A sore throat can be very difficult to cope with. Inflammation and tenderness are often the result of a bacterial or viral infections including the common cold. Seasonal allergies, swollen glands and breathing through an open mouth can also be culprits. MedlinePlus asserts that tea made with honey or lemon is a sore throat remedy that has stood the test of time. The antimicrobial properties of honey are well-researched and honey has been proven effective against many kinds of bacteria, according to research in "Journal of Medicinal Food." Lemon is high in vitamin C and is also thought to enhance the antimicrobial potential of honey when both are taken together.
Step 1
Pour at least enough water into the tea kettle to fill the mug and bring it to a boil on the stove. While some of the benefits of honey and lemon can even be gained by eating them straight from a spoon, "The New York Times" underscores that steam from hot beverages like tea is soothing in and of itself.
Step 2
Place chosen tea bag in the mug and add boiling water from the kettle. Let the tea steep in the mug for a few minutes and then remove and discard it. A honey and lemon remedy is most commonly added to tea, but it can be a part of any hot drink a person desires, including plain, hot water.
Step 3
Add as much honey as desired to taste and stir with a spoon until dissolved. Add slice of lemon, squeezing some juice into the tea, if desired. The addition of 1 to 4 tbsp. of honey, or 50 to 80g, may provide the most benefit, according to research published in the "Journal of the American College of Nutrition." Since ancient times, honey has been prized for its healing properties, a claim which is now well-established by scientific research. The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of honey likely contribute to the improvement many people report after taking this remedy.
Tips and Warnings
- During a bout of sore throat, drinking a cup of hot tea with honey a few times per day, as described, may help alleviate symptoms.
- Whenever a sore throat is accompanied by fever, pain and other symptoms of illness, it is a good idea to tell your doctor. Never feed honey to babies, especially to those less than one year old. Ingestion of honey in babies can cause potentially serious infection. Ask a child's pediatrician what the right time is for him to start eating honey. People with diabetes should speak to their doctors before ingesting honey, as it may have an adverse effect on the blood sugar levels of diabetics.
Things You'll Need
- Stove
- Tea Kettle
- Water
- 1 tea bag, any variety
- 1 slice fresh lemon
- Honey
- Mug
- Spoon
