The power of herbal throat sprays in treating sore throats

Sore throats, a common symptom of upper respiratory infections, bring patients to pharmacies seeking fast, effective relief. Among the available over-the-counter options, herbal throat sprays have gained popularity due to their perceived safety and natural formulations. But how do they compare to pharmaceutical throat sprays?

HERBAL VS PHARMACEUTICAL SPRAYS
Pharmaceutical sprays, like those containing anaesthetics (eg, lidocaine) or antiseptics (eg, chlorhexidine), offer quick symptom relief by numbing the throat or targeting pathogens. However, they may cause side effects like throat dryness, hypersensitivity, or numbing of adjacent tissues.^1,2 Studies show herbal sprays – using plant-based ingredients like echinacea and sage – can provide comparable benefits without such side effects.³

In a study by Schapowal et al, the combination of echinacea and sage demonstrated equivalent efficacy to chlorhexidine and lidocaine treatments in relieving sore throat symptoms during the first three days. Response rates after three days were 63.8% for echinacea/sage versus 57.8% for chlorhexidine/lidocaine. Both treatments showed no differences in secondary parameters like time to symptom resolution, throat pain reduction, or global assessments by patients and physicians. Importantly, both were well-tolerated.³

THE BENEFITS OF KEY HERBAL INGREDIENTS

• Echinacea: Known for its antiviral and immune-boosting properties, it helps reduce inflammation and supports recovery.^4,5,6
• Sage: Offers antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory benefits, soothing irritation and combatting bacteria.^3,7,8
• Chamomile: With calming and soothing properties, it alleviates throat discomfort and reduces swelling.^9,10,11
• Bee propolis: A natural antibacterial agent, it helps fight infections and promotes tissue healing.^12,13
• Thyme: Effective against bacteria, it also delivers antitussive benefits.^14,15,16
• Menthol & clove oil: Provide a cooling, analgesic effect, offering immediate pain relief.^17,18,19

INGREDIENT SYNERGY FOR MULTIPRONGED RELIEF

Combining herbal ingredients in throat sprays offers a comprehensive approach to relief. For example, echinacea supports immunity,⁴ sage provides antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects,⁷ and thyme targets bacterial infections.¹⁴ Together, they address multiple causes of sore throats – soothing irritation, reducing swelling, and inhibiting pathogens – making such sprays more effective than single-component options while maintaining a natural and holistic profile.

COUNSELLING PATIENTS
Herbal sprays are particularly ideal for patients seeking natural relief and those who are sensitive to synthetic sprays. Educate patients on proper use, including verifying they have no allergies to specific herbs.

Herbal throat sprays are an effective, natural alternative to pharmaceutical sprays, particularly for those prioritising gentle treatments. While they might not always match the rapid symptom relief of chemical anaesthetics, their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties make them a valuable addition to sore throat treatment options.

REFERENCES

1. McIntyre C, Poppen A. Lidocaine (mucous membranes)­ – Uses, Side Effects, and More. WebMD. 2024 November 11. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-11492/lidocaine-viscous-mucous-membrane/details.
2. Wessell A, Weiser P. Chlorhexidine oral rinse (Pe­ridex, PerioGard, and others) – Uses, Side Effects, and More. WebMD. 2025 January 4. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-5356/chlorhexidine-gluconate-mouth-and-throat/details.
3. Schapowal A, Berger D, Klein P, Suter A. Echinacea/sage or chlorhexidine/lidocaine for treating acute sore throats: a randomized double-blind trial. European Journal of Medical Research. 2009 September 1. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3351972/.
4. Ahmadi F. Phytochemistry, Mechanisms, and Preclinical Studies of Echinacea Extracts in Modulating Immune Responses to Bacterial and Viral Infections: A Comprehensive Review. Antibiotics (Basel). 2024 October 9. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11504277/.
5. Nicolussi S, Ardjomand-Woelkart K, Stange R, Gancitano G, Klein P, Ogal M. Echinacea as a Potential Force against Coronavirus Infections? A Mini-Review of Randomized Controlled Trials in Adults and Children. Microorganisms. 2022 January 19. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8879308/.
6. Mount Sinai staff. Echinacea. Mount Sinai. 2025. Available from: https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/echinacea.
7. Hamidpour M, Hamidpour R, Hamidpour S, Shahlari M. Chemistry, Pharmacology, and Medicinal Property of Sage (Salvia) to Prevent and Cure Illnesses such as Obesity, Diabetes, Depression, Dementia, Lupus, Autism, Heart Disease, and Cancer. Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine. 2014 April. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4003706/.
8. Richter A, Ware M, McLean A. Everything you need to know about sage. Medical News Today. 2024 October 28. Available from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/266480.
9. Sah A, Naseef PP, Kuruniyan MS, Jain GK, Zakir F, Aggarwal G. A Comprehensive Study of Therapeutic Applications of Chamomile. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2022 October 19. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9611340/.
10. Hirsch E, Laube J. The 8 Best Teas to Relieve Sore Throats This Winter, Recommended by RDs. 2024 November 20. Available from: https://www.everydayhealth.com/ear-nose-throat/best-teas-to-relieve-sore-throat/.
11. Mount Sinai staff. German chamomile. Mount Sinai. 2025. Available from: https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/german-chamomile.
12. El-Sakhawy M, Salama A, Tohamy HS. Applications of propolis-based materials in wound healing. Archives of Dermatological Research. 2023 December 27. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10752841/.
13. Levoni J. Health Benefits of Bee Propolis: Natural Remedy for Inflammation, Infection, and More. Journal of Apitherapy. 2023 February 1. Available from: https://www.japitherapy.com/japitherapy-articles/health-benefits-of-bee-propolis-natural-remedy-for-inflammation-infection-and-more-97662.html.
14. Vassiliou E, Awoleye O, Davis A, Mishra S. Anti-Inflammatory and Antimicrobial Properties of Thyme Oil and Its Main Constituents. International Journal of Molecular Science. 2023 April 8. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10138399/.
15. Kowalczyk A, Przychodna M, Sopata S, Bodalska A, Fecka I. Thymol and Thyme Essential Oil-New Insights into Selected Therapeutic Applications. Molecules. 2020 September 9. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7571078/.
16. Maqbul M S, Bokhari Y A, Basalib S G, et al. A Comparative Study of Different Types of Thyme Essential Oils Against Streptococcus Pyogenes to Determine their Biochemical and Antimicrobial Properties. Oriental Journal of Chemistry. 2020. Available from: https://www.orientjchem.org/vol36no2/a-comparative-study-of-different-types-of-thyme-essential-oils-against-streptococcus-pyogenes-to-determine-their-biochemical-and-antimicrobial-properties/.
17. Li Z, Zhang H, Wang Y, et al. The distinctive role of menthol in pain and analgesia: Mechanisms, practices, and advances. Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience. 2022 October 5. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9580369/.
18. Kamkar Asl M, Nazariborun A, Hosseini M. Analgesic effect of the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of clove. Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine. 2013. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4075701/.
19. Fatmawati F, Nirmala N, Soni Muhsinin. Review of Menthol on Pain Relief Formulations. IOSR Journal Of Pharmacy And Biological Sciences. 2022 April. Available from: https://iosrjournals.org/iosr-jpbs/papers/Vol17-issue2/Ser-3/F1702034047.pdf.