Naturally sweet and gently soothing, licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has been treasured for centuries as a comfort for the throat. While often found in tinctures and capsules, its pleasant flavor and smooth texture make it ideal for teas, syrups, and other kid-friendly remedies.
Here, licorice shines in powdered form—blended with honey (for children over age one) and a dash of cinnamon to create Licorice Cinnamon Throat Balls. These no-cook herbal treats are quick to prepare and perfect to have on hand when sore throats appear.
For an extra warming kick, try adding a pinch of powdered ginger. Some children may find it a bit too spicy, so feel free to adjust the amount—or leave it out entirely for a milder flavor.
Gentle, tasty, and simple, this is a remedy kids won’t mind taking.
Licorice Cinnamon Throat Balls Ingredients
2 tablespoons licorice root powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon powder, plus more as needed Honey
Raw, unsweetened cocoa powder as needed (optional)
Instructions
- Combine the powdered herbs with just enough honey to make a paste.
- Add a drop or two of water and knead until smooth and not sticky. Add more licorice root powder or cinnamon powder (or cocoa powder) as needed to thicken the mixture until you can roll it into balls.
- When the mixture is the right consistency, roll it into pea-size balls and place them on a baking sheet.
- Cover with a clean dishcloth and let air-dry for several hours or overnight or set them on a dehydrator tray and dehydrate at low heat for a few hours.
- When the Licorice Cinnamon Throat Balls are completely dry, store in glass containers. To use, give one or two balls as needed to suck on to ease a sore throat.
____________________________________________
Well Being Journal adapted the above recipes from Herbs for Children’s Health: How to Make and Use Gentle Herbal Remedies for Common Childhood Ailments by Rosemary Gladstar. Copyright © 2024 by Rosemary Gladstar. Reprinted with permission from Storey Publishing.
