streptococcus bacteria) is the most common bacterial cause and requires antibiotics
- Allergies – Pollen, dust, pet dander, and mold can cause throat irritation and post-nasal drip
- Dry air – Indoor heating or air conditioning can dry out the throat, especially during winter or in arid climates
- Irritants – Smoke, pollution, chemicals, shouting, or prolonged talking can irritate throat tissues
- Acid reflux – Stomach acid backing up into the throat (GERD) can cause chronic soreness
- Tonsillitis – Inflammation of the tonsils from infection
When to see a doctor vs. home remedies: Most sore throats caused by viruses resolve on their own within 5-7 days and can be managed with home remedies. However, you should see a doctor if you have severe pain, difficulty swallowing or breathing, a fever over 101°F (38.3°C), pus on your tonsils, a rash, or symptoms lasting more than a week. Strep throat requires antibiotic treatment to prevent complications.
How Is Chamomile Tea Used for Sore Throat?
Chamomile tea can be prepared and used in several ways to help soothe a sore throat:
- Hot tea (drinking) – The most common method; steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried chamomile flowers or one tea bag in 8 ounces of hot water for 5-10 minutes
- Gargling with cooled tea – Brew strong chamomile tea, let it cool to lukewarm, then gargle for 30-60 seconds before spitting out (can be repeated several times)
- Steam inhalation – Breathe in the steam from a cup of hot chamomile tea to soothe throat tissues and nasal passages
- Tea bags – Convenient pre-portioned bags available at most grocery stores
- Loose leaf flowers – Whole dried chamomile flowers provide a stronger, more aromatic brew
- With honey and lemon – Adding raw honey provides additional antimicrobial properties and coating relief; lemon adds vitamin C and may help break up mucus
- Chamomile extract or tincture – Concentrated liquid forms can be added to water or taken directly (follow product instructions)
- Cold chamomile tea – Some people prefer cool or room-temperature tea for throat relief, though warm liquids are traditionally preferred
The warm liquid itself provides comfort by increasing blood flow to the throat area and temporarily numbing pain receptors. Many people combine drinking the tea with gargling for maximum benefit.
Chamomile Tea Benefits for Sore Throat
Chamomile tea may help relieve sore throat symptoms through several mechanisms, though the scientific evidence varies in quality and strength for each claim.
1. May Reduce Inflammation
Chamomile contains anti-inflammatory compounds, particularly apigenin and chamazulene, that may help reduce swelling and irritation in throat tissues.
Laboratory studies have shown that chamomile extracts can inhibit inflammatory markers like COX-2 and reduce the production of pro-inflammatory chemicals. One study published in Molecular Medicine Reports found that chamomile extract suppressed inflammatory responses in human cells.
However, these are test-tube studies using concentrated extracts, not brewed tea consumed by humans. The concentration of anti-inflammatory compounds in a cup of tea is much lower than what’s used in research.
Evidence level: Moderate evidence from laboratory studies; limited human clinical trials specifically for throat inflammation.
2. May Soothe Irritated Tissues
Chamomile has traditionally been used as a demulcent, meaning it may help coat and soothe irritated mucous membranes in the throat.
The warm liquid combined with chamomile’s natural plant compounds may provide a protective coating over inflamed throat tissues, temporarily reducing pain and scratchiness. This soothing effect is one of the most commonly reported benefits by people who use chamomile tea for sore throat.
However, this effect is largely based on traditional use and anecdotal reports rather than controlled clinical trials. The soothing sensation may be partly due to the warmth and moisture of any hot beverage, not necessarily unique to chamomile.
Evidence level: Limited scientific evidence; primarily based on traditional use and subjective reports.
3. May Have Antimicrobial Properties
Some research suggests that chamomile may have mild antibacterial and antiviral properties that could theoretically help fight throat infections.
Test-tube studies have shown that chamomile extracts can inhibit the growth of certain bacteria, including some Streptococcus species (though not necessarily the specific strain that causes strep throat). One study found that chamomile oil had antibacterial effects against several common pathogens.
It’s crucial to understand that test-tube results don’t translate directly to drinking chamomile tea. The concentrations used in laboratory studies are much higher than what you’d get from tea. Chamomile tea should never replace antibiotics for bacterial infections like strep throat.
Evidence level: Very limited; based on test-tube studies that cannot be directly applied to human throat infections. Not a substitute for medical treatment.
May Boost Immune Function
Chamomile has been studied for potential immune-supporting effects, which could theoretically help your body fight off infections causing sore throat.
A small study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that people who drank chamomile tea daily for two weeks had increased levels of hippurate and glycine in their urine, compounds associated with antibacterial activity. The researchers suggested this might indicate enhanced immune defense.
However, this was a very small study with only 14 participants, and it didn’t directly measure whether chamomile prevented or shortened illnesses. More research is needed to confirm any immune-boosting effects.
Evidence level: Very limited; based on one small human study with indirect measures of immune function.
4. May Promote Relaxation and Sleep
Chamomile is well-known for its mild sedative effects, which can help you relax and sleep better when you have a sore throat.
Apigenin, an antioxidant in chamomile, binds to certain receptors in the brain that may promote sleepiness and reduce anxiety. Several studies have confirmed chamomile’s calming effects, though most research has focused on chamomile extract supplements rather than tea.
Good sleep is important for recovery from any illness. If a sore throat is keeping you awake, chamomile tea before bed may help you rest better, allowing your immune system to work more effectively.
Evidence level: Moderate evidence for chamomile’s relaxation and sleep-promoting effects; well-established through multiple studies.
5. Warm Liquid Provides Comfort
One of the most immediate benefits of chamomile tea for sore throat is simply that it’s a warm liquid.
Warm liquids increase blood flow to the throat area, which can help reduce pain and stiffness. The warmth also helps thin mucus, making it easier to clear from the throat. This provides temporary symptom relief regardless of the specific properties of chamomile.
Any warm beverage (plain hot water, warm broth, herbal tea) would provide similar comfort. The advantage of chamomile is that it’s caffeine-free, pleasant-tasting, and may offer additional benefits from its plant compounds.
Evidence level: Strong evidence that warm liquids provide comfort; this is a well-established and universally accepted benefit.
Does Chamomile Tea Really Work for Sore Throat?
The honest answer is: chamomile tea may provide some relief for sore throat symptoms, but the scientific evidence is limited and mixed.
What the science actually shows: There are very few high-quality clinical trials specifically testing chamomile tea for sore throat relief. Most of the evidence comes from laboratory studies showing anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of chamomile extracts, but these don’t necessarily translate to drinking brewed tea.
One German study found that chamomile steam inhalation provided some relief for common cold symptoms, including sore throat, but the study was small and didn’t isolate the throat-specific effects. Another study on chamomile mouthwash showed some benefit for oral inflammation, suggesting it might help throat tissues, but this wasn’t directly tested.
Traditional use vs. clinical evidence: Chamomile has been used for sore throats for centuries in traditional medicine systems worldwide. This long history of use suggests many people find it helpful. However, traditional use doesn’t equal scientific proof. The perceived benefit could be partly due to the placebo effect or simply the soothing properties of any warm liquid.
Limitations of current research: Most chamomile research has focused on anxiety, sleep, and digestive issues rather than respiratory symptoms. The studies that do exist often use concentrated extracts or essential oils rather than brewed tea. We need more human clinical trials specifically testing chamomile tea for sore throat to draw firm conclusions.
Realistic expectations: Chamomile tea is unlikely to “cure” a sore throat, especially if it’s caused by a bacterial infection requiring antibiotics. What it may do is provide temporary symptom relief—reducing discomfort, helping you relax, and supporting your overall comfort while your body fights off the infection. For mild viral sore throats, this supportive care is often all that’s needed alongside rest and hydration.
How to Prepare Chamomile Tea for Sore Throat
Follow these steps to maximize chamomile tea’s potential benefits for your sore throat:
Basic brewing method:
- Boil water and let it cool slightly to about 200°F (93°C)
- Place 1-2 teaspoons of dried chamomile flowers or one tea bag in a cup
- Pour 8 ounces of hot water over the chamomile
- Cover and steep for 5-10 minutes (longer steeping extracts more beneficial compounds)
- Strain if using loose flowers
Enhanced preparation for sore throat:
- Add 1 teaspoon of raw honey after the tea has cooled slightly (honey has antimicrobial properties and coats the throat)
- Squeeze in fresh lemon juice for vitamin C and to help break up mucus
- Make the tea stronger by using 2-3 tea bags or more dried flowers for enhanced anti-inflammatory effects
Gargling technique:
- Brew a strong batch of chamomile tea using 2-3 tea bags
- Let it cool to lukewarm (test with your finger—it should be comfortably warm, not hot)
- Take a mouthful and gargle for 30-60 seconds, making sure it reaches the back of your throat
- Spit out and repeat 2-3 times
- You can do this 3-4 times throughout the day
How often to drink/gargle: For symptom relief, drink 2-4 cups of chamomile tea throughout the day. Gargle with lukewarm chamomile tea 3-4 times daily, especially after meals and before bed. You can alternate between drinking and gargling to maximize contact with throat tissues.
How Long Does It Take to Work?
Chamomile tea provides different types of relief on different timelines.
Immediate soothing effects (within minutes): You should feel some comfort almost immediately from the warm liquid coating your throat. The warmth helps relax throat muscles and temporarily reduces pain. This effect lasts 15-30 minutes after drinking.
Short-term symptom relief (hours): The anti-inflammatory compounds may start reducing swelling and irritation within a few hours of regular use. Most people report the most noticeable relief when drinking chamomile tea 3-4 times throughout the day rather than just once.
Expected timeline for overall improvement: For a typical viral sore throat, symptoms usually peak around day 2-3 and then gradually improve over 5-7 days regardless of treatment. Chamomile tea won’t speed up this natural healing process significantly, but it may make you more comfortable during recovery.
When it’s not working (red flags): If your sore throat isn’t improving after 3-4 days of home treatment, gets worse instead of better, or you develop new symptoms like high fever, difficulty swallowing, or breathing problems, stop relying on home remedies and see a doctor. These could be signs of a bacterial infection or more serious condition requiring medical treatment.
Other Remedies to Combine with Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea works best as part of a comprehensive approach to sore throat relief. Consider combining it with these evidence-based remedies:
- Honey – Take 1 teaspoon of raw honey directly or add it to your chamomile tea; studies show honey is effective for cough and throat irritation (never give honey to infants under 12 months)
- Salt water gargles – Mix 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water and gargle several times daily; this helps reduce swelling and loosen mucus
- Humidifiers – Use a cool-mist humidifier in your bedroom to add moisture to the air and prevent throat drying, especially during winter
- Rest and hydration – Get plenty of sleep and drink lots of fluids (water, broth, herbal teas) to support your immune system and keep throat tissues moist
- Throat lozenges – Sucking on lozenges increases saliva production, which naturally lubricates and soothes the throat
- Over-the-counter pain relievers – Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can reduce pain and inflammation more effectively than herbal remedies alone
- Avoid irritants – Stay away from cigarette smoke, alcohol, and dry environments that can further irritate your throat
You can safely use chamomile tea alongside these other remedies. In fact, combining multiple approaches often provides better relief than any single remedy alone.
Risks & Side Effects
Chamomile tea is generally safe for most people when consumed in normal amounts, but there are some important precautions to be aware of.
Allergic reactions: The most significant risk is allergic reaction, particularly in people allergic to plants in the daisy family (Asteraceae/Compositae), including ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, and daisies. Symptoms can range from mild (skin rash, itching) to severe (difficulty breathing, anaphylaxis). If you have seasonal allergies, especially ragweed allergy, consult your doctor before using chamomile.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Chamomile is generally considered safe in food amounts (like drinking tea occasionally), but concentrated amounts or frequent use may not be safe during pregnancy. Some evidence suggests chamomile could stimulate the uterus or increase the risk of miscarriage, though this is not well-established. Pregnant women should limit intake to 1-2 cups daily maximum and consult their healthcare provider. Safety during breastfeeding is not well-studied.
Children: Chamomile tea is generally safe for children over age 6 months in small amounts (2-4 ounces). However, never give honey-sweetened chamomile tea to infants under 12 months due to botulism risk from honey. Start with small amounts to check for allergic reactions.
Drug interactions: Chamomile may interact with blood thinners (warfarin), sedatives, anti-anxiety medications, and drugs metabolized by the liver. If you take any medications regularly, check with your pharmacist or doctor before consuming chamomile tea daily.
Rare side effects: In rare cases, chamomile can cause drowsiness, nausea, or vomiting, particularly when consumed in large amounts. Some people experience contact dermatitis from handling chamomile flowers.
Contamination concerns: Poor-quality chamomile products may be contaminated with other plants or pesticides. Buy chamomile tea from reputable brands and, if possible, choose organic varieties.
When to See a Doctor
While chamomile tea and other home remedies can help with mild sore throats, certain symptoms require professional medical attention.
See a doctor if you experience:
- Severe throat pain that makes it difficult to swallow or breathe
- High fever over 101°F (38.3°C) that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter fever reducers
- Sore throat lasting more than 7 days without improvement
- White patches or pus on your tonsils (possible strep throat)
- Swollen lymph nodes in your neck
- Rash accompanying the sore throat
- Blood in saliva or phlegm
- Hoarse voice lasting more than 2 weeks
- Difficulty opening your mouth
- Joint pain or earache along with sore throat
- Recurring sore throats
Signs of strep throat (requires antibiotics): Sudden severe sore throat, painful swallowing, fever over 101°F, red and swollen tonsils (sometimes with white patches), tiny red spots on the roof of the mouth, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck. Strep throat won’t improve with chamomile tea or other home remedies—it requires antibiotic treatment to prevent serious complications like rheumatic fever or kidney inflammation.
Duration threshold: If your sore throat hasn’t improved after 3-4 days of home treatment, schedule a doctor’s appointment. While viral sore throats can last up to a week, lack of any improvement suggests you may need medical evaluation.
Don’t delay seeking care if symptoms are severe or worsening. Chamomile tea is a complementary remedy for mild symptoms, not a replacement for medical diagnosis and treatment when needed.
Takeaways
Chamomile tea is a traditional herbal remedy that may provide some relief for sore throat symptoms through its anti-inflammatory compounds and the soothing effect of warm liquid. While laboratory studies show chamomile has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, there is limited high-quality clinical evidence specifically proving its effectiveness for sore throats in humans.
Chamomile tea is generally safe for most adults and children over 6 months when consumed in moderate amounts (2-4 cups daily), but people with ragweed allergies should avoid it, and pregnant women should use it cautiously. For best results, use chamomile tea as part of a comprehensive approach that includes rest, hydration, and other proven remedies, and seek medical attention if symptoms are severe, worsen, or don’t improve within a week.
Manzanilla (Chamomile) Tea for Sore Throat FAQs
No, chamomile tea cannot cure strep throat. Strep throat is a bacterial infection that requires antibiotic treatment prescribed by a doctor. While chamomile tea may provide temporary symptom relief, it will not eliminate the bacterial infection or prevent serious complications like rheumatic fever.
Both methods can be beneficial, and using them together may provide the most relief. Drinking allows the warm liquid to soothe your entire throat while providing relaxation benefits. Gargling provides more direct contact with the back of your throat where pain is often worst. For maximum benefit, try gargling 3-4 times daily and drinking 2-3 cups throughout the day.
For sore throat relief, drinking 2-4 cups of chamomile tea throughout the day is generally safe and may provide the most consistent symptom relief. Space them out evenly—morning, midday, late afternoon, and before bed. Avoid exceeding 4-5 cups daily to prevent side effects, and remember that chamomile tea works best when combined with other remedies like rest and hydration
