10/27/2025
Whole-Lemon Tonic for Cold and Flu Support:
Ingredients:
• 1 organic lemon, washed and cut into pieces (use peel and pulp)
• 1 cup spring water
• 1 teaspoon raw honey
• Pinch of mineral or sea salt
• Optional add-ins: 1 small clove of crushed garlic, 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger, dash of cayenne or turmeric
Blend or muddle together. Strain if desired and serve with a light salt rim.
Why it works?
•Lemon peel: Rich in flavonoids such as hesperidin, eriocitrin, and limonene, which exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in laboratory studies. These compounds can help reduce oxidative stress that increases during infection. The peel also contains small amounts of vitamin C and essential oils that may have mild antimicrobial activity.
•Raw honey: Contains glucose oxidase, an enzyme that produces small amounts of hydrogen peroxide when diluted in water. This contributes to its antibacterial properties. Honey’s polyphenols also show antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. The viscous texture helps coat the throat and soothe irritation.
•Ginger: Contains gingerols and shogaols that support healthy inflammatory response and may inhibit some viral replication pathways in vitro. It also promotes circulation and digestive comfort.
•Garlic: Provides allicin, formed when the clove is crushed. Allicin has demonstrated antibacterial and antiviral effects in experimental studies and may support immune function.
•Salt: Supplies electrolytes such as sodium and trace minerals, which support hydration and nerve function.
•Cayenne or turmeric (optional): Capsaicin in cayenne can stimulate circulation; curcumin in turmeric has documented anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
References: Nogata Y, et al. Flavonoid composition of lemon and other citrus fruits. J Agric Food Chem. 2006;54(12):4751–4757.
• Ghasemi K, et al. Antioxidant activity and phenolic content of various Iranian lemon and orange peels. Food Chem. 2009;116(1):50–55.
