Throat Soothers for Cool Weather

Over all like butter on warm bread; And the harvest moon will this night unfold The streams running full of molten gold. Oh, who could find a dearth of bliss with autumn glory such as this!~Gladys Harp

Fall is here, and so are the scratchy, dry throats. My readers always share the best tips, and today's will hopefully sooth any throat woes you may have during cool weather.

We stumbled upon a terrific throat soother a couple of years ago that I thought I'd pass on: heat up a mug of Minute Maid Lemonade or(better) limeade! It can be sweetened with a honey, if needed, but the hot, acidy drink cuts through any and all of the congestion and annoying dripping in your throat, soothes overworked vocal chords, and calms a sore throat. I use it when I get that continuous, nasty feeling of congestion sliding down the back of my throat...yuck! We've tried it with fresh lemonade, but it's not the same; maybe too much water or something going on. We have found that the Minute Maid 2-liters are great to have in stock during cold and flu season, just as much as your Tylenol and tissues! ~Liz

As soon as cold season rolls around my husband heats up a mug of Tang orange drink. I suppose it does the same thing as the hot lemonade with the acid cutting through mucus but he prefers the orange taste. If Tang went to the moon why couldn't it cure (or help) the common cold? ~Melissa B.

I read with interest the article on the throat soother. For years I have: put about 1/4 to 1/3 cup of honey in a HUGE mug with enough water to then it out. I then heat it briefly in the microwave then add a whole sliced lemon and fill to the top with water. Heat in the microwave until very hot. You can discard the lemons or eat them. Works so very good! My family loves this! ~Diane

Another tip along the same lines as the ones that have been sent (for throat soothers) in is with vinegar. Almost a cup of water, with honey to sweeten to your taste and about 2 Tbsp.cider vinegar. ~Cheri

For throat soothers and colds "Friendship Tea" is
wonderful. ~Sue

1//2 cup instant tea powder
1 cup sweetened lemonade powder
1 cup orange-flavored drink mix (Tang)
1/2 tsp. ground cloves
1 tsp. ground cinnamon

In large bowl, combine all ingredients. Mix well and store in an airtight container. To Serve: Put 2 to 3 teaspoons of mix in a mug. Stir in 1 cup of boiling water. Adjust to taste. This tea makes great gifts also.

On OFL I have recipes for soothing herbal teas here: http://www.oldfashionedliving.com/herbalteas.html