Home Remedies for a Tween Sore Throat
Help Your Tween Feel Better Fast
If your tween has a sore throat from the common fall cold or from allergies, there are many home remedies you can use. These remedies can be made without having to pay for a doctor’s visit or prescription fees. You should, of course, ensure that the sore throat is being caused by something simple and not an infection. Consider the following remedies if you believe a homemade remedy will provide relief.
Licorice Herb
Licorice is an ingredient often found in herbal teas that are soothing to the throat. Licorice is a natural herb and has no proven medical side effects if used in low doses over a short term. The most common form of licorice for a sore throat is in the form of lozenges that can be purchased over-the-counter at many drug stores and grocery stores. Avoid giving a child with high blood pressure any form of licorice [The Doctors Book of Home Remedies for Children by Prevention Magazine Editors, Bantam, January 1995]. A simple licorice tea to try at home includes:
- 1 tablespoon licorice root
- 1 tablespoon hyssop
- 2 tablespoons slippery elm bark
- 1 teaspoon of sage
Boil all of the ingredients in a small saucepan over high heat. Allow to cool before drinking. Your tween can use this remedy three times a day for about four days.
Honey Syrup
Honey is another great option to use for a sore throat. An easy home remedy includes this cough syrup:
- 1 cup honey
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chamomile
- 1/4 cup warm water
Mix the honey, lemon juice, and chamomile in a small jar that has a lid. Gradually add the water and stir. Give your tween 1 to 2 teaspoons as needed to soothe a sore throat. Refrigerate unused portions.
The problem with honey tea is that most kids do not want to drink something warm. In this case, you can try over-the-counter honey lozenges. Brands that contain honey include:
- Comvita Lemon and Honey Lozenges
- Ricola Cherry-Honey Lozenges
- Manuka Honey Lozenges
- Tea Tree Honey Lozenges
- Cold Eeze Green Tea Honey Lozenges
When to Seek Medical Attention for a Sore Throat
If you do not see any relief to the sore throat within a few days, you may want to consult a physician. A fever is a sure sign that something is very wrong and that you should get further treatment. Other symptoms alongside a sore throat that require immediate medical attention include:
- Excessive drooling
- Trouble breathing
- Signs of dehydration
- Persistent sore throat
- Rash
- Difficulty swallowing
The remedies presented here work to soothe a sore throat. They provide no healing or treatment for the underlying problem. Most sore throats are harmless and will go away with time and in some cases with proper medication.
Note: This article is not intended to be medical advice. It is informational purposes only, and should not substitute for the advice of your family doctor or pediatrician.
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