How Does Honey and Lemon Tea Help When You're Sick?

As I write this post, I’m lying in bed with a snotty nose and with what feels like a hedgehog doing backflips in my throat. I’ve officially fallen ill, and I feel miserable. The moment my family found out, almost like clockwork, they sprang into action.

“I’ll make you some honey and lemon tea,” someone called.

In my current state, I didn’t question it. I simply thanked them for the kind gesture before returning to coughing up my lungs. After finishing the cup, alongside some flu medicine, I drifted off watching daytime TV, hoping rest would do the trick.

When I woke up a few hours later, another steaming cup of lemon and honey tea was waiting beside my bed. That small act of kindness was the spark that began the idea this post.

What is it about honey and lemon tea that makes it the universal remedy when we fall ill? In our household, it’s an almost automatic reaction. The faintest sniffle gets the kettle boiling and the lemons cut. Curiosity has gotten the best of me, and with just enough energy to type, I’m setting out to find the answer. What is it about honey and lemon tea that helps us when we’re sick?

The ingredients

The ingredients list is simple: honey, lemon, and tea. But what is it about each of them that help us feel better? Let’s go through them one by one.

Honey

Honey has been used for centuries as a natural remedy in cultures across the world. Not only does it never spoil, but it’s also a demulcent, meaning it coats and soothes irritated throat tissues. It creates a gentle protective layer that helps reduce coughing and soreness.

Honey is also antimicrobial, capable of slowing or even killing some bacteria that cause throat infections. To make most of honeys health benefits, let your tea cool slightly before adding the honey. High temperatures can destroy some of the honey’s natural enzymes, the proteins that trigger its healing effects. Patience really is the key here.

Lemon

Lemons are renowned for their vitamin C, which supports our immune systems and helps our bodies defend against cold and flu viruses. Vitamin C also encourages the production of white blood cells, which help fight infections, while antioxidants help reduce inflammation in the throat and nose.

Lemon juice also cuts through mucus, which makes breathing feel a lot easier. Its acidity encourages us to drink more fluids, which is crucial for recovering, as staying hydrated helps the bodiy heal faster. Remember to drink water between your cups of tea, as certain teas can make you more dehydrated.

Different Tea for Different Needs

The tea does more than carry the honey and lemon and will have different benefits dependent on what tea you choose. The warmth loosens congestion while herbal compounds provide anti-inflammatory, antiviral, or calming effects dependent on the variety.

To fully understand the powers of tea, let’s explore a few varieties and see how they differ.

Rooibos Tea

Rooibos is our preferred choice of tea. It’s a naturally caffeine-free tea which supports restful sleep, and is rich in antioxidants that, like lemons, help reduce inflammation. It’s an excellent choice when you’re ill.

Ginger Tea

Ginger Tea is another strong contender. Ginger contains compounds that fight inflammation, reduce nausea, and ease muscle aches. It also has mild antibacterial properties, helping the body to fight colds and sore throats.

Chamomile Tea

Chamomile is famous for promoting better sleep. It relaxes the nervous system and muscles, aiding rest and recovery, while its natural anti-inflammatory effects soothe sore throats. It’s another favourite in our family.

Peppermint Tea

Peppermint tea contains menthol, a compound that opens the airways and help relieve congestion. Its cooling sensation can also ease headaches and help blocked noses.

A Soothing Thought to End With

I hope you’ve learnt something new about the benefits of honey and lemon tea when you’re sick. From understanding what each ingredient does to choosing the right tea and knowing when to add the honey, there’s far more going on in that simple cup than most of us realise.

One thing is for sure, when I’m finally up and about, I’ll head downstairs, pop the kettle on, and prepare myself a soothing mug of honey and lemon tea, and who knows, maybe I’ll add a slice of chopped ginger for good measure.

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