Dealing with a chesty cough or that persistent "tickle" in your lungs can be incredibly uncomfortable. While mucus is a natural response from your body to protect the respiratory system during illness, an excess of it can lead to congestion, coughing, and the frustrating feeling of not being able to clear your airways.

Before trying any new remedy, it’s always important to consult with a doctor, especially if symptoms are severe or persist for a long period of time. For general chest congestion and throat irritation that accompanies a common cold, this time-tested, natural remedy can be very soothing.

Why This Classic Remedy Works

The effectiveness of this recipe lies in the combined properties of two simple, natural ingredients:

• Raw Honey: As a natural humectant, honey helps retain moisture. It coats and soothes the irritated throat lining, reducing the urge to cough. Its antimicrobial properties can also support your immune system.

• Lemon: Rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants, lemon boosts immunity and helps break down mucus. Its acidity can make it easier to expel mucus while also offering a refreshing, tangy taste.

Together, honey and lemon create a soothing syrup that can provide relief from congestion discomfort.

The 2-Ingredient Soothing Honey-Lemon Syrup

This remedy isn’t a "vacuum cleaner" that clears out everything at once, but rather a gentle, supportive option to help your body's natural cleansing processes.

You Will Need:

• 1 tablespoon of raw, organic honey

• 1 teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice

How to Make & Use It:

1. Mix the honey and lemon juice together in a small bowl until well combined.

2. Take one teaspoon of the mixture as needed to soothe throat irritation and cough.

3. You can also add the mixture to a cup of warm (not boiling) water or herbal tea to sip slowly. The warm liquid helps further thin mucus.

For best results, consume this 2-3 times a day while you have symptoms.

Important Considerations & Safety

• Do not give honey to children under one year of age due to the risk of infant botulism.

• This is a soothing remedy and not a cure for underlying conditions such as bronchitis, pneumonia, or COVID-19.

• If your mucus is green, yellow, lasts for more than a week, or is accompanied by fever, shortness of breath, or wheezing, seek medical advice.

Other Helpful Practices

To further help clear congestion:

• Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of warm fluids such as water, broth, and herbal tea can help thin mucus and keep your throat moist.

• Use a Humidifier: Adding moisture to the air can help loosen mucus and relieve congestion.

• Inhale Steam: Leaning over a bowl of hot water with a towel over your head for 5-10 minutes (be cautious of burns) can help open your airways and loosen mucus.

• Get Plenty of Rest: Your body needs energy to fight off infection and recover, so make sure you get enough rest.

This simple, natural remedy can help support your body’s healing processes, making the discomfort of a chesty cough or throat irritation a little easier to bear.