15 Best Essential Oils for Sore Throat (doTERRA to the rescue)

Autumn is here (which I love) but so are colds, flu, sore throat, and dozens of Google activities on natural remedies for sore throat and cough, wondering which essential oil is best for sore throat and what oils should I diffuse for a sore throat.

Well, if you’re on the lookout for a powerful natural remedy that would save you the trouble of poor immune system and prevent coughs, sore throat, and burning headaches, you’ve come to the right place.

Wondering what essential oil soothes a sore throat? Read on! I’ve made a list of the best essential oils for sore throat (doTERRA branded). Topical application, steam inhalation, I’ve got you covered!

I know a lot of you swear by doTERRA, so I wanted to spread the knowledge and the love among those of you who are not as familiar with this essential oil brand as the others. After all, the knowledge behind the essential oils is immense! This book actually helped me understand the oils a lot, and helped me minimize and eliminate some of my own health problems (a sore throat is one of them)!

Why doTERRA? Well, they are pricey when it comes to their oils, but it’s a brand that’s powerful in quality and that you can trust. Now, I don’t use as much doTERRA as I should have (even though it’s one of the best essential oil brands out there); most of my essential oil recommendations go to this brand, but today I’m making an exception!

Anyway, I’ve prepared a list of the best oils for sore throat and you can also find some blend ideas below! If doterra isn’t your thing, you can easily get these oils from the brand you prefer most.

Honestly, the majority of the essential oil blends for sore throat seem as if you’re using a very potent Jagermeister, but without the alcohol. I am no fan of strong herbs in one place because the smell is overwhelming and not necessarily pleasant at all.

When making your own blend of essential oils for sore throat, test, and smell before deciding on the final concoction.

*Some of the links in this post might be affiliate links. Affiliate links come at no extra cost to you. These links allow me to share the products I authentically recommend (and use) and support Wild for Nature by receiving a small commission.

The best essential oils for sore throat (doTERRA made)

For a better understanding of the incredible healing properties these oils promote, let’s have a look at the official properties they promote (I got all definitions from Merriam-Webster dictionary):

Antiviral: effective, acting or directed against viruses

Antibacterial: directed or effective against bacteria

Antifungal: destroying fungi or inhibiting their growth

Anti-inflammatory: used to reduce inflammation (swelling, fever, tenderness, pain)

Antioxidant: a substance (such as beta-carotene or vitamin C) that inhibits oxidation or reactions promoted by oxygen, peroxides, or free radicals

Antiseptic: preventing the growth of microorganisms (as on living tissue)

Antimicrobial: destroying or inhibiting the growth of microorganisms and especially pathogenic microorganisms

Decongestant: an agent that relieves congestion (of mucous membranes)

Now that we have the official terminology covered, let’s have a look at what doTERRA oil is good for a sore throat!

1.      Oregano essential oil for sore throat

I love oregano in my soup, but not on my throat. Still, when it’s sore, oregano can be very soothing because:

• Antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties
• Can eliminate MRSA

It can give an extra kick to the immune system, soothe and suppress coughs. Oregano has soothing properties on the mind as well. It can improve your sleep and help you relax in times of distress.

Oregano oil as a natural remedy dates back to ancient Greece. It can soothe a common cold, stuffed nose, and flu. Diluting it in a carrier oil can help you soothe and eliminate pain as well!

2.      Thyme essential oil for sore throat

As one of the most powerful antioxidants and antimicrobials, thyme is more or less a must when it comes to the best essential oils for sore throat. It can be of great help because:

• Strengthens the immune system
• Supports healthy respiratory system
• Kills germs

This study has shown that thyme oil is an excellent choice for sore throat, due to its powerful antibacterial properties.

3.      Rosemary essential oil for sore throat

Another antibacterial oil, rosemary makes potatoes taste delicious and your sore throat pain-free. If your infection is accompanied by whooping cough, choose rosemary as a natural remedy.

Apart from antibacterial, rosemary is a great choice because:

• Anti-inflammatory, antiseptic antiviral, antimicrobial
• Reduces pain and improves the immune system
• Soothing and relaxing for the mind (which is quite important when you feel low, tired, and ill)

4.      Clary sage essential oil for sore throat

Used as a medicinal herb forever, clary sage has been known to heal a sore throat as well as respiratory infections.

• Antibacterial, astringent
• Soothing for the inflamed skin with its cooling properties
• Boosts the healing process when the skin is inflamed, wounded, burnt, irritated
• Boosts circulation

With its calming properties, clary sage is an excellent addition to your medicine cabinet when suffering from a sore throat as it can soothe your mind and help you relax when you’re ill.

PS: forget about sage if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.

5.      Peppermint essential oil for sore throat

Peppermint essential oil is probably the second most popular essential oil after eucalyptus (or so I believe). Used to treat common colds, inflammation, respiratory infections, and a number of other health problems and ailments.

The healing properties of peppermint lie in menthol, a component with cooling and calming effects. apart from that, peppermint is also

• Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antibacterial
• Calming effects on a sore throat
• Decongestant properties (helps you heal the throat)
• Improves salivation (which keeps the inflamed throat moist)

6.      Hyssop essential oil for sore throat

Used for centuries since ancient Greece, hyssop has been used to soothe sore throat because:

• Anti–inflammatory properties (of the throat and chest)
• Fights infections and bacteria

I haven’t used hyssop oil yet (just discovered it recently), but after thorough online research on essential oils, I found it to be best used in throat sprays, steams, and gargles. Let me know how this oil for sore throat works for you if you already have experience in using it!

7.      Cypress essential oil for sore throat

Woody, lemony, and fresh, cypress can make an excellent addition to any homemade remedies for sore throat because:

• Anti-inflammatory
• Helps to eliminate infection
• Boosts lymphatic circulation and drainage

For best effects, dilute it in a carrier oil and massage it on your neck, the jawline, and the throat gently.

8.      Eucalyptus essential oil for sore throat

Eucalyptus is probably one of the most common things to use for a sore throat and stuffy nose. And all that for a good reason!

• Strengthens the immune system
• Offers antioxidant protection
• Improves the circulation of the respiratory system

Its most powerful benefits come from eucalyptol, a component that has incredible healing properties. That’s what makes eucalyptus one of the best essential oils for sore throat (doTERRA seems to completely agree with these claims).

9.      Clove essential oil for sore throat

As one of the best sore throat essential oils, clove oil should be at the top of your list. Another essential oil that boosts the immune system, clove oil can help your sore throat in a number of ways:

• Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, antiseptic
• Naturally relieves pain
• Fights infections and soothes sore throat symptoms

Clove is powerful but potent. Always dilute it before using! I’d recommend you add only one drop to gargling blend, throat spray, and when applied topically. Skip it in steams because it can irritate the eyes. In case you’re out of clove oil, you can chew on a clove bud, it can help you as well!

10.      Juniper berry essential oil for sore throat

I personally detest the smell of juniper berry, but then the best things for health normally taste/smell the worst (spirulina powder, anyone). Still, juniper berry oil is a great natural remedy for sore throat because:

• Heals respiratory infections
• Soothes muscle aches
• antibacterial and antifungal properties

Being a powerful antioxidant, juniper berry for sore throat is something to consider in the flu season.

PS: avoid juniper if you’re pregnant

11.      Lemon essential oil for sore throat

Apart from eucalyptus, lemon is probably the first association I get when it comes to autumn colds and sore throats. While the oil may smell a bit like a powerful toilet cleaner (to me anyway) it’s still an essential oil worth keeping as a natural sore throat remedy.

Lemon oil can cleanse your body of toxins, and it’s also anti-inflammatory, antibacterial. It boosts the production of saliva, which keeps your throat moist.

Additionally, lemon oil disinfects the skin, boosts circulation, and promotes easier breathing. It can also soothe the flu and cold symptoms.

12.      Myrrh essential oil for sore throat

Myrrh is one of the most popular essential oils for sore throat, colds, and congestion. With a topical application, myrrh can soothe and relieve itchiness, calm inflammation of tissue, and boost the healing process of the skin.

According to the New Directions Aromatics blog, myrrh oil can help you minimize respiratory problems, prevent infections, and reduce symptoms of viral infections.

13.      Lavender essential oil for sore throat

I bet you didn’t expect lavender on this list, did you? I was surprised at first as well, but hey, lavender isn’t famous for nothing!

We’ve been through plenty of lavender skin benefits, but because of its properties, you can use it to soothe a sore throat as well, because:

• Antimicrobial, antiviral, antiseptic, and antifungal
• Calming and relaxing for the mind (it can help you relax and improve the quality of rest when you fall ill)
• Helps to remove harmful bacteria
• Soothes and disinfects the inflamed skin

14.      Frankincense essential oil for sore throat

With a pleasant woody scent, frankincense makes an excellent ingredient in any remedy for sore throat. It’s effective also for stuffy nose and soothing for coughs.

• Helps to relieve pain
• Calming for a sore throat

It can remove airborne bacteria, improve the immune system, prevent and soothe inflammations, swelling, and itching.

Additionally, frankincense oil boosts blood circulation, promotes the healing process of the skin (and the growth of new skin cells).

15.      Ginger essential oil for sore throat

One of my all-time favorite in autumn and winter, ginger oil is a potent one! I don’t use ginger essential oil too often, but a ginger tea from the fresh root (with a dash of cinnamon) and lemon is a must on any cold day (it makes a lovely summer iced tea as well)!

Ginger oil is, similarly to lavender, extremely versatile. It has detoxifying properties, it helps to remove mucus from the respiratory tract and naturally helps with a cough, cold, and flu.

What’s more, ginger helps to soothe inflammation and aches due to its analgesic properties. It’s stimulating and improves circulation as well. I love it for its warming and immune-boosting properties!

How to use essential oils for sore throat?

Now we come to the most important part of the article. Do you have essential oils at home but don’t know how to use them? Have you wondered how to use peppermint oil for sore throat? Well, not just peppermint, lemon sore throat essential oil, and thieves oil as well?

In general, there are four ways in which you can use essential oils for sore throat. The last two are my personal preference, but you’ll never know until you try.

Gargling

Gargling is one of the easiest ways to treat your sore throat. Gargle as often as needed, but I’d recommend at least twice a day.

You’ll additionally boost the healing process of sore throat if you additionally mix a bit of sea salt in your homemade gargle cocktail! Add a drop of essential oil to 1 teaspoon of sea salt. Add to warm water, stir well until the salt disperses.

Now, you can take the gargling business one step further: have you ever heard of coconut oil pulling? Well, it’s a similar thing! After all, coconut oil is a well-known antibacterial oil and it can help with inflammation!

Here’s how to gargle with coconut oil: add a drop of an essential oil to one teaspoon of coconut oil. Let it all melt in your mouth before you begin. Gargle it for 30 seconds or longer. It will help you soothe and heal a sore throat! Just remember to spit the oil into the trash and not into the sink once finished (it can clog it).

Throat spray

While this is not my favorite one on the list, a lot of people swear by it. It’s quite easy to bring the throat spray wherever you go and keep the infection at bay even when you’re not at home.

You can use the throat spray as often as you’d like, but it’s recommended to use it up to 5 times a day. Also, don’t swallow the spray right away. Let it sit on the inflamed area for as long as you can!

See below for a few recipes on the DIY throat spray.

Topical application

This is one of my favorite ways to soothe and heal a sore throat. There are two ways to apply essential oils topically: by diluting them with a carrier oil and by making a DIY balm. You can find recipes for both examples below!

Adding the oils into a small roll-on bottle or a balm container enables you to bring them with you wherever you go. With a gentle massage, apply the oil on the throat, along the jawline, and neck to minimize inflammation and soothe pain!

Steam application

Since your throat might be quite dry when sore, breathing in steam is an excellent way to treat the dryness.

Now, some essential oils may irritate eyes in a steam method (such as thyme and clove). Make sure to keep the towel over your head all the time for the best results!

Essential oil blends for sore throat

I’ve made a few blends that I love to use as soon as the cold season kicks in. Feel free to use them in diffusers or add them to your DIY recipes, these work both ways!

Spicy blend for sore throat

• 2 drops cinnamon
• 3 drops sweet orange
• 2 drops clove
• 2 drops lemon

Citrus blend for sore throat

• 1 drop lemon
• 2 drops ginger
• 2 drops eucalyptus
• 5 drops orange

Cooling blend for sore throat

• 2 drops peppermint
• 3 drops lavender
• 1 drop oregano

Thieves oil for sore throat

This one isn’t of my own making, but it’s famous enough so I decided to include it here anyway. For those of you who’re unfamiliar with the history of the Thieves oil, let me sum that up for you in a few sentences:

The history of Thieves’ oil goes all the way back to the dark times of Bubonic plague in Europe and Asia (let’s assume that was in the 15^th century). Supposedly, there were four thieves and grave robbers that created the original blend for the oil for a very simple reason: they wanted to protect themselves from the nasty plague while robbing those who fell ill and died.

I like to believe the story to be true (I’m a sucker for legends and myths) but even if you don’t, this blend is still a must, especially in the cold and flu season.

You can get your own Thieves oil here. In general, it’s very beneficial (have I mentioned that it smells amazing?) for a sore throat because:

• Antiseptic, antibiotic, and antiviral properties
• Supports the immune system
• Reduces inflammation
• Relieves pain
• Aids with a throat infection

The oils in the Thieves blend boost each other’s healing properties and make a potent natural remedy. There are dozens and dozens of online claims that support and praise the fantastic benefits of this essential oil blend.

What’s more, the Thieves oil recipe varies from one brand and user to another. You can make your own blend, or get it from one of the quality essential oil brands (doTERRA, Plant Therapy, Young Living…).

And FYI, its basic (original) ingredients include clove, lemon, cinnamon bark, eucalyptus, and rosemary. You’ll find different varieties online; also doTERRA’s On Guard® is this same blend, but they substitute lemon oil for wild orange.

Anyway, feel free to customize and adapt the recipe to your liking. Other essential oils I’d suggest to use in this blend are clary sage, oregano, thyme, tea tree, and bay laurel.

Essential oils recipes for sore throat

Right! Breathe in, we’ve fought through that extensive list of all possible benefits and properties. Now it’s time for the fun part. Let’s have a look at how to use all these doterra oils for sore throat!

There are a few ways you can put these best essential oils for sore throat.

Sore Throat spray

This is the easiest method to use essential oils for sore throat, but I use it the least. This is a very effective way to soothe a sore throat, but I prefer the topical application!

In order to make this spray, you only need 3 things:

• Essential oil blend of your choice (prepare beforehand in a separate bottle, you’ll need a tiny teeny amount)
• Distilled water
• Small bottle 10ml

Combine all the ingredients in the small bottle, and use a few times a day. Shake the bottle before you apply the spray!

I’d suggest you dilute the oils in the ratio 2 drops to 1 TBSP water (about 0.5 ounces). Test and try, but start small!

Doterra sore throat spray

Take one drop of On Guard® blend, combine it with distilled water in a small spray bottle (doTERRA recommends on their website to dilute it with 4 fl.oz.).

Apply a few times a day or as needed. Shake before using!

Steam inhalation

The best way to open up your nose and soothe a sore throat is steam inhalation (it’s excellent for the skin as well!). Here’s how to do it:

• Boil water.
• Pour in into a bowl.
• Add a few drops of the essential oil blend.
• Cover your head with a towel.
• Place your face over the bowl (10 inches apart) and inhale deeply through the mouth.
• Repeat the procedure a few times (for 10 minutes).
• Repeat twice a day.

Diluted in a carrier oil

Another simple way to apply essential oils is by diluting them. You’ll need a carrier oil of choice and essential oil blend.

The ideal ratio is 3-5 drops essential oils to 1 TBSP carrier oil.

Some of the best carrier oils to use are:

• Coconut oil (melt it before using)
• Shea butter (melt it before using)
• Castor oil (it’s very thick and viscous- used it in an oil blend with another carrier oil for best results and absorption rate)
• Sweet almond oil
• Apricot kernel oil
• Avocado oil

Cooling balm for the throat and chest

You can find a ton of recipes on the cooling chest balms. But I decided to share my favorite cooling balm for sore throat with you anyway. After all, it’s very easy to make it. It’s actually my own version of the tiger balm recipe!

• 2 TBSP shea butter
• 2 TBSP Coconut oil
• 4 drops cinnamon
• 5 drops peppermint
• 3 drops clove bud
• 5 drops eucalyptus
• 2 drops vitamin E oil (optional)
• Small container with a lid (about 3 oz)

Process:

1. Melt shea butter and coconut oil in a double boiler (bain marie) on a medium-low heat
2. Once the oils melt, remove the bowl from the stove
3. Stir the mixture and let it cool down slightly (essential oils lose nutrients if exposed to high temperatures)
4. Add essential oils and the vitamin E oil
5. Stir and pour into a clean dry container
6. Use as necessary

Doterra sore throat remedy

Combining the sore throat essential oils, doTERRA has a number of options available:

You can make your own blend from the essential oils listed above.

You can purchase On Guard® blend– either in a roll-on bottle or as an essential oil.

The third option is doTERRA On Guard® Protecting Throat Drops. Use them if you want to give your immune system a natural boost. They also protect your throat, whether you’re coughing, dealing with a sore, scratchy, and dry throat.

I haven’t tried them myself, but I’ve found a lot of positive online reviews of satisfied customers. Some even call this product a doTERRA sore throat bomb since it works so well!

While these drops are more expensive than their competitors, people claim they are worth every penny. They’re delicious, they make the difference, and they’re vegan!

The ingredients: organic cane sugar, organic brown rice syrup, On Guard® essential oil blend (clove, wild orange, cinnamon bark, eucalyptus, rosemary), cassia oil, and myrrh oil.

Essential oils for sore throat: a conclusion

As a potent natural remedy, these small potions can soothe and minimize an irritated throat, helping you to boost the immune system and recover at the same time. If you’re looking for a sore throat essential oils, check the list I’ve prepared for you again.

In combination with different methods, lots of rest, and a few products, you’ll be able to soothe and heal that painful sore throat completely naturally. If you’re dealing with strep throat and other bacterial infections, essential oils may help or they may not. While there are more studies needed to confirm the properties of essential oils into more detail, there are some very promising results that suggest how effective these oils can be.

What are your must-have essential oils for sore throat?

Stay Wild!