The weather has been so cold and windy of late with cough, flu and cold attacking victims in full force. I got cautioned and alerted this year the hard way because I failed to carry out my normal yearly routine of preparing lemon, honey and ginger drink.
To cut the story short, I had cold last week which reminded me of my usual drink however, the good news is that the moment I made my home remedy for colds and flu (ginger, lemon and honey drink), I got well within 2 days. This is part of my motivation to write this post so as to share with others how to prepare their own drinks as well for combating cold and flu.
Most people complain that no matter what they do to fight cold and flu, they still end up getting infected. Cold and flu season leaves people feeling very uncomfortable and miserable and it's so unfortunate that there is no cure for common cold however, some herbs can naturally help to relieve the symptoms without any side effect obtainable from medications. Don't let this cold and flu season keep you locked indoors especially during this festive period.
Symptoms of Cold and Flu
Sore throat, nose blockage, breathlessness, heartburn or chestpain, dizziness, sleep disturbances, body aches, stomach ache, nausea, urinary incontinence etc.
Home remedy for colds and flu
According to Parihar et., al. (2011), herbs such as lemon, ginger and lemon can be used in the treatment of cold, cough and flu. These ailments can be caused by virus (common cold), fungus, bacteria, dust, pollens etc.
Honey, lemon and ginger have been previously and presently being used for treating colds and flu due their homeopathic properties. Combination of these powerful herbs and roots are a great remedy for several ailments especially infection, cold, cough and flu.
Honey
Research suggests that honey is capable of boosting human antibody productions in both primary and secondary immune responses against antigens (Singh et., al. 2012). Honey possesses both antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties.
As an immune booster, honey is capable of clearing infections that can cause flu, cold and cough. Honey is so soothing to the throat, hence capable of clearing sore throat as well as acting as cough suppressant. This boosts the body’s ability to fight infection thereby minimising the risk of fevers.
Lemon
Ucan et., al. (2014), agree that lemon fruit is a rich source of Potassium, Vitamin B6, niacin (Vit. B3), sugars, iron, fat, zinc, protein, magnesium, riboflavin (Vit. B2), dietary fibre, pantothenic acid (B5), carbohydrates, folate (Vit. B9), vitamin C, calcium, thiamine (Vit. B1), energy and phosphorus. Their high content of vitamin C maintains a strong immune system and neutralizes the free radicals in the human body.
Ginger
Schor (2012) identifies that ginger contains minerals such as iron, calcium and phosphorous, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin and vitamin C and all these vitamins and minerals have been shown to promote healthy sweating and excretion of toxins from the body which greatly helps to prevent flu, colds, dizziness, nausea, vomiting and settle stomach upset. Ginger roots are also anti-inflammatory and antiviral in nature.
Preparation
Preparing this immune booster drink is very easy and it can be made in large quantity and store in the fridge for the whole family to drink except kids under the age of 12 months.
Ingredients
6 tsps. honey
4 lemons (washed)
3 ginger (washed)
1 litre water
N:B It is optional to add any reasonable quantity of the listed ingredients as desired.
Method
Slice lemon into pieces and add into a clean pot.
Slice the ginger into pieces as well and add into same pot.
Add honey and water and allow to boil for at least 10 mins.
Bring down from fire, set aside and allow to cool before drinking.
Take at least 1/2 glass every morning and night or as desired.
Even if you are just beginning to have a feel of sore throat, or you already have cold or flu, try out this powerful home remedy for colds and flu for your immune-boosting, flu-fighting and a healthy you. The ingredients are not as expensive as the over the counter medication as you can easily find them in your kitchen as well as prepare the concoction at your convenience.
DISCLAIMER:
This post is for enlightenment purposes only and should not be used as a replacement for professional diagnostic and treatments. Remember to always consult your health care provider before making any health-related decisions or for counselling, guidance and treatment about a specific medical condition.
REFERENCES
Parihar M., Chouhan A., Harsoliya M. S., Pathan J. K., Banerjee S., Khan N. and Patel V. M. (2011), A Review- Coughs & Treatments, International Journal of Natural Products Research, 1 (1), pp. 9-15.
Schor J. (2012) Ginger May Reduce Colorectal Cancer Risk, Natural Medicine Journal vol 4, issue 6.
Singh M. P, Chourasia H. R, Agarwali M., Malhotra A., Sharma M., Sharma D and Khan S. (2012) Honey as Complementary Medicine, International Journal of Pharma and Bio Sciences, Vol 3, Issue 2.
Ucan F., Akyildiz A. & Agcam E. (2014) Effects of Different Enzymes and Concentrations in the Production of Clarified Lemon Juice, Journal of Food Processing Vol. 2014.
