Simple Throat-Soothing Teas for Children

The autumn weather is clear and crisp, but it also brings dry skin, chapped lips, and even a slightly itchy throat. While moisturizing products can provide first aid for external dryness, nourishing the body isn't just about drinking two liters of water a day.

The throat, as the body's first line of immune defense, can trigger a cascade of issues if it becomes even slightly dry or painful. Adults use various methods to protect their throats, such as lozenges and honey water. However, most throat lozenges contain medication, and many parents would not let their children take them indiscriminately as candy.

The following tea drinks are mild, sweet, and nourishing for the throat, making them very suitable for children:

1. Five dried figs. Figs are sweet and neutral in nature, capable of strengthening the spleen and stomach, reducing swelling and detoxification, and moistening the intestines to relieve constipation. They are particularly effective for lung heat causing hoarseness and dry, sore throats. Wash and cut the ingredients, then steep them in hot water in a thermos for 20 minutes before drinking.

2. A quarter of a Luo Han Guo (monk fruit) and three slices of dried pear. Luo Han Guo is sweet and cool in nature, capable of clearing heat, relieving coughs, and benefiting the throat. Dried pears, after baking, are more moisturizing and less cooling than fresh pears. Wash the ingredients, add 250ml of water, and boil for 20 minutes. Note: Not suitable for those with a cold cough or a weak constitution.

3. Half an apple, three longans, and half a candied date. Apples are sweet and slightly sour, cool in nature, capable of producing bodily fluids, quenching thirst, moistening the lungs, and relieving coughs. Peel, core, and dice the apple, then add longans and candied dates. Steep in hot water in a thermos for 20 minutes before drinking.

4. One tablespoon of honey and a piece of dried tangerine peel. Note: Not suitable for infants under one year old. Wash and cut the dried tangerine peel into strips, steep in hot water for 15 minutes, then add honey after it cools down. This tea can dry dampness, resolve phlegm, nourish the stomach, and soothe the liver.

Children love novelty, so consider preparing different throat-soothing teas for them daily on a rotating basis.