Simple and Effective Natural Remedy for Cold and Flu Relief

You might be a pro at making lemonade when life throws you lemons, but what about all those times when you fall sick?

Seemingly small issues like waking up with a headache or getting a sore throat indicate the onset of cold or flu that can give a hard time to even the strongest and most courageous individuals. And visiting the doctor, or worse, being prescribed a list of bitter medicines to take every day is a tough pill that you probably can’t swallow (pun intended).

Luckily, medicines are not always the only option. Common problems like cold and flu can often be treated successfully by following in the footsteps of our ancestors. They turned to fruits, vegetables and herb gardens rather than heading to the nearest pharmacy whenever they felt unwell.

Here is a time-tested, safe and effective natural remedy for cold and flu relief.

Honey and Lemon Infused Ginger Water

It takes ten minutes to prepare this soothing tea and less than ten seconds to gulp it down. And the cold will be better sooner than you can imagine.

How to Prepare

To make this safe and natural concoction, you’ll need to do the following:

·         Add a one-inch cube of fresh raw ginger to one cup of plain water in a saucepan.

·         Bring to a boil and then let it simmer for five minutes.

·         Remove from heat and add a tablespoon of raw honey and a tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice.

·         Stir well and drink at least twice a day.

Why it Works

Ginger is one of most sought-after rhizomes in the world owing to the myriad of health benefits it offers (not to mention, the unique flavor profile as well). It is a rich source of a compound called gingerol. Gingerol is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This makes ginger incredibly effective in soothing sore throats and relieving the lethargic feeling and muscle pain that are often associated with cold and flu. [Source: ncbi]

Although there are no proper studies to back the claim that lemon can ‘treat’ cold, there’s no doubt about the fact that it is highly rich in vitamin C. Vitamin C is known to help reduce the severity and duration of the cold by strengthening the immune system. [Source: healthline]

As for honey, you probably know a reason or two why it’s called ‘liquid gold.’ Honey has antimicrobial properties that allow it to fight the bacteria and viruses responsible for cold and flu. Although honey cannot ‘prevent’ cold per se, it aids in relieving symptoms and helps you recover faster. It also serves as a natural suppressant for cough. [Source: National Health Service]

So, the next time you catch a cold, brew yourself a nice hot cup of honey and lemon ginger tea before reaching out for over-the-counter medicines.