Today a couple of people in my house woke up with a sore throat. When this happens, I start to pull out my natural remedies, hoping to stop a potential cold in its tracks before it can progress.

One of the best ways that I know to soothe a sore throat is with Hot Honey Ginger Lemonade. It’s a simple recipe, we almost always have all of the ingredients on hand, and each of the ingredients is helpful to boost immunity.

Honey: Honey is a natural anti-bacterial. It’s also naturally high in anti-oxidants. You’ll want to be sure that you’re using a pure, raw honey, as pasteurization can kill off some of honey’s healthy attributes. Local honey is ideal, but it’s not always easy to come by, especially in the winter.

Lemon: Lemons are naturally rich in vitamin C, contain some anti-viral compounds, and help to balance the body’s pH.

Ginger: Ginger can help to clear throat and nose congestion, as well as the micro circulatory channels of the sinuses. It’s also naturally warming.

Cayenne pepper: Cayenne helps to break up mucus. It can also help to soothe a sore throat, as well as having natural anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.

Here’s how I make my sore throat remedy:

Hot Honey Ginger Lemonade

Juice of ½ lemon
1 spoon honey, to taste
1 slice fresh ginger root, or more
Sprinkle of cayenne pepper (optional)
Hot water

Juice the lemon, and put half of the juice in a mug (save the rest of the juice for a second round). Add a spoonful of honey, one slice of fresh ginger (I peel and julienne it), and a sprinkle of cayenne, if desired. Top it off with freshly boiled water.

The hot water will soften the honey until it will easily mix into the water (raw honey is often not pourable. While you’re waiting for the honey to soften, the ginger will infuse the water. After it’s sat for a few minutes, give it a good stir to mix it thoroughly, and enjoy.

For another suggestion on how to boost immunity to stave off a cold naturally, please see my post HERE.