Honey & Lemon

I always spend January on tenterhooks, as I know inevitably I’m going to catch the lurgy. It hasn’t happened yet, but we all know it’s only a matter of time when you’re back in an office after Christmas. It’s germ central.

When I was a kid and got sick, my Dad would always make me honey and lemon. It’s something I rarely make for myself, but the last couple of times I’ve had nasty throat bugs, I’ve whipped up a mug or two and remembered just how comforting it is. I don’t drink tea or coffee, but I could totally get used to drinking hot honey and lemon every morning. It tastes super yummy, and even tastes as if it’s doing good. It totally is, too! I did some research (I know!) and honey has a whole wealth of health benefits – it can reduce the risk of some cancers and heart disease, it’s anti-bacterial, it’s good for your skin, it’s a probiotic and it is scientifically proven to help with coughs! It’s ALL true. I read it on Google. Lemon is almost as awesome – it’s good for digestion, has anti-cancer properties, is full of potassium, can lower a fever and can soothe a sore throat.

Anyway, I think I’ve been persuasive enough. If you’re feeling a bit grotty, this is my tried and tested honey and lemon recipe, guaranteed to make you feel a little bit better.

Honey & Lemon Tea

1 – Juice half a lemon into a mug – be careful not to let any pips in! You can strain this through a sieve if you aren’t a fan of pulpy bits – I don’t usually bother.
2 – Top up the mug with boiling water, allowing a little space at the top for your honey.
3 – Stir in a tablespoon of honey.
4 – Add half a teaspoon of dried cinnamon (or a cinnamon stick if you are fancy) and half a teaspoon of dried ginger and stir well.
5 – Try a teaspoon of the mixture and add more honey if it needs more sweetness, or more lemon if it’s a bit too sweet.
6 - If you want to, add a slug of whisky and turn it into a hot toddy. That'll sort you right out.
7 – Finally, get your poorly self into bed and drink it down, and don’t you dare go to work today. Feel better!