Fact Check: Can Consuming a Mixture of Lemon Juice and Honey Immediately Heals Sore Throat and Cough?

Claim

The Instagram user plan.cures posted a reel which states, "You have a cough and a sore throat and don't want to spend on pills? Then this very powerful remedy is for you, which will heal in just minutes," The user then goes on explaining the remedy where he suggests taking four lemons and cutting each one in half and squeezing the juice into a small container. He further explains, saying, "Remember not to throw away the lemon peel; cut it into two parts and reserve it, as it will be essential in our home remedy. Once ready, add five tablespoons of honey in a medium pot, followed by the juice of four lemons and the peels of the lemons used. Over normal heat, mix constantly until the first boil. Once ready, turn it off and pour it into a cup or a small container. For consumption, take between three to four tablespoons of this mixture. It will act immediately, relieving the sore throat and cough. Additionally, I recommend chewing the lemon peel for about five minutes."

The post can be accessed here.

Fact Check

The claim is False. Lemon and honey can soothe a sore throat and cough but lack evidence for immediate Healing. They may complement treatment but shouldn't replace medical care for severe or persistent symptoms. Additionally, there is no other evidence that a mixture of Lemon juice and honey can heal sore throat and cough immediately.

What is Sore Throat and Cough?

Sore throat is an acute upper respiratory tract infection that affects the respiratory mucosa of the throat. The condition can be caused by bacteria, most commonly Streptococcus, or viruses, typically rhinovirus. Clinically, it is often difficult to distinguish between bacterial and viral infections. Since infections can affect any part of the mucosa, the terminology used to describe an acute upper respiratory tract infection—whether "sore throat" (pharyngitis or tonsillitis), "common cold," "sinusitis," "otitis media," or "bronchitis"—is often arbitrary.

A cough is an innate, primitive reflex that functions as part of the body’s immune system to protect against foreign materials. Cough can have various classifications based on its duration. When a cough persists for less than three weeks, it is classified as acute. If it lasts between three and eight weeks, it is classified as subacute. A cough persisting for more than eight weeks is classified as chronic. Cough can result from various reasons, including acute exacerbations of COPD, viral upper respiratory infections (common cold), acute bronchitis, allergic rhinitis, pneumonia, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which accounts for up to 40% of chronic cough cases.

Health Benefits of Lemon and Honey

Lemon, scientifically called Citrus limon, is an extensive source of Vitamin C. It is a fruit widely utilized in Indian kitchens and is renowned for its pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and culinary (health-focused) benefits. It offers numerous health-promoting properties, including anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antioxidant, antidiabetic, and anti-ulcer effects.

Honey, a natural substance created from the nectar of flowers by honeybees (Apis mellifera, Family: Apidae), is the only natural product derived from insects. It holds significant nutritional, cosmetic, therapeutic, and industrial value. Honey does not require refrigeration, does not spoil, and can be safely stored unopened at room temperature in a dry environment. It offers numerous health benefits, serving as one of the oldest known wound-healing agents. Honey contains antioxidants like flavonoids, polyphenolics, Vitamin C, and mono phenolics. It is widely used in traditional medicine for conditions such as inflammation, cough, and fever and even as a supportive agent in managing diabetes mellitus.

Can consuming a mixture of lemon juice and honey immediately relieve sore throat and cough?

Lemon and honey offer various health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antioxidant, and anti-ulcer properties, as well as support in managing diabetes. While some studies suggest that lemon and honey may help alleviate sore throat and cough to some extent, there is no scientific evidence or medical consensus backing up the claim that consuming a mixture of lemon juice and honey immediately heals sore throat and cough.

A review featured in the COMPILATION OF RESEARCH PAPERS ON STEM (SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING & MATHEMATICS), highlights that honey and lemon water can serve as complementary remedies for mild coughs but should not be considered a substitute for treating the underlying causes of more severe coughs.

A study published in Family Practice reported that many patients used honey, lemon, thyme, or herbal teas to alleviate symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) and generally found these treatments effective. However, this study does not mention immediate healing of sore throat and cough.

A review article published in Canadian Family Physician indicates that a single dose of honey given before bedtime has been found to reduce coughing and alleviate discomfort for both children and their parents. Again this study lacks evidence of immediate healing of sore throat and cough.

The above studies support lemon and honey reducing the sore throat and cough although no study mentions immediate relief from sore throat and cough, also no consensus within the medical fraternity agrees with the claim that consuming the mixture of lemon and honey will heal cough in minutes

Dr. A Jayachandra, Clinical Director and Senior Interventional Pulmonologist, CARE Hospitals, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad explained, "Consuming a warm mixture of lemon juice and honey can provide temporary relief from sore throat and cough symptoms. Taking the mixture may provide some temporary relief, but it is not part of mainstream medicine to recommend. If symptoms persist or worsen, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for a comprehensive evaluation and appropriate treatment."

Dr Mohit Bhardwaj, Head of Department & Consultant, Department of Pulmonology, SHALBY Sanar International Hospitals, Gurugram, told Health Dialogues, "The combination of honey and lemon water is thought to provide beneficial effects against cough, however, there is a limited work of literature that specifically provides a fundamental understanding with combination of these two natural substances against cough symptoms. A combination of honey and lemon water can be a helpful therapy due to its various health benefits, however, it should not replace medical treatment when needed. If the cough is persistent, severe, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms, such as high fever, difficulty breathing, chest pain or coughing up blood, it is important to proceed with a proper evaluation and treatment.

Health Dialogues Final Take

Lemon and honey are commonly valued for their soothing effects and can help alleviate sore throat and cough as a home remedy. However, the claim that a mixture of lemon and honey provides instant healing is not supported by scientific evidence. While they may ease symptoms of mild bacterial or viral infections causing sore throat and cough, they are not a cure for chronic conditions. Though helpful in managing symptoms, they should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment in cases of persistent or severe issues.

Hence the claim that consuming the mixture of lemon and honey will provide immediate relief is False.