Coming down with a sore throat is never any fun. Throat pain can make it hard to swallow food or liquids. Whether a sore throat is caused by a virus or bacterial infection or from dry air or straining your voice, that pain needs to go away fast.
Herbal Sore Throat Spray
Slippery elm bark has a mucilaginous consistency when heated, making this very beneficial for coating and soothing sore throats. Licorice root has antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties, it’s pain relieving and also soothes your sore throat. Ginger fights infection, reduces inflammation, and relieves sore throat pain.
This combination of herbs supports your body’s natural healing processes.
Ingredients
- 1 tsp whole slippery elm bark pieces – not the powder
- 1/2 tsp licorice root
- 1/3 cup distilled water
- 1/4 cup raw honey*
- pinch dried ground ginger
- spray bottle
- small pan
Directions
- Bring water to a boil and pour it over the slippery elm and licorice root
- Cover and steep for 45 minutes
- Strain the liquid into a measuring with a spout
- Stir in the honey and ginger
- Pour the liquid into a clean spray bottle and store in the fridge when not in use
**Do not give honey to children under 1 year of age.
Chamomile Tea
Chamomile is a natural remedy for sore throats, it has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. This natural pain killer also has anti-spasmodic properties which helps the muscles relax helping you rest. Overall, it’s a wonderful soothing herb.
Ingredients
- 1 tea bag of chamomile tea or 1 tsp of loose chamomile flowers in a tea ball
- 1 mug
- 1 cup of boiling water
- honey to taste*
- small pan
Directions
- Pour boiling water into your mug and add the tea bag or tea ball
- Cover and steep for 10 minutes
- Add a bit of honey and lemon if you like
- Drink as needed
*Do not give honey to children under 1 year of age.
Marshmallow Root Infusion
Marshmallow root has been used for several centuries in both North America and Europe because it contains mucilage, which coats and soothes the mucus membrane in your throat. This is a cold-water infusion and needs 8 hours to infuse so the mucilage is drawn out of the roots and into the water.
- 1 ounce dried marshmallow root
- 32 ounces cold water
- large jar with lid
Directions
- Fill a jar with cold water
- Place the marshmallow root in cheesecloth and tie it up in a bundle
- Lower the bundle into the water until it is completely submerged
- Place the lid on the jar
- Infuse overnight or for at least 8 hours, then remove the bundle
- Pour some of the liquid into a glass
- Add an optional sweetener of choice
When it is ready, take sips throughout the day to help reduce symptoms.
If you have diabetes, you should consult your doctor before using marshmallow root, as it may lower your blood sugar.
Licorice Root Tea
The anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties of licorice root helps reduce swelling and irritation and soothes the mucus membranes in your throat. Cinnamon chips increases circulation warms the body and supports healthy digestion. Chamomile calms the nervous system and aides in healthy digestion. Clove is a digestive aid that soothes and relaxes the inner lining of the intestines.
Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped dry licorice root
- 1/2 cup cinnamon chips
- 2 tbsp whole cloves
- 1/2 cup chamomile flowers
- mixing bowl
- 1 quart mason jar
Directions
- Mix everything in a bowl thoroughly
- Store in a dark glass jar away from light and heat
- To prepare the tea, combine 3 tablespoons of the tea mix and 2 1/2 cups of cold water in a saucepan
- Bring to a boil over medium heat, cover and reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes
- Pour into a large mug through a strainer, sip and enjoy
When a sore throat strikes, try some of these natural remedies to help you feel better faster. Store the herbs out of heat and sunlight and they can last for years, then when you need to make a sore throat remedy you’re ready. To feel your best, make sure you also drink lots of fluids and get plenty of rest.
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