Coughing is one of the most common symptoms when someone has a respiratory illness like a cold or the flu. It’s an annoying symptom that can disrupt sleep and daily activities. When searching for relief, many people turn to homemade remedies like hot lemonade. But does hot lemonade actually help soothe a cough?
What Causes Coughing?
A cough is caused by irritation in the throat or airways. Colds and respiratory infections like the flu, bronchitis, or pneumonia often lead to coughing as the body tries to clear mucus and germs from the lungs and breathing passages. Allergies, asthma, and heartburn can also trigger coughing. Even just a tickle or itch in the throat from post-nasal drip can initiate a coughing fit.
During a cough, the epiglottis closes off the trachea to prevent food or liquids from entering the airways. Air is then forcefully expelled to try to remove or expel whatever is causing the irritation. This quick burst of air makes the distinctive coughing sound.
How Might Hot Lemonade Help a Cough?
Hot lemonade is a classic home remedy used by many people to help soothe a cough and other cold symptoms. There are a few ways that hot lemonade could potentially help:
1. Heat
Drinking a hot beverage can provide immediate relief for an irritated throat. The heat may help loosen mucus, relax muscles, and dilate blood vessels. This allows more blood flow to bring oxygen and nutrients to the area to help repair damage caused by coughing.
2. Fluid intake
Staying hydrated is key when you’re sick. Water and other fluids help thin out mucus and make it less sticky. This allows the body to more easily expel it through coughing. Hot lemonade provides fluid intake to prevent dehydration.
3. Honey
Many hot lemonade recipes include honey, which is thought to coat and soothe an irritated throat. Honey also has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, which could help fight infection. However, children under 1 year should not be given honey due to the risk of infant botulism.
4. Vitamin C
Lemons provide vitamin C, an essential nutrient when you’re sick. Vitamin C supports immune function and has antioxidant properties that help fight infection. Adults should aim for at least 75-90 mg of vitamin C per day when sick.
One lemon contains about 31 mg of vitamin C. A cup of hot lemonade with a whole squeezed lemon provides close to one-third of your daily vitamin C needs.
Hot Lemonade Recipes
There are many variations of hot lemonade you can make at home. Here are a few popular recipes:
Basic Hot Lemonade
- 1 cup water
- Juice from 1 lemon
- 1-2 tsp honey or sugar
Heat water until hot but not boiling. Stir in lemon juice and sweetener. For added benefits, include grated ginger or a cinnamon stick.
Spiced Hot Lemonade
- 1 cup water
- Juice from 1 lemon
- 1 tsp honey
- 3 cloves
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 star anise
Simmer water and spices for 5 minutes. Discard spices. Stir in lemon juice and honey.
Mint Hot Lemonade
- 1 cup water
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1-2 tbsp honey
- 5 mint leaves
Muddle mint leaves in honey. Heat water until hot but not boiling. Remove from heat and add lemon juice and mint-honey mixture.
Turmeric Hot Lemonade
- 1 cup water
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp honey
- 1/4 tsp turmeric
- Pinch of black pepper
Whisk together all ingredients in a mug and microwave for 1-2 minutes until hot. Turmeric and black pepper provide extra anti-inflammatory benefits.
Does Science Support Hot Lemonade for Coughs?
There is limited scientific research specifically on hot lemonade for cough relief. However, some studies have looked at the potential benefits of ingredients commonly found in hot lemonade recipes:
Honey
A 2018 review found that honey was superior to usual care for improving cough symptoms. Children ages 1-18 with upper respiratory tract infections saw greater improvements in cough frequency and severity when treated with honey.
Heat
One study had adults inhale hot air at different temperatures. Inhaling hot air at 113°F provided the most rapid relief for cough symptoms.
Fluids
A study in children found that increasing fluid intake shortened duration of illness and helped clear mucus more effectively than medication. However, the type of fluid did not seem to matter.
Vitamin C
Evidence on vitamin C and the common cold is mixed. Routine vitamin C supplementation may not prevent colds but may reduce duration by about 8% in adults and 14% in children.
Potential Risks and Precautions
Drinking hot lemonade is generally recognized as safe, but there are some potential risks and precautions to keep in mind:
- Burn risk – Allow hot lemonade to cool slightly before drinking to avoid scalding your mouth.
- Tooth enamel erosion – Lemon juice is acidic, so avoid swishing it around your teeth. Use a straw to help reduce contact with teeth.
- Heartburn – The acidity of lemon juice may worsen heartburn in some people.
- Drug interactions – Lemon can interfere with certain medications broken down by the liver.
- Infant botulism – Do not give honey to children under 1 year due to the risk of botulism spores.
Check with your doctor before using hot lemonade if you take any chronic medications or have health conditions like GERD. Discontinue use if you experience any worsened symptoms or allergic reactions.
Conclusion
Based on traditional use and some scientific evidence, hot lemonade may help provide temporary relief for coughing caused by colds and respiratory infections. The heat can soothe irritation, while the fluid helps thin mucus. Honey may also coat and calm the throat. Vitamin C offers immune-boosting antioxidant support.
While hot lemonade appears safe for most people when consumed in moderation, remember it’s not a cure. Make sure to also get adequate rest and talk to your doctor if symptoms persist or worsen. With some honey, lemon, and heat, hot lemonade provides a comforting homemade remedy to help ease cough symptoms.