I’m doing a little bonus post this week! Yes, I normally post on Tuesdays and Fridays, but just for this week I’m throwing in one extra. Because who couldn’t use a little help like this during cold and flu season. And, besides…this mixture just tastes good!
I’ve known about this little sore throat and cough remedy for years. I think my Mama even gave us something similar when we were children. You can keep a jar of this in your pantry or refrigerator and use it any time you start to feel that little tickle in your throat. You know that little tickle? The one that says “Get ready. I’m a nasty cold and here I come?” Yuck.
I know people who swear that taking a spoonful of this mixture every day will keep colds away. I don’t know about that, but some of them are pretty adamant about it.
Now, I am NOT giving anyone medical advice here. As Paula Deen famously said, “I’m your cook, not your doctor.” I’m just sharing a little something that might make you feel better if you’re under the weather. And, by the way…don’t give this to infants. Honey is not safe for them.
Guess what else? If you completely forget that this is in your pantry, after a while it turns into the most delicious marmalade! Yep.
All you do is take a clean pint jar and cut up a couple of lemons and pack them into the jar. I take out the seeds, but whatever. About halfway through filling the jar with lemons, grate in about a 1-inch piece of fresh ginger. Finish filling with the lemons. Now, slowly pour the honey in giving it a little time to settle between all the lemon pieces. Put the cap on and let it sit for about 24 hours before you start using it. If you can get some local honey all the better.
Most people stir a spoonful of the mixture into a cup of boiling water, let it steep a few minutes, then strain it and sip it. I actually prefer it in hot tea. And, if you’re really feeling under the weather, adding a little spoonful of whiskey won’t hurt a thing.
Enjoy and feel better!
A lemon, honey, and ginger soother for colds and sore throats.
Ingredients
- 2-3 lemons
- 1" piece fresh ginger root
- 1/2 to 1 cup honey
Instructions
- Wash the lemon and cut into slices or wedges. Pack the wedges in a clean, dry jar.
- Grate the ginger root into the jar with the lemon wedges.
- Fill the jar with honey.
- Close the jar and let stand for at least 24 hours before using.
- Store in refrigerator or dark, cool pantry.
Notes
Note: honey is not safe for infants. This recipe is not be construed in any way as medical advice.
Other posts from around the internet that praise the lemon-ginger-honey remedy:
- Cold Remedies: what works, what doesn’t, and what can’t hurt from Mayo Clinic
- Cold and Flu Home Remedies from Dr. Oz
- Honey and Lemon Tea from Simply Recipes
- Lemon Ginger and Honey in a Jar (Cold Buster!) from Marin Homestead
- Sweet Zinger for Sore Throat and Cold from Zensible Mama
What I was up to…
- One year ago: Pickled Shrimp
- Two years ago: Afternoon Light
- Three years ago: Italian Sausage and Peppers
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{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
If I feel really really really yucky, I use rum instead of whiskey. There is less taste, but you get the same sleep factor.
Thanks.
Miss P
Good idea! I’m going to try that.
This actually sounds GOOD! :)
It is good, Brenda! Sometimes I eat a spoonful of it for no good reason at all :-)
Oh excellent, thank you :)
I’m touring with a children’s musical that requires me to wake up early every Monday-Friday for the next few months. Usually waking up at 6:00 am makes my voice stage a protest, and I kept finding myself with a sore voice when the weekend rolled around. I’ve been sipping this stuff with hot water on a pretty much daily basis, and I haven’t had a problem since. I’m pretty sure this will be a permanent addition to my fridge. Thanks!