Easy Lemon, Honey, and Ginger Throat Tea Recipe

Every time my family wakes up with a tickle in their throats, I know it’s the start of a cold or flu. If you don’t act fast, the tickle will quickly turn into something more severe, especially during cold and flu season. Long before I knew anything about plants or herbs, I learned to make lemon honey ginger tea from a dear friend who is a professional singer. The combination of hot water and the anti-inflammatory properties of the raw honey and ginger mixed with the natural acid of the lemon juice cuts through any congestion while soothing aches or soreness. This tea is quick to come together. You most likely have the simple ingredients on hand. Most of which, you can easily pick up from your local grocery stores. It’s the perfect hot tea to support your immune system.

The Benefits of Ginger During Cold Season

Ginger root has many health benefits. It’s well known for aiding digestion, upset stomach, and easing morning sickness during pregnancy. Ginger has also been used for centuries to soothe the symptoms of colds and flu. Although more studies are needed, herbalists have recommended the use of fresh ginger root in tea because of its high levels of natural gingerol, an anti-inflammatory. Fresh ginger root has antibacterial properties and can help protect against some viral infections. The aromatics of fresh ginger may aid in easing a stuffy nose while also being a resourceful natural remedy for a sore throat.

The Benefits of Lemon Juice

Singers have long known the natural benefits of fresh lemon juice or lemon tea. Not only are Lemons a great source of vitamin C, but they also increase saliva production which keeps your mucous membranes moist. Adding lemon juice or lemon slices to hot water is a simple and easy way to quickly refresh a parched throat and keep you feeling hydrated. Lemon juice is a key ingredient in making a delicious tea for sore or scratchy throats due to colds, flues, or dry cold winter weather.

Why Include Raw Honey in Your Soothing Lemon Ginger Tea?

Is there a homemade tea that is complete without the natural sweetness of honey? Raw honey is the final hero in this tea recipe. Mix raw or local honey into your tea for added immune support. Raw honey contains several antioxidant properties and is also naturally antibacterial. Add up to one-two tablespoons of honey to your cup of tea to help with temporary relief from a bad cough, sore throat, and other cold symptoms. Honey has also been found to ease the symptoms of seasonal allergies.

Ingredients:

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4 Tablespoons of Freshly squeezed lemon juice (The juice of 1-2 whole lemons)

4-8 slices of freshly cut ginger root

1-2 tablespoons of raw or organic honey

6 cups of water

Tools You Will Need:

Citrus Juicer

Sharp Knife

Cutting Board

Medium Pot with a lid

Spoon or Spatula

Spoon for the honey

How To Make the Easy Lemon Honey Ginger Tea

1. Juice the lemon and add the juice to the cooking pot.
2. Next, slice the fresh ginger root into 1/4″ thick rounds. You can peel the ginger prior to slicing, or leave the skin on. Add the sliced ginger to the lemon juice in the pot.
3. Finally, add the water to the pot and bring the contents to a boil. Allow the tea to boil for 2-3 minutes, then cover the pot with the lid and allow it to steep for at least 10 minutes. The steeping time will allow the potency and spiciness of the ginger root to infuse well.
4. Ladel the tea into a mug. Avoid ladeling any pieces of the ginger root into the mug. Add the honey and stir until it has combined well with the other ingredients.
5. Sip and enjoy!

Additions and alterations to the recipe

1. Consider adding additional fresh herbs like thyme, and rosemary, or add a cinnamon stick for additional benefits or flavor profiles.
2. Instead of using lemons, you can use 2-3 limes for a brighter flavor.
3. In the warmer months, infuse the tea in cold water out in the sun for a medicinal version of Sun Tea.
4. Make a big batch of the tea and freeze some in ice cube trays of it to use for later in the cold winter days.

The Best Time of Day to Consume the Lemon Honey Ginger Tea

Although there isn’t a right or wrong time of day to consume your homemade throat tea, the morning is a wonderful time of day to enjoy this easy tea recipe. The lemon juice helps to break down any mucous or congestion from the night, while the warm water will help to rehydrate and soothe any dryness in the throat. Use the tea as a homemade remedy for allergies and for supporting your body at the first signs of a cold or flu.