What should a pregnant woman eat to quickly relieve a sore throat?
Sep 16, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Lu
Introduction
For sore throat during pregnancy, both relief of discomfort and pregnancy safety should be considered. Certain foods can gently nourish the throat, while medications should be selected from those suitable for use during pregnancy. Commonly recommended foods generally include pears, honey water, oranges, white radish, and tremella. Medications typically include Compound Solidaster Spray, Watermelon Frost Throat Lozenges, Vitamin C Tablets, Pudilan Xiaoyan Oral Liquid (Herba Taraxaci and Radix Isatidis oral liquid), and Honeysuckle Granules.
Pregnancy-related sore throat requires balancing symptom relief with safety for the pregnancy. Foods can gently nourish the throat, while medications should be selected in forms safe for use during pregnancy. Commonly recommended foods include pears, honey water, oranges, white radish, and tremella fungus; commonly used medications include Compound Herba Patriniae Spray, Watermelon Frost Throat Lozenges, Vitamin C tablets, Pudilan Anti-inflammatory Tablets, and Honeysuckle Granules. Detailed information is as follows:
1. Foods
1. Pears: High in water content and rich in vitamins, pears help moisten the lungs, promote body fluid production, and relieve throat dryness. They are best consumed steamed or boiled into a drink, with a mild flavor that does not irritate the throat.
2. Honey Water: Contains fructose and various enzymes that soothe the throat and reduce pain. It should be mixed with warm water and consumed in moderation after the first trimester.
3. Oranges: Rich in vitamin C, oranges help boost nutrition and immunity. They can be eaten directly or juiced, but should not be served too cold to avoid irritating the throat.
4. White Radish: Contains sinigrin, which helps regulate qi, dissolve phlegm, and relieve throat discomfort. It can be boiled in water and consumed as a mild, easily absorbed beverage.
5. Tremella Fungus (Silver Ear Fungus): Rich in plant-based mucilage, it nourishes yin, moisturizes the throat, and reduces mucosal irritation. After soaking, it can be cooked into a soft, easily digestible porridge or soup.
2. Medications
1. Compound Herba Patriniae Spray: Composed of Patrinia and other herbs, it clears heat, detoxifies, and disperses wind-heat. Suitable for sore and swollen throats; use only as directed by a physician.
2. Watermelon Frost Throat Lozenges: Contains ingredients such as watermelon frost and borneol, effective for clearing the voice, relieving sore throat, reducing swelling, and alleviating pain. Use according to package instructions for dry or painful throat.
3. Vitamin C Tablets: Primarily composed of vitamin C, these help strengthen immunity and support relief of throat discomfort. Should be taken under medical supervision.
4. Pudilan Anti-inflammatory Tablets: Made from dandelion and other herbal components, it clears heat, detoxifies, and reduces inflammation and swelling. Suitable for sore throat caused by wind-heat type colds; take as prescribed by a doctor.
5. Honeysuckle Granules: Main ingredient is honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), effective for clearing heat and detoxifying. Used for sore and swollen throats; must be taken strictly under medical guidance.
Diet during pregnancy should be light and bland—avoid spicy or excessively hot foods—and drink plenty of warm water. Medications must be confirmed as safe for use in the specific stage of pregnancy; self-medication is not advised. If sore throat persists beyond 3 days, or is accompanied by fever or difficulty swallowing, prompt medical evaluation is necessary.
