Honey Sore Throat Suckers | Easy To Make At Home
Needing a great solution to childhood sore throats? Let’s chat about how to make DIY sore throat suckers. If your kids are anything like mine, they’ll make it clear that sore throats are just about the worst thing ever. And honestly, I’m right there with them – a sore throat can turn even the toughest adult into a bit of a whiner!
But don’t you fret, because I’ve got a recipe up my sleeve that’s perfect for soothing those scratchy throats. We use natural ingredients and a bit of love to sooth that throat. Grab your apron and let’s dive into making these sore throat suckers together! (Tip: For myself and adults in general, I’ll make some of them into throat lozenges.)
Winter seems to be one giant test on our family’s immunity
From shopping, to the library, to church and beyond, we’re exposed to an array of germs. As much as we up our vitamins, wash our hands, and try to do all the right things to escape illness, at some point, we fall victim to one of the many bugs going around in cold and flu season.
Disclosure statement: I am not a medical professional, and the information provided in this post is for educational and informational purposes only. It is essential to consult with a qualified healthcare provider, especially if you have underlying medical conditions. By choosing to make and use this recipe or any other home remedy mentioned on this website, you acknowledge that you are doing so at your own risk. I assume no responsibility or liability for any adverse reactions from the use of the honey sucker or reliance on the information provided in this post. It is always prudent to seek professional medical attention if you have any questions or concerns regarding your health or the appropriate treatment for your condition.
Help for sore throats is here
Many of us have heard of the benefits of honey for allergies, sickness, and beyond. Local to you, raw organic honey is like liquid gold. This key ingredient is full of anti-inflammatory properties, is an antioxidant, and antibacterial agent, along with having a myriad of other health benefits. Plus, the natural flavor of raw fresh honey can’t be beat!
Honey is considered a natural demulcent. Demulcents are substances that have a soothing effect on mucous membranes, helping to relieve irritation and inflammation. Honey has been used for centuries as a remedy for sore throats and as cough suppressants because of its demulcent properties. When consumed, honey forms a protective film over the throat, providing lubrication and soothing the irritated tissues. Additionally, honey has antimicrobial properties that may help fight infections in the throat. All this mean that honey’s demulcent properties make it an effective and natural option for sore throat relief.
Why it’s great for your throat
Because of its antibacterial properties, honey is a natural wood healer. It reduces inflammation and works quickly to relieve a sore throat. It also coats the throat, offering a bit of numbing to the pain. I’m all for a delicious way to combat a sore mouth.
When sick, along with enjoying these suckers, make sure you’re:
- Getting plenty of rest
- Drink lots of fluids. (I love Relyte as an electrolyte supplement.)
- Enjoy bone broth and healthy soups
- Gargle with saltwater if possible
- Humidify the air by using a plug in humidifier or a simmer pot on low on the stove
- Eat Pineapple: Pineapple contains vitamin C along with bromelain, an enzyme with anti-inflammatory properties.
Sore throat warning signs:
Recognizing the warning signs of an impending sore throat can help you take preventive measures. Here are some common warning signs:
- Scratchy or Irritated Throats: You may notice a scratchy, irritated, or dry feeling in your throat. This sensation can be a precursor to a sore throat.
- Difficulty Swallowing: If you start to experience discomfort or pain when swallowing, it could be an early indication of a sore throat developing.
- Tender or Swollen Glands: Swollen or tender glands in your neck can be a sign that your body is fighting off an infection, which may lead to a sore throat.
- Hoarseness or Changes in Voice: Hoarseness or changes in your voice quality can occur before a sore throat develops, especially if the irritation affects your vocal cords.
- Runny or Stuffy Nose: Sometimes, a sore throat can be preceded by nasal congestion, a runny nose, or postnasal drip.
- Fatigue or Malaise: Feeling unusually tired or rundown can sometimes accompany the onset of a sore throat, as your body begins to fight off the infection.
- Sneezing or Coughing: Frequent sneezing or coughing can irritate the throat and contribute to the development of a sore throat.
- Fever or Chills: In some cases, an impending sore throat may be accompanied by fever or chills, indicating that your body is mounting an immune response to an infection.
I know kids aren’t huge tea fans, but as a parent, my favorite warm tea blends if the kids share their sickness to me are:
Make sure the teas are made with clean ingredients and organic if possible.
- Peppermint Tea: Peppermint has natural soothing properties and can help alleviate throat irritation.
- Ginger Tea: Ginger has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can help relieve sore throat symptoms.
- Chamomile Tea: Chamomile has calming effects and may help reduce throat inflammation and discomfort.
Licorice Root Tea: Licorice root has demulcent properties, meaning it can help coat and soothe the throat. - Throat Coat Tea: This herbal blend typically contains licorice root, slippery elm bark, marshmallow root, and other herbs known for their soothing properties specifically targeted at relieving sore throats.
- Honey and Lemon Tea: A simple blend of hot water, lemon juice, and honey can provide relief for a sore throat. Lemon provides vitamin C, while honey has soothing and antibacterial properties.
- Green Tea: Green tea contains antioxidants and may help boost the immune system, which can aid in fighting off the underlying cause of a sore throat.
- Turmeric Tea: Turmeric has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may help reduce throat inflammation and discomfort.
- Echinacea Tea: Echinacea is believed to support the immune system and may help reduce the severity and duration of cold symptoms, including sore throat.
What you’ll need for the honey lollipops:
- Silicone molds, for lozenges and/or suckers
- parchment paper to place between to prevent sticking
- candy thermometer
- You can also use a cough drop mold to make hard lozenges if that works better for your family or adults. (I like throat pops for kids to prevent choking)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup organic sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/3 cup local, raw honey
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ginger
The only inactive ingredients in this is the water. Other than that, all the delicious organic ingredients are active.
How to make
Prepare the Honey Mixture:
- In a saucepan, mix water and sugar. Heat over medium-low, stirring until sugar dissolves.
- Insert a candy thermometer into the saucepan.
- Once sugar is dissolved, add honey, cinnamon, and ginger.
- Gradually increase heat and stir for around 15 minutes. Aim for a temperature close to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. If it goes higher, the taste might become burnt; if it’s lower than 250-275 degrees, the suckers won’t fully harden.
Check Readiness:
- Test readiness by dropping a small amount of the honey mixture into cold water. Wait a few seconds, then touch it to see if it holds its shape. If it does, it’s ready to pour.
Pour into Molds:
- Carefully pour the hot honey mixture into molds using a spoon. Avoid letting it cool before pouring as it becomes difficult to work with.
Allow to Set:
- Let the mixture harden in the molds for about 30 minutes.
Remove from Molds:
- Slowly pull down silicone molds; the suckers or lozenges should come out easily.
Storage Tips:
- Dip the suckers in powdered sugar to prevent sticking.
- Place parchment paper between layers to further prevent sticking.
- Store in a cool, dry place for up to a month.
Variations and Serving:
- You can customize by adding or omitting spices like cinnamon and ginger.
- These treats aren’t just for sick days; they’re perfect for special occasions too, offering a healthier alternative to store-bought suckers.
- The basic ingredients of honey, water, and sugar are enough, especially for picky eaters.
Don’t feel like you have to add in the cinnamon, ginger, or any other herbs or spices. They’re fun and have added benefits, but if you have a picky eater, just the core ingredients of honey, water, and sugar are good enough!
Honey Sore Throat Suckers
Ingredients
- 1 cup organic sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/3 cup local raw honey
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ginger
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine water and sugar over medium-low heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Insert a candy thermometer into the saucepan.
Once the sugar is dissolved, add honey, cinnamon, and ginger. Gradually increase the heat and stir for about 15 minutes until the mixture reaches almost 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid exceeding this temperature to prevent a burnt taste.
To check readiness, drop a small amount of the honey mixture into a cold dish of water. If it holds its shape after a few seconds, it's ready to pour.
Carefully pour the hot honey mixture into molds using a spoon. Allow the mixture to harden in the molds for approximately 30 minutes, then gently remove the silicone to release the suckers or lozenges.
I typically divide the mixture, pouring half into suckers and the other half into lozenges.
For storage, I recommend dipping the suckers in powdered sugar to prevent sticking and placing a small piece of parchment paper between layers. Store in a cool, dry place for up to a month.
These homemade treats offer a healthy alternative to store-bought suckers and can be enjoyed on special occasions, not just when feeling under the weather. Treat your children to these guilt-free delights, free from questionable ingredients found in commercial products.
Notes
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