Gina Heslop
We all know how annoying it is to have a sore throat. It feels scratchy, painful, and makes swallowing difficult.
Most of the time, we try to deal with it by drinking hot tea, sucking on throat lozenges, and waiting for it to go away.
But my grandmother, or as I call her, Nana, once taught me a simple trick that provides relief in just two minutes. I’ve used it many times, and it works like magic. Now, I want to share it with you.
The Simple Trick: Honey and Lemon
This remedy uses just two natural ingredients: honey and lemon. These have been used for centuries to soothe sore throats. However, what makes Nana’s method different is the way she prepares and uses them.
What You’ll Need:
• 1 tablespoon of honey (raw and organic is best)
• ½ a fresh lemon (or 1 tablespoon of lemon juice)
How to Use It:
1. Prepare the Ingredients: If you have a fresh lemon, cut it in half and squeeze the juice into a small bowl or onto a spoon. If you’re using bottled lemon juice, just measure out a tablespoon.
2. Mix with Honey: Take one tablespoon of honey and mix it with the lemon juice. Stir until you get a smooth, thick mixture. It should coat your throat well when you swallow it.
3. Slowly Swallow: This is the key step. Instead of drinking it quickly, take small sips and let the mixture slide down your throat slowly. This allows it to coat and soothe the irritated area.
Why This Trick Works So Well
The combination of honey and lemon provides fast relief because of their natural healing properties.
1. Honey: A Natural Soother
• Honey has antibacterial properties, meaning it helps fight bacteria that might be causing your sore throat.
• It also contains natural enzymes and hydrogen peroxide, which can help heal infections.
• The thick texture of honey coats your throat, creating a protective barrier that reduces irritation.
• Honey is also a humectant, meaning it helps retain moisture and prevents your throat from getting too dry.
2. Lemon: A Natural Healer
• Lemon is rich in vitamin C, which helps boost your immune system and fight infections.
• It has antibacterial properties that help kill germs in your throat.
• Lemon’s acidity helps break down mucus, which can often cause discomfort.
• Its natural astringent properties reduce inflammation and swelling in the throat.
When you mix honey and lemon, they work together to soothe, heal, and fight off the cause of your sore throat.
How to Get the Best Results
Although this remedy provides quick relief, there are a few ways to make it even more effective:
1. Use Raw Honey – Raw, organic honey contains more nutrients and healing properties than processed honey.
2. Warm the Mixture Slightly – Warming it (not too hot) enhances its soothing effect and helps break down mucus faster.
3. Stay Hydrated – Drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day keeps your throat moist and helps flush out germs.
4. Repeat as Needed – You can take this mixture up to three times a day if necessary. Since it’s natural, it’s safe to use whenever you need relief.
Why This is Better Than Over-the-Counter Medicine
Many people turn to over-the-counter (OTC) throat sprays and lozenges when they have a sore throat. While these products can provide temporary relief, they often come with side effects like drowsiness, dry mouth, or an upset stomach.
On the other hand, Nana’s honey and lemon trick is completely natural and has no side effects. It’s also inexpensive because most people already have these ingredients in their kitchen.
Additionally, OTC medications only mask the pain for a short time, while honey and lemon actively help your throat heal. This means you’ll recover faster and feel better for longer.
