Soothing Sore Throat Tea

A few weeks ago, I was dealing with a lingering sore throat. I had no other upper respiratory symptoms except an occasional harsh cough that sounded like a barking seal–like the classic sound a child makes when he or she has croup. I, an adult, couldn’t possibly have a childhood illness, but then a coworker, a fellow nurse, confirmed my denial.

Here’s a summary in a nutshell: Croup has a really long official name, Laryngotracheobronchitis. This respiratory illness is most common in children from 6 months to 36 months of age. The human parainfluenza virus is the most common cause of croup and is spread by airborne droplets from an infected person’s cough or sneeze. The virus may start out like a common cold, but then causes more intense irritation and swelling to the voice box (larynx) and windpipe (trachea). This results in the high-pitched “whistling” breathing (stridor) and barking cough.

For a more thorough explanation, please refer to the following articles found on the Dr. Axe and Merck websites.

The usual treatment for croup in adults is dexamethasone, a steroid, to decrease the swelling in the airway. Yes, I refused this treatment option, so for the time being, I wanted to attempt to self-treat my complaints at home. If my symptoms worsened or even failed to improve over several days, then I definitely would be making an appointment with my health care provider!

I made a soothing tea with marshmallow, echinacea, elecampane root, licorice root, and a cinnamon stick. I simmered 1-2 tablespoons of each herb in a pot with 2-3 cups of water for about 20 minutes. I left the tea cool some first before straining out the herbs. I stored the beverage in a mason jar in the refrigerator, and then poured and heated up one mug at a time. My tea came out on the stronger side so I did dilute it with water when preparing a cup.

Elecampane is in the same family as the sunflower and ragweed. It is associated with Helen of Troy because its flowers were present with her when she was abducted by Paris from Spain. Elecampane has antimicrobial properties that are useful in cough remedies and to help with bronchial infections. It can also help decrease the swelling in the lymph glands of the throat.

Licorice root has analgesic-like properties to soothe a sore throat. This herb is very popular in Chinese medicine as well as one of the more popular plants used by Western herbalists. Licorice root is a flavorful and slightly sweet addition to tea blends.

The cinnamon stick! I just happened to have a few remaining in a container so I added it to the pot for flavor. Then I discovered this warming herb has antibacterial properties and is stimulating to the circulatory system–both beneficial to my current ailment. Cinnamon sticks have been used for thousands of years dating back to ancient Egypt and Biblical times.

Marshmallow I grow in my garden, and I used the leaves and flowers because I didn’t have any roots available. This is a mucilaginous* herb that lubricates the throat tissues to decrease irritation and minimize the dry coughing.

(*The plant based compound, mucilage, is a jelly-like substance that is responsible for storing water in many varieties of plants.)

Echinacea is widely popular and for good reason(s): It provides immune support, decreases inflammation, and coats and lubricates the throat. I also grow this herb in my garden, but an unknown critter has been munching on it this season so my supply is low. Echinacea was used frequently by Native Americans in North America.

This tea was so soothing and calming to my inflamed throat. This blend tasted well together with the licorice giving it a touch of sweetness. I drank 2 to 3 cups a day. I felt immediate relief from the throat discomfort with the first sip of each cup. By the third day, the inflammation had subsided consistently so I could speak normally and swallow comfortably.