It’s that time of the year when the first coughs and colds seem to surface. A constant cough can stop you from sleeping, give you a sore throat and make you feel exhausted.
A honey-and-lemon drink may feel soothing, but a homemade mixture is not a medicine or a cure for infection. See our cough guide for the evidence and when to seek care.
This traditional kitchen mixture contains honey, lemon and olive oil. Make a small fresh portion and use it as a food preparation, not a scheduled treatment.
IngredientsHoney, lemon and olive oil mixture
Ingredients- 12 tablespoons (approx. 200ml) raw honey
- 60ml extra virgin olive oil
- Juice of 3 lemons
- Mix the ingredients in a clean container. If needed, warm gently to combine; allow it to cool before tasting. Do not assume this diluted mixture keeps like plain honey.
- Use a modest amount. Honey contributes sugar, and there is no basis for the old claim that unlimited amounts cannot cause problems. Never give any honey mixture to a baby under 12 months.
Read more about Honey and Gut Health: Prebiotics, Probiotics and Evidence and whether it’s ok to eat raw honey if you have diabetes.
Keep well this winter.
