Lemon Honey Drink

Why people make this drink

May and June are peak pollen season in many parts of the world, and for allergy sufferers the symptoms — streaming nose, itchy eyes, constant sneezing — can be relentless even with medication. This simple lemon-honey preparation has been used in Chinese folk wellness for generations as a daily drink to help the body cope during high-pollen periods. Research has shown that vitamin C functions as a natural antihistamine, and that regular exposure to trace amounts of pollen in local raw honey may help build a degree of tolerance over time. It is not a cure, but many people find it a pleasant and easy addition to their daily routine.

Who it suits / who should be cautious

• Suitable for adults and children over 18 months
• Children under 18 months should NOT have honey (risk of infant botulism)
• For young children, Bro Niu recommends an alternative without honey: steep magnolia flower buds (xin yi hua), honeysuckle flowers (jin yin hua), and chrysanthemum flowers (ju hua) — about 2–3 qian each — in hot water for 5 minutes
• People who are allergic to bee products should avoid honey-based drinks

Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)

• Fresh lemon: Rich in vitamin C, which is associated with natural antihistamine activity. In Chinese food therapy, lemon is considered to help generate body fluids, support the lungs, and strengthen resistance to external pathogens. The peel and pith contain bioflavonoids that complement the vitamin C content.
• Raw honey: Contains trace amounts of pollen from local flowers, which traditional wisdom suggests may help gradually build tolerance to seasonal allergens. Honey also has antimicrobial properties and is soothing to the throat. For best effect, use raw, unprocessed local honey rather than heavily filtered commercial varieties.

Ingredients (1 jar)

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Fresh lemons	2 large	Unwaxed if possible
Pure raw honey	250–300 ml	Use local raw honey for best results

Method

1. Scrub the lemons well with sea salt, rinse thoroughly to remove any surface residues, and pat dry.
2. Slice the lemons thinly (include the rind).
3. Layer the lemon slices into a clean glass jar.
4. Pour the honey over the slices until they are fully submerged.
5. Seal the jar and leave overnight in the refrigerator.
6. The next day, take 3–4 lemon slices with some honey and dissolve in a cup of warm (not boiling) water. Drink daily during allergy season.
7. Keep refrigerated; use within 2 weeks.

Bro Niu’s tips

After the first night, you may notice the honey has settled to the bottom and the top looks watery — this is normal, as the lemon releases some juice. When serving, scoop from the bottom to include some of the honey. Always keep the jar in the refrigerator and it will keep well for about two weeks. Any type of pure honey works, but local raw honey is preferred. For children under 18 months, use the magnolia-flower tea alternative instead (no honey required).

Community questions answered (selected)

• Q (shum): After steeping overnight, I noticed more liquid had formed — is this normal and how long will it keep? Bro Niu: Yes, that liquid is juice from the lemon — completely normal. When you use it, scoop from the bottom to include some honey. Stored in the fridge, the lemon honey will keep for about 2 weeks.

• Q (Cat): How much honey should I use — does it need to fully cover the lemon? Bro Niu: The honey just needs to fully submerge the lemon slices.

• Q (anonymous): Can someone with G6PD (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency) use this? Bro Niu: Yes, this drink is fine for people with G6PD. However, honey is not suitable for children under 18 months.

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Published April 29, 2017 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.