This recipe that Sarah found is similar to one that my grandmother used to make. She called it simply Hot Lemon. It’s hot water, lemon, honey, and cayenne pepper. And at the first sign of a cold, you drink it quickly. Thank goodness it doesn’t have vinegar in it–she made those too and I hated them.
This recipe is found in some of the earliest cookbooks from early colonial America, probably because most of the ingredients were (fairly) easily obtained. Don’t be put off by its simplicity. This hot drink is a miracle worker. I just hope none of us needs it this winter.
The lemon is loaded with Vitamin C and antioxidants. Because lemons increase perspiration, they can also help combat a low-grade fever. Honey has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties which can help with sore throats. The cayenne pepper breaks up mucus (yay!) and helps move it along sooner rather than later. And the water adds much-needed fluid and hydration to help flush the cold out of your system.
Please don’t give this to children under 1 years of age since it contains honey.

Sarah Munro’s Hot Lemon Cold Remedy
Ingredients
- Hot water
- 1 -2 teaspoons of honey
- Dash of Cayenne pepper
- A thick slice of a fresh (and washed) lemon
Directions
Place the honey, cayenne pepper, and lemon slice in a mug. Fill the mug with boiling water. Drink as soon as it’s cool enough to swallow without burning yourself. Repeat as necessary.
Important disclaimer about wild plants, foraging, and making herbal remedies:
I am not a medical professional and nothing written on this blog is medical advice. None of my statements have been evaluated by the FDA (I am legally required to give you this disclaimer).
It is important to do your due diligence before foraging, harvesting, and/or consuming any type of medicinal plant.
- If you are taking any medications, talk to your doctor about any potential drug interactions.
- If you are allergic to anything, make sure whatever you are foraging is not in the same family. Example: While dandelions are typically considered safe, those who are allergic to ragweed, latex, daisies, or any other plants in the same or similar families, may not be able to consume dandelion.
Always research potential side effects, dosage recommendations, and how to properly prepare and consume each medicinal plant.
Always make sure you are foraging what you believe to be. Fully prepare and study the anatomy before harvesting wild plants.
Always make sure your kitchen/work area is clean and that all materials are sterilized.
Do not forage plants from areas that have been sprayed within the past 2 years at the very least.
I am not legally or morally responsible for the health of any of my readers. Please do your own research!