What is the most effective medication for a sore throat caused by excessive internal heat?
Aug 28, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
Generally speaking, there is no specific medication that can be considered the most effective for "sore throat caused by excessive internal heat (fire)." Sore throat resulting from excessive internal heat is often triggered by factors such as consuming spicy foods, staying up late, and emotional stress. Common symptoms include redness and swelling of the throat, painful swallowing, dry mouth, and thirst. Patients may use medications such as Xigua Shuang Runhou Pian (Watermelon Frost Throat Lozenges), Yinhuang Tablets, Lanqin Oral Liquid (Lanqin Oral Solution), Niuhuang Jiedu Pian (Calculus Bovis Detoxification Tablets), or Amoxicillin Capsules as directed by a physician.
Generally speaking, there is no such thing as a single most effective medication for "sore throat due to excessive internal heat." Sore throat caused by excessive internal heat is often triggered by factors such as consumption of spicy food, staying up late, and emotional stress. Common symptoms include red and swollen throat, painful swallowing, dry mouth and tongue, and others. Patients may use medications such as Watermelon Frost Throat Lozenges, Yinhuang Sore Throat Tablets, Lanqin Oral Liquid, Niuhuang Jiedu Pills, and Amoxicillin Capsules under the guidance of a physician. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Watermelon Frost Throat Lozenges
Watermelon Frost Throat Lozenges belong to the category of traditional Chinese patent medicines used for clearing heat and benefiting the throat. They contain ingredients such as watermelon frost, borneol, and menthol, which help relieve sore throat, reduce swelling, and alleviate pain. By acting directly on the throat mucosa, they can relieve throat swelling and pain and hoarseness caused by excessive internal heat, and are suitable for mild throat discomfort.
2. Yinhuang Sore Throat Tablets
Yinhuang Sore Throat Tablets are composed of extracts from honeysuckle and skullcap, and have effects of clearing heat, detoxifying, and reducing inflammation. They can inhibit bacterial growth in the throat, alleviate inflammatory responses of the mucous membrane, and improve throat redness, swelling, and pain caused by excessive internal heat. They are suitable for mild cases of throat inflammation.
3. Lanqin Oral Liquid
Lanqin Oral Liquid contains ingredients such as Isatidis Radix (Ban Lan Gen), Scutellariae Radix (Huang Qin), and Gardeniae Fructus (Zhi Zi), and has the effects of clearing heat, detoxifying, benefiting the throat, and reducing swelling. After oral administration and absorption by the body, it acts on internal heat toxins, alleviating throat pain, dryness, and a burning sensation caused by excessive internal heat. It is suitable for patients with acute pharyngitis due to excessive heat in the lung and stomach.
4. Niuhuang Jiedu Pills
Niuhuang Jiedu Pills contain artificial bezoar, realgar, gypsum, and other ingredients, and have the effect of clearing heat and detoxifying. They can eliminate excessive internal heat, relieve throat swelling and pain caused by excessive internal heat, and also alleviate accompanying symptoms such as swollen gums and mouth ulcers. They are suitable for cases of severe internal fire toxicity.
5. Amoxicillin Capsules
Amoxicillin Capsules are a broad-spectrum penicillin antibiotic that inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis, killing bacteria that cause throat infections, such as hemolytic streptococcus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and others. They are suitable for cases of sore throat due to excessive internal heat complicated by bacterial infection, such as worsening throat pain when swallowing, accompanied by fever, and others.
In daily life, it is important to develop good living habits, avoid eating spicy and fried foods such as chili peppers, fried chicken, and barbecue, and drink plenty of warm water to prevent aggravation of throat discomfort.
