Make it Green: Soothe Colds with Hot Honey and Lemon

Reader Contribution by Kirsten Hudson
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Whenever I started to feel sick as a kid or just needed the comfort of a hot beverage, my mom would make me “hot honey with lemon,” as she called it.

This simple drink, just a mug filled with hot water, a squeeze of tangy lemon and a tablespoon or two of sweet honey, would soothe my sore throat or achy chest.

Combine hot water, lemon juice and honey for a soothing drink that relieves sore throats, cough and nasal decongestion. Photo By boo lee/Courtesy Flickr.

While this beverage feels incredibly calming, it brings more than comfort. The two simple ingredients, honey and lemon, help relieve the worst cold symptoms. Honey soothes sore throats and lemon juice fights off bacteria. The antioxidants in honey boost the immune system, as does the vitamin C in the lemon juice. Wafts of steam from the drink can also help relieve nasal decongestion.

Serve this drink to kids who don’t like the bitter taste of tea.  Or drink it yourself in place of tea before bed to prevent the extra caffeine from keeping you awake.

Do you have any natural remedies for colds? Feel free to share them in the comments section.

  • Published on Feb 25, 2011
Tagged with: Reader Contributions
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