During one very terrible time, all of my children developed stomach problems at the same time while I was away. We don’t get sick very often, but the situation was dire and we couldn’t use all the natural remedies.
Thankfully, that was the first and last stomach illness they had all at once. However, at least one child will develop a stuffy nose or cough at some time during the winter. Or you dust your closet and you have a cough/congestion/runny nose for a few days.
For those instances, I like to keep this herbal throat spray on hand. Good for sore throat, cough, and stuffy nose.
Herbal Throat Spray Ingredients
This herbal throat spray is essentially a powerful herbal tincture mixed with raw honey. Herbs provide both immediate relief and long-lasting benefits in fighting disease. A variety of immune-boosting and throat-soothing herbs are available, but I prefer:
- Echinacea Root – Natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. Relieves sore throats and coughs and supports the immune system. It helps soothe sore throats and is good for strep throat or tonsillitis as a tea or throat spray.
- Ginger – warms the body and promotes blood circulation. It has an antibacterial effect and helps thin mucus and expel it from the body. It helps relieve inflammation, pain, and muscle spasms. Ginger also stimulates white blood cells, prevents viruses from attaching to cells and destroys them.
- Marshmallow Root – A soothing herb that coats and soothes inflamed, dry or damaged tissues. It reduces inflammation, supports white blood cells, and is an expectorant.
- Elderberry – Traditionally used for throat inflammation, it may help reduce swelling in the mouth and throat. It also supports better drainage, reduces nasal congestion, and is an expectorant. It is especially good for coughing and stuffy nose caused by viral infections.
- Thyme – It’s not limited to Italian food! Thyme herb is excellent for breaking down and expelling congestion and mucus that clogs the lungs. It is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and helps you breathe better.
- Peppermint – Adds a refreshing scent and is warm and stimulating when used internally. It is antibacterial and helps fight various viral, bacterial and fungal infections.
- Cayenne – Cayenne warms and stimulates the body and promotes blood circulation, improving healing properties. It has been traditionally used to treat sore throats, coughs, and prevent illness. However, it does add a bit of spiciness, so reduce it or skip it if you like.
You don’t need every herb on this list to make an herbal throat spray. If you don’t have some of those, use more of what you have. I make an herbal tincture from the herbs and then mix it with raw honey to make a strong spray. When made this way, herbal throat spray will last for several months in the refrigerator.
Premade Herbal Throat Sprays
Don’t want to make it or don’t have the herbs you need? I also love the pre-made herbal throat sprays that contain echinacea and propolis. This propolis throat spray is also a family favorite.
Herbal Throat Spray Tincture
To make the tincture, I put 1 tablespoon each of dried herbs – echinacea, ginger, marshmallow root, elderberry, thyme, mint – and 1 teaspoon dried cayenne pepper (optional) into a pint-size glass jar.
Fill the remainder of the bottle with strong food-grade liquor, such as rum or vodka (must be at least 80 proof). Cover with an airtight lid and let sit for at least 2 weeks and up to 8 weeks (the longer you leave it, the stronger it will become). Store in a cool, dark place. I make this once a year and have enough to last me at least a year.
If you’re new to herbal remedies, see our full tutorial on making herbal tinctures.
If you have a cough, sore throat, or cold this winter, use this herbal throat spray to ease your symptoms and get you feeling better in no time! Here’s how to make the standard tincture version:
DIY Herbal Throat Spray Recipe
Place herbs in a pint-sized mason jar.
Pour alcohol over herbs, leaving ½ inch space.
Cover tightly and let tincture steep for 2 to 4 weeks, shaking occasionally.
Once the tincture is complete, strain out the herbs and reserve the liquid.
Add 2 tablespoons of raw honey for every 6 tablespoons of tincture.
Shake well to mix and store in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.
Pour some into a small spray bottle for easy application as needed.
2-Hour Herbal Throat Spray Tincture
If you want to use the whole herb mixture and don’t have weeks to wait for the tincture, you can make a 2-hour version this way:
- Mix 1 teaspoon of all herbs (2 tablespoons total) in a pint-size mason jar.
- Pour enough boiling water to submerge the herbs.
- Soak in water for 20 minutes until it cools.
- Strain out the herbs and mix with equal parts of 80 proof or higher liquor. I use rum or vodka.
- Add 1 part honey to 3 parts herbal liquid.
This version can be stored in the refrigerator for several weeks.
More Throat Spray Variations
If you don’t want to make your tincture with alcohol, try making glycerite with vegetable glycerin instead. Glycerite is not very potent and generally does not extract herbal properties as well as alcohol. It will still help, you just need to use a little more throat spray.
You can also make a strong herbal tea and mix it with honey. This method doesn’t last nearly as long and should be used within a week.
Have you ever had a sore throat or cough? What treatment do you use?
