Thankfully, that was the first and last stomach bug they’ve all gotten at once. However, at least one child gets a stuffy nose or cough sometime during the winter. Or I dust my closet and get a cough/congestion/nasal drip for a few days.
In those cases, I like to have this herbal throat spray on hand. It’s great for sore throat, cough or congestion.
This herbal throat spray is essentially a strong herbal tincture mixed with raw honey. The herbs provide both immediate relief and longer-lasting benefits for beating illness. You can use many different immune boosting and throat soothing herbs, but I prefer the following:
You don’t need every single herb on this list to make an herbal throat spray. If you don’t have some of them on hand, then just use more of the ones you do. I make an herbal tincture with the herbs and then mix with raw honey for a strong spray. When it’s made this way the herbal throat spray will last for months in the refrigerator.
Don’t feel like making it or don’t have the herbs you need? I also like this pre-made herbal throat spray that includes echinacea and propolis. This propolis throat spray is also a family favorite.
To make the tincture, I combine 1 tablespoon each of these dried herbs: Echinacea, Ginger, Marshmallow Root, Elderberry, Thyme and Mint and 1 teaspoon of dried cayenne pepper (optional) in a pint-size mason jar.
Fill the rest of the jar with a strong food-grade liquor like rum or vodka (must be at least 80-proof alcohol). Put on an airtight lid and let it sit for at least two weeks or up to eight weeks (the longer it sits the stronger it will be). Store in a cool dark place. I make this once a year and have enough to last at least the year.
Here’s my full tutorial on making herbal tinctures if you’re new to herbal remedies.
If you get a cough, sore throat or cold this winter, try this herbal throat spray to get some relief and feel better soon! Here’s how to make the standard tincture version.
If you want to use the full herbal mixture and don’t have weeks to sit around waiting for the tincture, you can make a two-hour version with this method:
This version should last for a few weeks in the fridge.
If you prefer not to make a tincture with alcohol, you can make a glycerite with vegetable glycerin instead. Glycerites aren’t as potent and generally don’t extract the herbal properties as well as alcohol. It will still be helpful though and you’ll just need to use a little more of the spray on the throat.
You can also make a strong herbal tea and mix with honey. This won’t last nearly as long and should be used within a week.
Do you ever get a sore throat or cough? What remedies do you use?
The Herbal Academy. (n.d.). Monographs. The Herbarium.
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Hi Katie,
I was interested in the herbs you use for the throat spray. I have been making sore throat and cough mix for years now. I use Irish moss, slippery elm bark powder, aniseed essential oil and monk fruit powder in hot water and blended, then kept bottles in the fridge until needed.
Recently I also added Sam bung powder to this mix. Sam Bung is reputed to be great for getting rid of sore throat and general cold symptoms. It is also known as longevity spinach and is eaten as a green, like lettuce either raw or cooked especially in Asian countries. Hope you get to try some!
Cathy.
Is it safe during second trimester pregnancy?
According to most herbalist sources I found (like Aviva Romm) these herbs are generally safe to use with this application during the 2nd and 3rd trimesters. A qualified herbalist or natural healthcare practitioner can give advice on your exact situation.
Sounds like a great recipe for sore throat. However, you do not say what part of the echinacea you used. Flowers, leaves, roots or mix them all…? Love your website!
Thanks for asking! I use echinacea root!
Thank you for replying and thanks for the recipes 🙂