What foods can be eaten for a sore throat caused by "heatiness"?
Nov 28, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lu Cheng
Introduction
In general, individuals experiencing sore throat due to "heatiness" can consume foods such as pears, white fungus (silver ear), kiwifruit, winter melon, and lotus seeds. Additionally, grapefruit and white radish may also be moderately consumed. It is also important to drink plenty of warm water daily, avoid spicy, fried, and other irritating foods, and maintain a regular sleep schedule to support throat recovery.
Generally, individuals experiencing sore throat due to "internal heat" (a traditional Chinese medicine concept) can consume foods such as pears, white fungus (silver ear), kiwifruit, winter melon, and lotus seeds. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Pears
Pears are rich in water and have a cooling nature, which helps moisten the throat mucosa and relieve dryness, swelling, and pain caused by internal heat. They can be eaten raw or cooked with rock sugar to make a pear infusion. Consuming it warm makes it more soothing and better tolerated by the throat.
2. White Fungus (Silver Ear)
White fungus is neutral in nature and sweet in taste, possessing effects of nourishing yin and relieving dryness. It helps reduce inflammatory responses in the throat mucosa and alleviates discomfort and pain. It is commonly stewed with lily bulbs and lotus seeds until soft and tender, enhancing its nourishing benefits when consumed.
3. Kiwifruit
Kiwifruit is rich in vitamin C, which strengthens resistance in the throat area and promotes mucosal repair, thereby helping to relieve soreness and swelling. It can be eaten directly or juiced and consumed in small amounts multiple times a day. Care should be taken to avoid drinking it too cold, which may irritate the throat.
4. Winter Melon
Winter melon has a cooling nature and functions to clear heat and promote diuresis. It helps eliminate internal heat, reduce inflammation and congestion in the throat, and alleviate pain. It is best prepared as a soup or lightly stir-fried, using mild seasonings and avoiding spicy ingredients.
5. Lotus Seeds
Lotus seeds are neutral in nature and help clear heart fire, generate body fluids, and quench thirst. They can relieve throat discomfort caused by internal heat and improve symptoms such as dry mouth and thirst. They can be cooked with millet into a porridge or stewed with silver ear fungus, making them easy to digest and absorb.
In addition, people with sore throats due to internal heat may also moderately consume pomelo, white radish, and similar foods. Furthermore, it is recommended to drink plenty of warm water daily, avoid spicy, fried, and other irritating foods, maintain a regular sleep schedule, and support throat recovery.
