Relieve laryngitis naturally with these DIY herbal lozenges
What's the story
Laryngitis, caused by yelling at a concert or catching a cold, can leave your throat sore and your voice scratchy or gone. While resting your voice and drinking fluids help, herbal lozenges can provide extra comfort. Making your own guarantees there are no unwanted ingredients. This article teaches you how to use simple recipes and natural ingredients to create effective lozenges at home.
Herb choice
Selecting your herbs
The first step in creating your DIY herbal lozenges is choosing the right herbs. Ginger and licorice root are great choices for their anti-inflammatory properties, while honey provides a soothing texture and antimicrobial benefits. Thyme and sage are traditional choices for their antiseptic qualities. A combination of these herbs will ensure a well-rounded relief for laryngitis symptoms.
Lozenge base
Crafting your lozenge base
After you've chosen your herbs, you'll need to make the base for your lozenges. A basic recipe is to dissolve two tablespoons of raw honey in one-fourth cup of hot water. This will form a sticky syrup that holds the powdered herbs together. And, if you want to avoid sugar, you can replace honey with agave syrup.
Powder mix
Adding herbal powders
Once your syrup base is ready, finely grind your chosen dried herbs into a powder using a mortar and pestle or a dedicated spice coffee grinder. Gradually add this powder to the syrup, stirring until a thick paste is formed. The paste should be pliable in your hands without being overly sticky. Adjust the consistency as necessary: if too sticky, add more powdered herb; if too dry, add more syrup.
Final forming
Shaping and drying lozenges
After the herbal paste is ready, roll it into small balls (about the size of a pea) or use molds to shape. Place them on parchment paper and allow them to air dry in a warm, dark place for 24-48 hours until they become hard. Or for quicker drying, put them in an oven at the lowest setting with the door slightly open.
Preservation
Storage tips for longevity
Once completely dry, store your herbal lozenges in an airtight container in a cool, dark location to maintain their effectiveness. Properly stored, they can last up to six months. However, always check for signs of spoilage like mold or strange smells. If you spot any, it's time to throw them away.