With winter fast approaching, it’s time to prepare for changes in weather and the related chills and ills. Watch out for a scratchy, dry, sore throat … it’s your body’s first warning signal!

At this sign of impending illness, it’s time for some thyme.

Thyme, plus rosemary and sage, are all-time favourite autumnal cooking herbs for roasts, soups and stocks. They’re also potent aromatic oils and equally wonderful herbal botanicals with all kinds of beneficial actions.  Be sure to add fresh or dried herbs to meals for added taste and a healthy touch.

Thyme is traditionally known to relieve a dry, itchy throat or throat irritation. You’ll find organically-grown thyme in plenty of Kiwiherb remedies for soothing, scratchy-throat relief.

Hot tips to ease sore throats:

• Gargle if you can. Gargling hits the back of the throat when and where it’s needed – make it fun for hesitant garglers by gargling a funny rhyme. Sprays are a great alternative if gargling isn’t an option.

• Warm or chill your throat. While some remedies can be taken straight off the spoon, another option is to freeze with a fresh fruit juice into ice-blocks or ice chips to ease a hot inflamed throat. Or you can add hot (not boiling) water to sip and soothe a dry scratchy throat.

• Catch it early. If you can reach for a remedy at the first dry tickle, you might prevent it from developing.  For some people, a scratchy throat could be the beginning of a more time-consuming illness.

• Caused by Easter or bugs? You might be feeling under the weather because of Easter. More  chocolate, dairy and sugar can trigger many similar symptoms. Or you might be feeling less than great because of the cooler, damper weather, which can increase reactions such as scratchy, dry throats. 

Reach for these herbal health products at the first sign of a scratchy throat

For small people with sore throats or those who want a super tasty option, check out Kiwiherb Children’s Throat Syrup.  It contains both Thyme and immune-boosting super herb Echinacea.

Or try Kiwiherb Throat Formula. It combines Thyme, Echinacea root and Liquorice root - gargle and swallow it for best results.

Kiwiherb Herbal Throat Spray is great for on-the-go support, especially if you always get a dry, scratchy throat at the onset of illness. Kiwiherb Herbal Throat Spray contains Thyme, Echinacea, propolis, honey and Kawakawa to help soothe and protect.

ALWAYS READ THE LABEL. USE ONLY AS DIRECTED. IF SYMPTOMS PERSIST CONSULT YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL.