ELI5. Why is honey and lemon a popular cure for cold like symptoms. What makes lemon more effective than say an orange or lime?
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I’m not sure it matters, really. I use lime more than I use lemon when I make a hot toddy for myself (still citric acid with vitamin c). Some things are just “the way it’s always been done” and not necessarily better or worse, probably due to availability and pricing in the past.
Honey and lemon is a popular home remedy for cold-like symptoms because the honey acts as a natural cough suppressant and the lemon contains vitamin C, which can help boost the immune system and potentially alleviate some cold symptoms. Lemon may be more effective than other citrus fruits like oranges or limes because it has a higher concentration of vitamin C.
As someone who likes to pretend they can sing- lots of my friends use that drink to help their voice, but cooler. Lemon clears mucus and honey lubricates and relieves any irritation- two properties helpful when you’re ill. It tastes better warm, and is more soothing for a sore or irritated throat (if you’re singing though, I’ve heard to avoid too hot beverages). Probably more effective when warm if you have a lot of phlegm stuck in your throat when ill too.
That’s my layman’s approach to it. Just generally effective. Orange would be kind of nasty imo. Honey has been used for a long time to help with cold and flu symptoms- a local shop owned by a silly little man (conspiracy theorist- not necessary to include, just funny to me) sells beeswax and honey based products, much of which is aimed at cold and flu symptoms as a natural remedy. According to the marketing honey has a lot of good stuff in it for fighting illness- couldn’t tell you off the top of my head, but I’m sure google will tell you that…
Fun fact- I’m Britain at least until the 60s (?) it wasn’t uncommon to give ill children a horrendous mixture of warm cream and milk or
smth. My father grew up in Britain. He tried to convince my Canadian mother to give me that when I had the flu with a horrible fever. I was like 8 and super picky- I almost threw up. Bleh.
Ethnobotanist here. To add to what others have said, lemons contain high concentrations of nitric succullites, making them particularly effective in terms of reducing inflammation of the sinuses.
>What makes lemon more effective than say an orange or lime?
Not a darn thing. Citrus is citrus, it’s just a flavor preference.
Honey and lemon is popular because it tastes good and it’s soothing. It’s nothing to do with fighting the cold other than making the victim more comfortable.
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