Used medicinally since ancient times as a traditional concoction for a plethora of ailments, both honey and lemon are making a resurgence as a natural medicinal cure. As more Americans seek out substitutes for harsh and often ineffective medications such as antibiotics, many are turning to such natural remedies for relief and cure with few side effects. Honey and lemon juice provide healing benefits for an array of health problems, from coughs and colds to indigestion and upset stomachs. The combination antioxidant effects of the mixture also help maintain health and fight diseases.
Immunity
Digesting lemon helps support the immune system and improves infection resistance due to its antioxidant capabilities. Antioxidants vitamin C and bioflavonoids found in lemon work toward fighting diseases such as cancer, stimulate liver metabolism and promote detoxification, according to "Herbal Remedies" by herbal nutrition expert Andrew Chevallier. Honey also provides natural antioxidant benefits and helps the immune system fight bacteria, fungi and viruses that attack the body, according to the World's Healthiest Foods. The phytonutrients found in honey also help prevent tumors and cancer. However, honey that's overly processed loses phytonutrients and antioxidant power. Organic and natural honey retains more of its healthful benefits.
Respiratory
A cup of warm lemon juice and honey is the quintessential home remedy for coughs, colds and the flu. This time-honored concoction not only soothes and coats irritated, sore throats but also works as an effective cough suppressant, says the National Honey Board and MayoClinic.com. Honey mixtures are often more effective than over-the-counter cough medicines such as dextromethorphan, states the World's Healthiest Foods. Lemon provides a vitamin C boost and extra antioxidant protection to help the immune system fight respiratory illnesses.
Gastrointestinal
Lemon is a known astringent that helps cleanse the body. It also aids in digestion, stimulates appetite and improves iron absorption, according to Chevallier. Adding honey to a lemon drink has an overall soothing effect on the digestive system. Honey helps calm an irritated digestive system and relieves problems, such as stomach ache, indigestion, gas and an upset colon, according to Healthy Living. Drinking lemon juice with honey long-term helps thwart gastrointestinal diseases such as colorectal cancer due to phytonutrients found in honey and the antioxidant effects of lemon.
Skin
Cosmetic companies include honey in modern-day products due to its rediscovered beauty benefits. People are demanding more products made not only with natural ingredients but also with greater moisturizing capabilities. Honey attracts and retains moisture, according to the National Honey Board. Further, honey repairs tissue and is often used as an alternative approach for healing wounds and burns, especially for diabetic patients who suffer with wounds that won't heal, according to U.S. News and World Report health information. Applied topically, lemon juice helps to heal skin problems such as acne, insect bites or stings and chilblains due to cold weather, according to Chevallier. Further, lemon juice provides anti-fungal relief for ailing skin and nails attacked by fungus.
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