Some citrus and sugar are generally bad for sore throats. But then somehow hot water with lemon and honey works like magic. I don't know how it makes sense, but that's how it works for me. Lol.
But yeah, tea always works for me. I don't like ginger or other things that are supposed to make you feel better. But peppermint works wonders. And yeah, inhaling over a hot cup of tea will help loosen your nasal passages.