This remedy is a great combination of natural ingredients known for their antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting properties. Here’s a clear step-by-step guide to make and use this nasal congestion remedy:
Ingredients:
- 1 medium-sized onion
- 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons of honey (preferably raw and unprocessed)
- 2 cups of water
Instructions:
- Prepare the water:
- Boil 2 cups of water in a pot.
- Chop the onion:
- Peel and cut the onion into small pieces or rings (approximately 15 mm thick).
- Simmer the onion:
- Add the onion pieces to the boiling water and reduce the heat to simmer for 15 minutes.
- Infuse and cool:
- Turn off the heat and let the mixture infuse for 5 minutes.
- Sweeten with honey:
- Add 2 tablespoons of honey while the liquid is still warm (not boiling) and stir until completely dissolved. This preserves the honey’s nutrients.
- Add lemon juice:
- Just before drinking, squeeze the juice of one whole lemon into the mixture. Stir well.
Dosage and Storage:
- Dosage: Drink 2–3 times a day, one tablespoon at a time.
- Storage: Store the mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Expected Results:
- Effectiveness: This remedy works by:
- Onion: Contains quercetin, a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound, which helps reduce nasal swelling and clear mucus.
- Lemon: High in vitamin C, it supports the immune system and helps fight off infections.
- Honey: Soothes the throat, acts as an antibacterial, and helps with healing.
- Hot water: Opens up nasal passages and helps with decongestion.
- Timeframe: Nasal congestion should start to ease within a few hours, with noticeable improvement within 24 hours.
Tips for Success:
- For additional benefit, you can inhale the steam from the boiling onion water before drinking the tea.
- Combine with other supportive measures like staying hydrated and using saline nasal rinses for quicker relief.