Teas for a Sore Throat: Warm Drinks and the Herbs the Donguibogam Records
A warm cup of tea can comfort a sore throat, and the Donguibogam records balloon flower and licorice for throat pain — two different things. This article keeps them apart.
Quick answer
The NHS advises, for a sore throat, drinking plenty of water, eating cool or soft foods, gargling with warm salty water (not for children) and resting. It does not name any tea as treating the condition; the accurate reading is that a warm drink may bring temporary comfort.
The Donguibogam records balloon flower (gilgyeong) and licorice, in equal parts, decocted and sipped slowly for throat pain. That is a record of a decoction, not a casual tea, and the text itself marks balloon flower as slightly toxic.
Traditional context in the Donguibogam
Balloon flower and licorice for throat pain
療咽喉痛, 及喉痺. 䓀莄, 甘草等分, 水煎, 細呷之
It treats throat pain and throat obstruction. Balloon flower and licorice in equal parts are decocted in water and sipped slowly.
Source: Oehyeong-pyeon, throat section
The character form 䓀莄 in the text appears to be a variant writing of balloon flower (桔梗). This is a decoction formula, not instruction to brew it as a home tea.
Balloon Flower Root (桔梗)
性微溫, 味辛苦, 有小毒. 治肺氣喘促, 下一切氣, 療咽喉痛.
Its nature is slightly warm, its taste pungent and bitter, and it has slight toxicity. It treats labored breathing from lung qi, directs all manner of qi downward, and relieves throat pain.
Source: Tangaek-pyeon (herb entry)
Licorice Root (甘草)
性平, 味甘, 無毒. 解百藥毒, 爲九土之精, 安和七十二種石, 一千二百種草, 調和諸藥, 使有功, 故號爲國老.
Its nature is neutral, its taste sweet, and it is non-toxic. It resolves the toxins of the hundred medicines; as the essence of the nine earths it settles the seventy-two minerals and twelve hundred herbs, and by harmonizing all medicines to make them effective it is called the "state elder" (guk-ro).
Source: Tangaek-pyeon (herb entry)
What modern health sources say
- The NHS advises "drink plenty of water", eat "cool or soft foods", gargle with warm salty water (not for children) and rest. This NHS page does not mention warm drinks or honey.
- The NHS says antibiotics are not normally needed, and advises avoiding smoking and smoky places.
- The NHS's cold page does suggest a hot lemon and honey drink to soothe a sore throat (no honey for babies under 12 months).
Safety and limits
- If breathing is difficult, you cannot swallow, you are drooling, or symptoms are getting worse quickly, do not try to manage it with foods or tea — seek emergency care at once (the NHS advises 999 or A&E).
- A sore throat that does not improve after a week, recurs often, or comes with a lump in the mouth or neck or an ulcer lasting over 3 weeks needs medical assessment, as do a very high temperature or signs of dehydration.
- The text marks balloon flower as slightly toxic, and licorice taken long-term in large amounts can raise blood pressure and lower potassium. Do not decoct these yourself for medicinal use; consult a professional.
Related pages
Frequently asked questions
Can I drink balloon flower or licorice tea for a sore throat?
This article neither advises for nor against it. The Donguibogam's record concerns a decoction of balloon flower and licorice; the text marks balloon flower as slightly toxic and licorice calls for care with long-term or high-dose use. Consult a professional before medicinal use.
Do warm water or tea help a sore throat?
The NHS advises drinking plenty of water for a sore throat. Warm drinks may give temporary comfort but do not treat the cause.
When should I see a doctor?
By NHS criteria: no improvement after a week, difficulty breathing or swallowing, a very high temperature, or signs of dehydration. Trouble breathing or swallowing is an emergency.
References and verification
- NHS — Sore throat — Source page last reviewed: 2024-04-08, accessed: 2026-10-09
- NHS — Common cold — Source page last reviewed: 2024-03-22, accessed: 2026-10-09
The classical quotations above were checked against the original text by script. Modern statements are paraphrases of the sources listed here, checked on the access date shown. Editorial review date: 2026-10-09.
Educational information only; it does not replace diagnosis or treatment.