Holiday season is right around the corner, but so is cold and flu season. Herbal remedies have been used for centuries to help alleviate symptoms that come with these common illnesses. Check out this throat coat tea recipe to help alleviate scratchy throats.
Slippery Elm:
Slippery elm (Ulmus fulva) is a tree native to North America that has been used as an herbal remedy for centuries. Native Americans used slippery elm as a salve to help heal wounds, burns and skin abrasions, but can also be absorbed orally. Ingestion of the herb can help alleviate IBS symptoms, sooth a sore throat and alleviate digestive symptoms.
The inner bark contains mucilage, a soluble fiber that absorbs water to form a gel-like substance. This gel coats mucous membranes allowing for temporary relief of inflammation and soreness of the throat. In addition, it promotes the production of mucus along the digestive tract. which helps to increase mucus production along the digestive tract.
Marshmallow Root:
Marshmallow root (Althaea officinalis), is an herbaceous perennial plant that grows in damp areas like marshes, swamps and seashores. Native to north Africa, Europe, and West Asia, this herb has been enjoyed for over 2000 years as a delicacy. Considered the “root” of all confections, marshmallow plants not only created a tasty treat, but provided healing benefits.
A. officinalis, contains mucilage much like slippery elm making it beneficial for soothing inflamed mucosal linings such as the throat, and entire digestive tract. In addition, the herb is suggested to be a mild diuretic, a topical healing agent and strong antioxidant.
Peppermint:
Peppermint (Mentha piperita) is a deliciously fresh addition that can be used for more than just making your hot chocolate extra festive. It offers many delicious benefits for the body, most notably its benefits in soothing digestive discomfort.
Not only does peppermint help with the digestion, but it can help cleanse your skin as well! It naturally contains menthol and menthone which offer revitalizing properties to beauty and self care products. Peppermint is great for all skin types, but especially helps with oily skin and irritated skin.
Soothing Throat Coat Tea
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp marshmallow root1 Tbsp slippery elm
- 2 Tbsp peppermint leaves
- 1 Tbsp whole anise stars
- 2 cinnamon sticks
How to Brew a Gut Healing Tea
Brewing techniques vary based on the specific herbs, but when brewing a tea with marshmallow or other high-mucilage plant, a long infusion is best.
Brewing techniques vary based on the specific herbs, but when brewing a tea with marshmallow or other high-mucilage plant, a long infusion is best.
- Add 1 heaping tablespoon of herb mix/ cup of water in a teapot of your choice
- Cover with hot water
- Let steep for 4-8 hours
- Drink hot or cold as desired
- Store extras in the fridge for 1-3 days
Resources:
Anheyer D, Frawley J, Koch AK, et al. Herbal medicines for gastrointestinal disorders in children and adolescents: a systematic review. Pediatrics. 2017;139(6):e20170062.
Basch E, Ulbricht C, Hammerness P, Vora M. Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis L.) monograph. J Herb Pharmacother. 2003;3(3):71-81.
Bock S. Integrative medical treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. Int J Integr Med. 2000;2:21-29.
Brown AC, Hairfield M, Richards DG, McMillin DL, Mein EA, Nelson CD. Medical nutrition therapy as a potential complementary treatment for psoriasis — five case reports. Altern Med Rev. 2004;9:297-307.
Hawrelak JA, Myers SP. Effects of two natural medicine formulations on irritable bowel syndrome symptoms: a pilot study. J Altern Complement Med. 2010;16:1065-1071.
Peppermint. NIH (2020). https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/peppermint-oil. Schulz V, Hansel R, Tyler V. Rational Phytotherapy: A Physicians’ Guide to Herbal Medicine. 4th ed. Berlin, Germany: Springer; 2000:29,182.