When my throat starts getting that scratchy, tight feeling, my first instinct is always to run to the kitchen, not the pharmacy. Two things I always reach for are raw honey and a good herbal tea. It's what my mom used to do, and it just feels right. Here's what I’ve kind of figured out about them.
Raw Honey: This stuff is amazing. I’m not talking about the honey in the little bear-shaped bottle, but the real, cloudy, raw honey. It’s thick and coats your throat in a way that feels instantly better. It’s also supposed to help with coughing, which is a lifesaver at 3 AM. Just a spoonful straight up or stirred into some warm water. But, and this is a big one, you can't give it to babies under one.
Herbal Teas: A warm cup of tea is just so comforting, you know? It’s not just the warmth; teas like chamomile or ginger have their own little healing powers. They help you stay hydrated, which is super important, and just soothe everything on the way down. It’s more of a slow, gentle comfort compared to the quick hit of honey.
Combination: Honestly, mixing the two is my favorite thing to do. You get the coating from the honey and the warm hydration from the tea, plus all the good stuff from both. The only trick is to let the tea cool down a bit before you stir the honey in. I read somewhere that super hot water can mess with the good enzymes in raw honey.
Quick Comparison
This is the little chart I keep in my head when I'm deciding what to do.
| Factor | Raw Honey | Herbal Teas |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Action | Coats throat, reduces inflammation | Hydrates, soothes with plant compounds |
| Speed of Relief | Immediate | Gradual |
| Preparation | Minimal (consume directly or mix) | Requires steeping |
| Best For | Quick relief, cough suppression | Hydration, extended comfort |
| Safety | Avoid for infants under 1 year old | Generally safe (check for interactions) |
So yeah, if I'm running out the door, honey is just easier. But if I’m curled up on the couch, it’s tea all the way. Or both. Both is usually best.
Should I mix Honey with Herbal tea
Raw Honey: Properties and How It Works
So, raw honey. It’s completely different from the clear, golden stuff you see in most grocery stores. That stuff has been heated up so much that a lot of the goodness is gone. Raw honey is pretty much straight from the hive, just strained to get the bee parts out, I guess. It’s full of things that processed honey just doesn’t have.
Health Properties of Raw Honey
I used to think honey was just sugar, but raw honey has all these antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. I don’t totally get the science behind it, but it seems to help calm down the swelling in your throat and fight off whatever bug is causing the problem. It just feels like it’s doing something, you know?
It’s also got enzymes and pollen and other natural bits in it. I remember reading an article that called it a powerhouse of therapeutic effects—antiviral, antifungal, all that stuff. And honestly, the best part for me is how it coats your throat. It makes swallowing less painful and seems to calm down that annoying tickle that makes you cough.
It’s not just me, either. Apparently, big health organizations have been recommending honey for ages. I even saw something about a study where honey worked better than some common cough medicines. That really stuck with me. It’s because the processed honey gets pasteurized, which kills off a lot of the natural antibacterial stuff. So, yeah, raw is definitely the way to go.
Now that I sound like a honey expert, which I’m totally not, let’s talk about how I actually use it.
How to Use Raw Honey Safely
For me and the older kids, I just give about a teaspoon of raw honey straight from the jar. I tell them to let it sort of melt down their throat. The trick is to not drink or eat anything for a little while after, so it has time to do its thing.
If taking it straight is too intense, mixing it in warm water or tea is perfect. A half or a whole teaspoon is usually enough. Just make sure the water isn't boiling hot. I learned that the hard way—you don’t want to cook out all the good stuff.
I try not to go overboard, maybe four or five times a day at most.
And here are the really important things to remember:
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Absolutely no honey for babies under one year old. I can’t stress this enough. It can have spores that cause something called infant botulism, which is really serious.
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If you have diabetes, you have to be careful because it is still a sugar.
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Allergies can happen, though I’ve never seen it. It’s just something to be aware of.
Herbal Teas: Types and How They Help
Herbal teas are my other big comfort measure. They’re more than just a warm drink; they’re like a gentle, healing hug from the inside. They don’t coat your throat the same way honey does, but they hydrate you and deliver all these plant compounds that seem to really help. Let’s go through a few that I always keep in the pantry.
Common Herbal Teas for Sore Throats
Different teas are good for different things, and it’s kind of fun to figure out which one you need.
Chamomile is my go-to, especially at night. It’s just so calming. It seems to help with the coughing fits and just helps you relax enough to get some sleep.
Green Tea is one I was surprised by. I read about a study where people gargled it after surgery to help with throat pain. It sounded a little weird, but it’s supposed to have antioxidants that really help with swelling.
Ginger Tea is what I use when I feel that tickle coming on. It’s spicy and warming, and it just feels like it’s fighting off whatever is trying to take hold. I just slice up some fresh ginger and let it steep. A little honey and lemon in there is just... chef's kiss.
Peppermint Tea has that menthol thing going on, which feels so good. It’s kind of cooling and numbing, and it helps if you’re all congested, too.
Licorice Root Tea is another one that coats your throat, kind of like honey does. It’s got a weirdly sweet taste, but it’s really soothing. Slippery elm tea does the same thing.
Turmeric Tea feels like a healing powerhouse. It has curcumin, which I hear is a strong anti-inflammatory. It just feels like it’s helping your body heal.
Here’s how I usually remember them:
| Tea Type | Key Properties | Primary Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Chamomile | Anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic | Eases coughing, promotes sleep |
| Green Tea | Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory | Reduces swelling, soothes symptoms |
| Ginger | Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory | Fights infection, soothes airways |
| Peppermint | Cooling menthol, decongestant | Numbs pain, clears congestion |
| Licorice Root | Antiviral, demulcent | Coats throat, alleviates irritation |
| Turmeric | Antioxidant, antiseptic | Relieves pain, supports healing |
How Warm Liquids Help Your Throat
There’s just something about warm liquids that feels better than a cold drink when your throat hurts. It’s hydrating and soothing at the same time. But I learned you have to prepare it right if you want the full medicinal effect. Someone I follow, a nutritionist, said this:
"When you are drinking tea for medicinal purposes, it should be prepared differently than if you were enjoying a cup for pleasure. [In general], use 1 tablespoon of tea or plant material for every 8 ounces of water, which may be equivalent to two to three tea bags. It is important to steep the tea for at least 15 to 30 minutes to extract as many of the healing plant compounds as possible."
I never used to steep it that long, but now I do, and it really does seem to make a difference.
Adding Raw Honey to Herbal Teas
Putting honey in my tea is my favorite way to combine forces. The tea is hydrating, and the honey adds that antibacterial kick and coats my throat. The warmth of the tea also helps the honey spread around. Just remember to let the tea cool a bit first, so you don't kill the good stuff in the honey. I usually start with half a teaspoon and see how it tastes.
One thing to be careful about, though, is that some herbs can mess with medications. So if you're on something, especially blood thinners or diabetes meds, it's probably a good idea to chat with your doctor before you start chugging herbal tea all day.
Raw Honey vs. Herbal Teas: Side-by-Side Comparison
Okay, let’s really break it down. Sometimes you need one, sometimes the other. It really just depends on how you're feeling and what's going on.
Comparison Chart: Benefits and Considerations
Here’s a quick look at how they stack up against each other. I find this helps me choose.
| Factor | Raw Honey | Herbal Teas |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Action | Coats the throat, offering antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties | Hydrates and soothes with warm liquid and beneficial plant compounds |
| Speed of Relief | Provides an instant soothing effect | Works gradually by hydrating and delivering active compounds |
| Age Restrictions | Not safe for children under 1 year due to risk of infant botulism | Generally safe for all ages (check specific herbs for exceptions) |
| Ease of Use | Simple - consume 1 teaspoon directly or mix with warm water | Requires preparation with hot water |
| Sugar Content | Contains natural sugars | Naturally sugar-free unless sweetened, such as with honey |
| Portability | Extremely portable; no preparation needed | Best enjoyed where hot water is available |
| Frequency of Use | Safe for use up to 4–5 times daily | Can be sipped throughout the day |
| Side Effects | Minimal for most; caution for those managing blood sugar levels | May interact with certain medications |
| Research Support | Shown to outperform some treatments for upper respiratory symptoms | Certain herbal teas like green tea have shown effectiveness for sore throat relief |
This just makes it a little clearer what the pros and cons are for each.
When to Use Raw Honey vs. Herbal Teas
It really comes down to the moment.
For me, raw honey is for when I need quick, easy relief.
"Think of honey as a first line of defense for those over 1 year old. Honey is something that pretty much everyone can try. And it's been shown to work as well as some cough suppressant medications. It's a nice alternative."
If I’m at work, or running errands with the kids, or trying to get back to sleep in the middle of the night, a spoonful of honey is just so simple. It’s especially good if I have a cough along with the sore throat. I read somewhere it helps with mucus, whether your cough is wet or dry.
Herbal teas are for when I have time to slow down and really take care of myself.
"I have to say, when I have patients that are sick, I often ask them to sip hot tea... But I'm not sure that it's the tea itself that has the beneficial property, or that the warm water cuts through the phlegm and makes patients feel good."
On those days when I’m just home, feeling miserable, sipping on a warm cup of tea all day feels so good. It’s comforting and keeps me hydrated. Some research I stumbled upon mentioned that teas with licorice or thyme are good against bacteria like strep, which is interesting.
If I were managing blood sugar, I’d probably stick to just the tea. But if I was worried about it interacting with my meds, honey would feel like a safer bet. So, you know, it just depends.
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Combining Raw Honey and Herbal Teas for Better Results
Honestly, this is the best of both worlds. You get the coating and bug-fighting power of honey with the warm, hydrating comfort of tea. It just feels like a super-remedy.
"Research shows that honey has some antimicrobial and anti-inflammation properties. Honey can help by decreasing inflammation and irritation in your throat. Another study shows that honey may reduce mucus secretion. So, you can use honey for cough symptoms as well, whether it's a wet or dry cough." - Elizabeth Rainbolt, MD, Family Medicine Physician
When you mix them, the warm tea helps the honey get everywhere, coating your whole throat. It’s so nice right before bed, especially a chamomile tea with honey. It feels so relaxing.
You can even get specific with your combos:
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Ginger tea with honey: Great if you’re all stuffed up.
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Chamomile tea with honey: The ultimate bedtime soother.
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Licorice root tea with honey: For when your throat feels extra raw and needs that double-coating action.
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Thyme tea with honey: Feels like an extra antibacterial boost.
How to Mix Honey and Teas Safely
Getting it right is pretty simple. I just add about half a teaspoon to a full teaspoon of raw honey to my cup of tea. That seems to be enough to coat everything without making it sickly sweet.
"You can use it with any kind of herbal tea or warm water with lemon juice, which can be soothing as well." - Elizabeth Rainbolt, MD, Family Medicine Physician
The most important thing, I think, is to let the tea cool down a bit before you add the honey. You want it warm, not scalding. A squeeze of lemon or a slice of ginger is a nice touch, too.
I’ll usually have a few cups like this throughout the day to keep my throat feeling good. And I’ve noticed different honeys taste better with different teas. A light wildflower honey is great with chamomile, while a darker, stronger honey can stand up to something spicy like ginger tea.
MommaBear Organics: Convenient Organic Solutions for Sore Throat Relief
So, honey and tea are great at home. But when you’re out, or trying to get a kid to take a remedy, it’s not always practical. That’s where I got really excited about the lollipops from MommaBear Organics. They basically take all the goodness of raw wildflower honey and put it into a lollipop. It’s such a simple, brilliant idea for a busy day.
The honey they use is the real deal—raw wildflower honey that coats your throat and has all those good antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps your immune system, too. I guess some of it even has propolis, which is another one of those bee things that’s supposed to be really good for you.
I saw a review of some studies from 2020 that found honey helps a lot with coughs and helps you sleep better. So it’s not just an old wives' tale.
"Honey is more effective and less harmful than usual care alternatives and avoids causing harm through anti-microbial resistance." - University of Oxford Medical School Scientists
What Sets MommaBear Organics Apart
What I love about MommaBear Organics is that you can tell they care. The lollipops are made in small batches, and everything is organic, non-GMO, gluten-free, all that good stuff. It feels like a high-quality product, not some mass-produced candy. You know you’re getting a good dose of raw honey in every single one, which is really reassuring. No mess, no fuss.
The Importance of Portable Natural Solutions
Life is just so busy. Having remedies that are easy to take with you is everything. These lollipops are perfect. You don’t need hot water or a spoon, you just unwrap one. I can have one in a meeting, on the subway, or while I’m chasing the kids around the park.
For parents, it’s a total game-changer. I just throw a few in my bag or the kids' lunch boxes, and I know I have something natural and soothing ready to go whenever a sore throat strikes.
They start at $24.99 for a bundle, and when you think about it, they last a lot longer than a spoonful of honey. The lollipop
Conclusion: Picking the Right Remedy for Your Needs
So, when it comes to a sore throat, raw honey and herbal teas are my trusted standbys. Raw honey gives you that immediate coating and feels like it’s actively fighting the problem. Teas are all about that gentle, warm, hydrating comfort.
The best part is that you can use them however you want. A spoonful of honey on its own, a simple cup of tea, or—my favorite—mixing them together for a super-soothing drink. It gives you the best of both worlds.
"The CDC recommends honey for sore throats accompanied by cough, but it should not be given to children under 1 year old due to the risk of botulism."
It really just comes down to listening to your body and what you need in that moment. If you need something quick, grab the honey. If you need to relax and hydrate, brew some tea.
Of course, you always have to be safe. Honey allergies are a thing, even if they’re rare.
And for those times when you just need something easy and portable, the MommaBear Organics lollipops are such a great find. They’re a simple, natural way to get the benefits of honey when you’re on the move.
At the end of the day, it’s kind of cool that these simple, natural things that people have used for centuries are backed up by science. I mean, if something as simple as honey can work better than some over-the-counter syrups, that tells you a lot. It’s all just about finding what makes you feel better, you know? There's no one right answer, just what's right for you.
FAQs
Can I use raw honey with any herbal tea to ease a sore throat, or are some combinations more effective?
Oh yeah, you can pretty much mix raw honey with any herbal tea you like. It’s a great way to make a soothing drink. I personally think some flavors just work better together—like honey with chamomile, lemon, or ginger tea. It just feels like they boost each other's calming effects.
My best tip is to stir the honey into warm tea, not boiling hot. That way you keep all the good stuff in the honey active. So yeah, almost any tea will work, but those calming, anti-inflammatory ones are probably your best bet.
Can herbal teas cause side effects or interact with medications?
Yes, that’s something to be careful about. Some herbs can definitely mess with medications. I’ve heard things like St. John's wort can change how your body absorbs prescriptions, which could make them less effective or cause weird side effects. And some teas have tannins that can interfere with certain drugs.
So, if you’re taking any regular medication, it’s a really good idea to just ask your doctor before you start drinking a ton of herbal tea. It’s better to be safe and make sure everything is working together properly.
Which works better for a sore throat: raw honey or herbal teas?
Honestly, I think they’re both great, but for different reasons. Raw honey is amazing for that immediate, coating relief. It’s got all those anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial things going for it, and some studies even say it works as well as some drugstore cough remedies.
Herbal teas are more about gentle, long-lasting comfort. A warm cup of chamomile or peppermint feels so good, and it has its own anti-inflammatory benefits. There might be more science behind honey for sore throats specifically, but tea is still a fantastic, soothing choice—especially when you add a little honey to it.
For me, these natural options are the first thing I turn to. But of course, if things are really bad, sometimes you just need something stronger from the pharmacy to get you through.
Related posts
- Raw Honey vs. Propolis: Allergy Relief Options
- How Organic Lollipops Help Allergies
- Can Organic Candy Soothe Sore Throats?
- Raw Honey in Sleep-Aid Candies: Benefits
