Clear your throat and lungs of mucus with this recipe – just 2 ingredients

The simple combination of raw honey and lemon juice is effective because it addresses the root causes of coughing and congestion rather than merely masking symptoms. During illness, mucus becomes thick and sticky, trapping irritants and inflaming the throat. Honey and lemon work together to thin this mucus, calm irritation, and support immune function at the same time.

Raw honey is the backbone of this remedy. It contains natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory compounds that help fight infection while soothing damaged throat tissue. Honey also coats the throat, which reduces the cough reflex and eases the burning or scratchy sensation that often triggers nonstop coughing. In addition, it acts as a gentle expectorant, helping loosen phlegm so the body can clear it more easily. Research has repeatedly shown that honey can be as effective—or more effective—than many over-the-counter cough medicines for reducing cough frequency and improving sleep.

Lemon juice supports the process in equally powerful ways. Rich in vitamin C, it helps strengthen immune cells and may shorten recovery time. Its natural acidity breaks down thick mucus, making congestion less sticky and easier to expel from the chest and sinuses. Lemon also encourages hydration within the respiratory tract, further thinning secretions and easing breathing.

Together, honey and lemon form a natural decongestant that calms coughing, loosens mucus, and supports faster healing. A 2020 review published in *BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine* found that honey outperformed common cough medications in reducing cough severity and duration—confirming what traditional remedies have known for generations.

**How to Make It**

Mix two tablespoons of raw, unfiltered honey with one tablespoon of fresh lemon juice in half a cup of warm (not boiling) water. Stir until fully dissolved and sip slowly while warm, allowing the mixture to coat the throat.

This drink works best before bed to calm nighttime coughing and in the morning to clear overnight mucus. It can be taken every four to six hours as needed.

**Final Thought**

Healing does not have to be complicated. Sometimes the most effective support comes from simple, time-tested ingredients. When your chest feels lighter, your cough quiets, and breathing comes easier, you will know this wasn’t just a warm drink—it was exactly what your body needed.