You only need three simple ingredients:
Two tablespoons raw, unfiltered honey such as Manuka or honey from a local beekeeper
One tablespoon fresh lemon juice, about half a lemon
One half cup warm water, never boiling
Pour the warm water into a mug. Add the honey and lemon juice. Stir gently until the honey dissolves completely. This usually takes about thirty seconds. Scrape the spoon against the side of the mug to capture every drop of honey since its thick texture is what helps coat the throat.
Sip the mixture slowly while it is warm, allowing it to glide over the throat and into the chest. This slow sipping maximizes the soothing effect.
The drink works best when taken before bed to calm nighttime coughing and in the morning to clear overnight mucus buildup. It can also be used every four to six hours as needed, up to three or four cups per day.
For extra clearing power, a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper can be added. The capsaicin gently stimulates circulation and helps open congested sinuses.
Pro Tips for Maximum Relief
Use raw honey whenever possible because pasteurized honey loses many of its beneficial enzymes and antioxidants.
Avoid hot water since boiling temperatures destroy honey’s active compounds.
Sip slowly rather than gulping to extend the throat coating effect.
Combine with steam by breathing in warm steam from a bowl after drinking for deeper sinus relief.
Never give honey to infants under one year due to the risk of botulism.
