It seems I get more scratchy throats in fall than any other time of year. Maybe it’s the seasonal weather changes, but it is no fun when it hurts to swallow. I think I’ve tried just about every natural remedy (okay, maybe not munching raw garlic), and honey tops my list of natural soothers.

Soothing Honey Spice Throat Tea

Name: Soothing Honey Spice Throat Tea
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 8 oz
Ingredients: 1 cup hot water; 1/2 teaspoon turmeric; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1 teaspoon ginger; Juice of 1/2 lemon; 1-2 tablespoons honey; 1/2 teaspoon salt

Seriously, what isn’t tea good for? In addition to making your throat feel instantly better, tea can speed up your recovery and tame that annoying cough. You can customize your own throat tea with all kinds of feel-better ingredients, like ginger, turmeric and cinnamon. Let’s take a look at each of the healing ingredients in this yummy tea.

Throat Tea Ingredients

Ginger is anti-inflammatory and contains natural antihistamines.

Chinese medicine has long used cinnamon as a natural remedy for coughs. Its comforting aroma can also help open up the sinuses, letting you breath easier.

Turmeric is a powerful antioxidant spice that helps soothe inflammation.

Salt helps to drain excess fluid. That’s why a plain old salt water gargle works so well for irritated throats.

Lemon is a natural astringent that helps shrink swollen throat tissue.

Honey is a classic cough remedy. The tasty tea addition coats the throat to soothe irritated tissues.