Product Highlight: Traditional Medicinals Throat Coat® Tea
When your child comes down with a cold or sore throat, few things feel as soothing as a warm cup of tea with honey. One of my favorite options for older kids and adults is Traditional Medicinals Throat Coat®, an organic herbal tea designed to soothe the throat and support recovery during colds, flu, or after a lot of coughing.
What’s in it?
Throat Coat’s classic formula combines several time-honored herbs used in Western herbalism for respiratory and throat support:
Slippery Elm Bark (Ulmus rubra): Coats and soothes irritated throat tissue and may ease coughing caused by dryness or inflammation.
Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra): Traditionally used for its demulcent (soothing) and anti-inflammatory effects; may also help thin mucus.
Marshmallow Root (Althaea officinalis): Another soothing herb high in mucilage, which forms a protective layer on mucous membranes of the throat and upper airway.
Wild Cherry Bark (Prunus serotina): Commonly used in herbal cough formulas to help calm cough reflex.
Cinnamon, Fennel, and Orange Peel: Add warmth, pleasant flavor, and mild digestive support.
Together, these ingredients help reduce throat irritation, calm coughs, and provide gentle comfort when children or adults are feeling under the weather.
How to Use It
For children over 1 year: Brew a cup of Throat Coat according to the package directions (steep for 10–15 minutes to release the full soothing mucilage). Allow to cool to a warm—not hot—temperature. Add ½–1 teaspoon of honey for extra throat relief. Honey itself has mild antimicrobial and cough-suppressing effects. Offer small sips as needed for comfort.
For older children (over 6), you can serve up to 2 cups per day when symptoms are present.
(Note: Honey should never be given to children under 1 year due to the risk of infant botulism.)
Safety Profile
Generally well-tolerated: Throat Coat is caffeine-free and made from herbs considered safe for most children and adults.
Licorice caution: In very large amounts or with chronic use, licorice root can raise blood pressure or affect potassium levels. This is unlikely with occasional use in tea form, but long-term daily use should be avoided.
Allergy note: Rarely, children sensitive to plants in the legume or elm family may experience mild allergic reactions.
Age guidance: Safe for children over 4–5 years old in small amounts, though always check with your child’s healthcare provider if your child has a chronic medical condition or takes daily medications.
Pediatrician Tip
Encourage warm fluids throughout the day—herbal teas, broths, or warm water with honey and lemon. Warm liquids help loosen mucus, soothe inflammation, and keep kids hydrated when they’re less inclined to drink.
In summary: Traditional Medicinals Throat Coat® Tea offers a safe, gentle, and effective way to calm sore throats and coughs, especially when paired with a bit of honey and plenty of rest.
