Lemon, honey and cardamom have been used as natural remedies for colds for centuries. While I tend to mix lemon, honey and warm water as my go-to remedy for colds, I have recently begun experimenting with cardamom with great results. Together this mix is a great therapeutic combination.
I use cardamom pods as they are said to contain the strongest medicinal properties. I add the lemon juice at the end so as not to degrade the vitamins.
Serve warm, chilled or as frozen ice cubes. The ice is great for sore throats and a good alternative to over the counter medicine.
Health benefits
Honey, cardamom and cinnamon have antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.
Honey soothes sore throats and relives irritation.
Lemon contains vitamin C.
Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties.
Cardamom is an antispasmodic and has anti-inflammatory properties, which is said to help with muscle spasms, joint pain and coughs.

This tea is great warm, chilled or frozen
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 5 minutes (plus 2 hours to infuse)
Serves: 2 cups
Ingredients
3 lemons, juiced and zested
1 teaspoon honey (optional, exclude low FODMAP see Tips)
Method
Crush the cardamom pods with a knife or grind in a mortar and pestle.

Grind the cardamom pods
Place the crushed cardamom in a saucepan on medium heat for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
Add the lemon zest, cinnamon stick, water, honey (if using) and stir.
Bring to a boil and then turn off the heat immediately. Stand and infuse for 2 hours.

Bring the ingredients to a boil
Add the lemon juice and strain.
Serve cold, reheat gradually and serve warm or pour into ice cube moulds and freeze. Enjoy!

Strain
Tips
Use maple syrup to sweeten if following a low FODMAP eating plan, if desired.
This tea can be stored in the fridge for up to one week in a sealed container.
Honey should not be given to children under the age of 12 months due to the risk of botulism, a potentially fatal disease.
If you need low FODMAP, vegetarian, gluten or lactose free recipes you may like to visit
Naomi's recipes.
Related
The health powers of lemons
Fight colds and flu naturally with a honey and lemon tea remedy
10 ways to use Cinnamon
DIY cold & flu remedy
Categories
#Healthy Recipes
#Herbal Medicine
#Natural Cures & Prevention