Natural Cold Remedy

So, here in England we are having the hottest October on record. And I have a stinking cold. Typical.

Usually I like to stick with a homemade lemon and honey drink to help treat some of the symptoms of a cold or flu. On a forum, somebody mentioned adding ginger. I discovered that ginger is an expectorant so decided I should definitely add it to the mix! All three ingredients have properties that will help you get over your cold more quickly and it's actually a pretty tasty drink in itself, so this medicine is sweet in more ways than one!

Honey contains natural antibacterial properties to help kill the germs causing your sore throat. The natural sugars in the honey will act as a syrup to soothe your throat and reduce the itching and coughing.
Lemons are a good source of Vitamin C to boost your immune system and will help your body rid itself of your cold more quickly.
Ginger is believed to be an anti-inflammatory and natural painkiller so it will reduce the swelling and pain of your sore throat. Additionally, ginger is an expectorant so it will help you breathe more easily.

Here is my recipe. It's important that the drink is made in the correct way to maximise the benefits. The ginger needs boiling water to create a herbal infusion but boiling water will kill the beneficial bacteria in the honey and the vitamins in the lemons which is why you put the honey and lemon in last of all, after you've added some cold water to reduce the temperature.

Hot Ginger, Lemon & Honey Drink (Natural Cold & Flu Remedy)
1 mug/cup

Ingredients:
1/2 inch fresh ginger stem, finely chopped
1 large teaspoon of set honey (set honey has more beneficial properties than clear honey)
2 generous slices of lemon
Water

• Place the sliced ginger in the mug and fill 3/4 to the brim with boiling water. Allow the ginger to infuse for 3 minutes. Leave the ginger in the mug.
• Top up the mug with cold water, making sure you leave enough room for the lemons and honey.
• Stir in the honey and then add the lemons.
• Sip the drink slowly, stirring occasionally to release the juice from the lemons and the flavour of the ginger. I like to press the lemons with the back of the spoon to squeeze out some extra juice.

If you have a cold, I hope you are feeling better soon!