This recipe has been a staple in our house for quite a few years. We can't go a winter without making a few batches. Today, I wanted to share this with my community because it's simple to make and an absolute go-to for throat discomfort and seasonal immune support.
Medicinal honey has been a valuable recipe for many natural wellness practitioners for decades. The most basic recipes combine honey, chili peppers or flakes, and apple cider vinegar. Foodies also love to drizzle their hot honey on things like smoked meats, cheeses, cornbread, and even grilled veggies.
Hot Honey Recipe
This is one of my favorite recipes to use at the first sign of a tickle in the back of my throat or when I feel a little cough coming on. This isn't your typical "hot honey" recipe because it uses essential oils rather than traditional herbs and spices. This at-home remedy isn't just effective, it's budget friendly, too!
Ingredients
4 ounces raw honey
5 drops On Guard essential oil
4 drops Lemon essential oil
2 drops Orange essential oil
2 drops Peppermint essential oil
1 drop Oregano essential oil
Directions
Mix all the ingredients in a 4-ounce glass jar. Cover tightly with a lid.
It's suggested that children, take 1 teaspoon daily for immune support. For adults, take 1 tablespoon daily.
Store leftovers in a cool, dry place. (Note: raw honey typically doesn't have a shelf-life. However, I prefer to discard my recipe after 6 months if it hasn't been consumed.)
Tips
You can certainly take more than the suggested amount for a few days to help you feel better quicker. When my throat starts getting irritated or I feel like I'm coming down with something, I'll take 1 tablespoon every 2-3 hours until I start to feel better. You can even double or triple the dosage for a short amount of time if you feel like you need it. Always start with the minimum dosage amount and then work your way up to more if you're able to tolerate it.
I prefer to take this honey "straight up" and consume it by the spoonful. But, if you or your children are having a hard time with the "spicy" taste you can always mix it with some warm tea or milk to help "dilute" the spiciness. Or you can double the amount of honey in the recipe to make it sweeter and adjust your dosage accordingly. Another tip is to drizzle it on top of something sweet like jelly toast or cornbread.
Personally, I will make this in larger batches and store the leftovers in mason jars in the refrigerator for a few days. You can also bless your honey before consuming it to enhance its healing abilities.
If you're new to essential oils, you can purchase these with my exclusive 25% off coupon code -- I created a custom shopping cart for you right here.
The Star of the Show: Raw Honey
The main ingredient in this recipe is raw honey, which is known for its cold-fighting superpowers. Honey can also help to soothe a sore throat. When it comes to using raw honey for at-home remedies, I always prefer to use Manuka Honey. If you can't afford Manuka or you're in a pinch, you can substitute it with a raw, unpasteurized honey, preferably from a local farmer.
Please note that not all Manuka honeys are created equally. When using Manuka for medicinal purposes, you want to make sure that it contains plenty of the main antibacterial component called methylglyoxal (MGO). Most store-bought Manuka's have less than 30mg of MGO per kilogram of honey, which isn't going to help you very much.
You want to shop for a raw honey that contains a MGO rating of 30 or higher. Personally, I strive for 100+ MGO when I buy mine. Manuka Honey is not cheap, but I promise you, a high-quality Manuka is worth the investment. Here's two brands that I have personally used: Manukora and Comvita.
It's also important to note that Manuka can lose some of its medicinal properties if it's overheated. Therefore, if you're adding it to warm teas and milks, wait for them to cool down a little before adding it to your drink.
What Are the Benefits?
The ingredients in this honey have historically been used as medicinal remedies for the common cold, flu, and other viral and bacterial infections. Many studies have shown that these ingredients also help to increase healthy immune and respiratory function while boosting your cellular health! When ingested, these ingredients also support the body's natural detoxification processes and antioxidant defenses.
Each ingredient in this honey has a powerful effect on supporting your body, especially during the winter months. dōTERRA On Guard is a blend of protective oils that are designed to help you stay healthy when seasonal threats are high. Citrus oils, like Lemon and Wild Orange, have powerful antibacterial and antiseptic properties. Plus, they help to balance this spicy honey with a bit of a smooth, fruity flavor.
Peppermint essential oil provides cooling properties to a burning throat and chest. It also promotes healthy respiratory function, which makes it an ideal ingredient. Finally, the powerhouse oil that we all know as Oregano is a super-fighter against viral and bacterial infections. It’s among the most potent and powerful essential oils and has been used for centuries in traditional health practices.
Feeling under the weather?
Over the years, I've shared many of my recipes, remedies, and at-home protocols to assist you when you're feeling down. Here's a few of my favorites (click to open):
For more at-home remedies, please visit the Essential Oil page on my website.
With Love,
Kelsey
