Have you ever been caught off guard by a cold? You dread the thought of leaving the comfort of home to venture to a store for medicine. I have been using this homemade tea for years, and giving it to my children with good results. These three ingredients are a power house when it comes to feeling better during cold season.
How Are These Natural Ingredients A Cold Remedy?
Honey:
- Soothing a sore throat: Honey has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, this can decrease irritation in your throat easing the pain of a sore throat.
- Suppressing a cough: Studies have shown that honey worked just as well as diphenhydramine which is commonly found in over the counter cough medications. Honey can reduce mucus secretion and also coat your throat leading to much less coughing.
Things to keep in mind: Sometimes it is unwise to suppress a cough. If you have any doubts speak to your doctor first.
Lemon:
- Vitamin C boost: Adding lemon will boost your vitamin C intake. This is a well know antioxidant that plays a crucial role in supporting your immune system, and will help your body fight infection.
- Natural decongestant: The acidity in lemon helps to thin out mucus and aid in clearing your nasal passages to relieve congestion.
- Fever reducer: Due to lemons ability to stimulate the immune system they can aid in reducing a fever.
Things to keep in mind: If you have a high fever, it is best to seek the advice of a medical professional especially when it comes to a child’s health. Drinking this tea should not be a substitute for medicine or a doctors advice when it calls for it.
Cinnamon:
- Anti-inflammatory properties: Cinnamon contains compounds that can aid in the reduction of inflammation in your body.
- Rich in antioxidants: Cinnamon contains antioxidants that protect your body from oxidative damage. They contain polyphenols like rutin which all cinnamon types contain. Are all cinnamon types created equal?
- Cassia Cinnamon Is the most common type of cinnamon found in stores, and the one you are likely to have in your cabinets. This type of cinnamon contains higher amounts of coumarin.
- Ceylon Cinnamon: Has the lowest levels of coumarin and is the healthiest.
- Coumarin in cinnamon: Coumarin, a compound found in cinnamon and can be toxic to the liver when consumed in excess. It is recommended that you don’t exceed more than 0.05 milligrams per day per pound of body weight. Some sources even recommend less. Ceylon Cinnamon contains less coumarin and is generally safer, but is more expensive. If you want organic ceylon Cinnamon, you can find it here. I use my store bought cinnamon and have never had any trouble.
Putting it All Together: Creating The Perfect Cup of Tea
When you combine honey, lemon, and cinnamon in a warm cup of tea, you create a medicinal blend that tackles cold symptoms from multiple angles. This tea is my go-to for myself and my children when we are feeling under the weather.
How to Make Your Own Honey Lemon Cinnamon Tea:
It is incredibly easy to make this tea. In-fact by the time you make it once, you won’t need to measure anything, you will just eyeball it and make it like I do. You really can’t go wrong.
A Cold Fighter: Lemon Honey Tea
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Hot water Steep in a tea pot, boil water in a pot, or use the hot water from your espresso machine, or use very hot tap water.
- 1 tsp Honey
- ½-1 tsp Lemon juice to taste fresh squeezed is best, but juice from the bottle is great too.
- ⅛ tsp or a generous pinch of cinnamon
Instructions
- Boil your water over the stove top, steep the water in a tea pot, or use the hot water feature of your espresso maker.
- Once your hot water is in your mug, add in your honey and stir to dissolve.
- Next, squeeze fresh lemon juice or juice from the bottle and stir
- Add a generous pinch of cinnamon and stir again. Sip, and enjoy!
So, next time a cold threatens to derail your day, remember the power of this simple yet potent brew. Honey, lemon, and cinnamon tea offers a comforting and potentially helpful way to soothe your symptoms and get you back on your feet. Brew a cup, savor the warmth, and let this natural remedy work its magic. Your taste buds and your body will thank you!
Check out this recipe for a germ fighting cleaner, to help protect your home during cold season:
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