Five years ago, my children and I moved from a fairly large city to a small town; and in doing so, we improved our health. No longer driving in traffic on a daily basis lowered our stress levels. Having a strong sense of community boosted our emotional health. And perhaps best of all, breathing fresh air eased the allergy and asthma symptoms we had all struggled with in the city.
So you can imagine my disdain when my oldest son chose to go back to the city for college. I figured it was only a matter of time before his allergies flared up. I was right.
When I was a child, I frequently had a cough and sore throat due to allergies. Mom always came to the rescue with a hot cup of tea with honey and lemon, which was very soothing. But since I avoid caffeine and encourage my children to do so as well, we drink Warm Honey Lemonade when we aren’t feeling well.
Mixing honey and lemon with water is as old a remedy as mixing honey and lemon with tea, but without the caffeine. Honey, which has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, helps coat the throat. And lemon, which provides a vitamin C boost, aids in the reduction of mucus.
When my son complained that his throat was sore, I told him to go to the store and buy lemons and honey to fix this soothing drink. He did, and he’s feeling better now. And I feel better knowing that he’s feeling better even though I couldn’t be there to take care of him.
Warm honey lemonade
- 1 cup water
- 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Heat water as you would for a cup of tea.
- Squeeze in the juice of one lemon.
- Add honey and stir until honey is melted.
- Serve warm.
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