Lemon, Ginger, And Honey Elixir Recipes To Ward Off Cold

At least once every year, everyone experiences the discomfort of a runny nose due to a cold. Difficult to avoid, this viral infection affects the nose and throat and can last anywhere between 2 and 14 days. The risk for a cold is more if you have a weak immune system or live in a region with seasonal variations.

A cold is something that doesn’t call for serious medical treatment most of the time. However, there are several home remedies that can cure a stuffy nose or a sore throat. Some such healing ingredients are lemon, ginger, and honey, which can make you feel better in no time when used correctly. Strengthen your immune system and fight the bacteria that cause infections with these DIY recipes.

Cold Remedies With Ginger, Lemon, And Honey

Ginger, lemon, and honey, when used with other ingredients or alone, work equally well to bust a cold and flu. Here are a few natural homemade recipes that are worth giving a try to relieve the symptoms of a cold.

1. Lemon, Ginger, And Honey Elixir Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 medium-sized lemons
• ¼ cup grated ginger
• 1 cup honey

Instructions

1. Wash the lemons and cut them into thin slices.
2. Add the lemon slices and grated ginger to a pint-sized Mason jar.
3. Pour honey into it until the jar is full.
4. Shut the jar tight and store it in the refrigerator.
5. Add 1 or 2 tablespoons of this to a cup of warm water.
6. Stir it well and drink up for instant relief from cold.

Note: This lemon, honey, and ginger can be stored for up to 2 months in the fridge as honey acts as a preservative.

2. Spicy Ginger Tea

Ingredients 

• 3 cups of water
• 3 slices of ginger
• 1 ½ tablespoon honey
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 4 cloves
• ½ tablespoon turmeric
• 1 pinch cayenne

Instructions 

1. Add all the ingredients, except the honey, to a pot and bring it to a boil.
2. Now, reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes.
3. Add honey and stir.
4. Strain the tea into a cup.
5. Enjoy it warm.

3. Ginger Garlic Soup

Ingredients

• 8 cups of water
• ½ cup of sliced ginger
• 1 whole bulb garlic, divided into cloves and peeled
• 1 medium onion, peeled and quartered
• 3 stalks celery, cut into 4-inch pieces
• 3.5 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions 

1. Add the water, ginger, garlic, onions, and celery to a pot and bring to a boil.
2. Simmer this mixture for 2 hours on a low flame. Alternatively, you could use a slow cooker and cook on a low flame for 8 hours.
3. Strain the vegetables.
4. Add the broth and bring it up to a boil again.
5. Add the salt and pepper and adjust the seasoning to your liking. You may need to add more or less depending on the type of broth you use.

You can add some lemon juice to give the soup a sour twist.

4. Ginger And Turmeric Milk

Ingredients 

• ½ liter milk
• 1 tablespoon turmeric
• ½ tablespoon ginger
• ½ tablespoon cinnamon
• 4–5 cardamom seeds

Instructions 

1. Heat the milk in a pot and add turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, and cardamom.
2. Bring it to a boil and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Strain the milk into a glass and serve warm.

Health Benefits Of Lemon, Ginger, And Honey

1. Lemon

Apart from the refreshing flavor it provides, lemon is known to have several health benefits, thanks to vitamin C! This vitamin boosts the immune system, keeps the cold at bay, and fights viral diseases. Additionally, a chemical compound called saponin in lemons also strengthens your immunity.¹

Not enough? When had with warm water, lemons flush out toxins from the digestive tract, improve digestion, and prevent infections.² Lemons also keep you full for longer, thereby promoting weight loss. The pectin fiber in lemon zest can reduce food cravings and prevent you from snacking between meals.³ This elixir is also great for your skin. The antioxidants in vitamin C fight the free radicals that damage the skin and keep it healthy and glowing!⁴

2. Ginger

Ginger is an ingredient that is valued not just as a tasty spice but also for its medicinal properties. Bioactive compounds like gingerols and shogaols give ginger its benefits, with anti-inflammatory properties that relieve the cold symptoms and cure a sore throat.⁵ Additionally, ginger can also ease menstrual cramps, combat insulin resistance, help with rheumatic disorders and indigestion, and ease migraines.

3. Honey

This natural sugar substitute is your best bet if you’re suffering from a cold accompanied by a sore throat. A common ingredient in most over-the-counter medicines for a cough, honey will soothe your throat.⁶

Raw honey will also boost your immune system and thus help you get rid of the cold faster. Furthermore, as a sleep aid, honey will make you fall asleep sooner when you are suffering from a cold.⁷

When you have a common cold, stick to a diet rich in leafy greens and fruits and drink plenty of water. Along with this, remember to avoid alcohol, caffeine, and dairy products as they can worsen the symptoms.