What Are the Benefits of Lemon & Honey for the Body?

Digestive

Lemon and honey combine to make an effective and delicious digestive tonic, especially after you've eaten a greasy meal. Make the tonic using 1 teaspoon of raw honey with the juice of 2 teaspoons of lemon juice in a glass of lukewarm water. Fresh lemon juice helps restore and balance your body's pH, cleanses your liver and provides nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin B and riboflavin. Lemon also acts as a blood purifier, a cleansing agent and tonic for your liver by helping it produce more bile, says Akilah El, a naturopathic doctor. Honey is full of nutrients such as vitamin B-6, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium, sodium and zinc. Organic honey is also used for stomach disorders such as acid reflux and ulcers.

Skin

One of the most beneficial uses of honey and lemon is a therapeutic face mask. Honey, a natural humectant, attracts and retains moisture from the air helping to keep your skin hydrated. Because the moisture is sealed in, your skin feels soft and supple. Lemon juice is rich in vitamin C, is a natural antiseptic and aids in fighting wrinkles and blackheads. For an effective skin-lightening and softening mask, combine 1 tablespoon of honey with 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice and apply the mixture to your face. Rinse it off after 20 to 30 minutes.

Weight Loss

Lemons are low calorie. Honey is fat free and a natural energy booster. The combination of the two is an effective fasting treatment. According to Northwestern University's Medill Reports, Dr. Georgina Salgado Chavaz, a naturopathic physician and acupuncturist, recommends drinking water with lemon or honey for two or three days but says it becomes harmful when taken to extremes. Because honey is gradually absorbed into your bloodstream, your pancreas isn't stimulated to release elevated levels of insulin due to a sudden rise in glucose, and lemon juice may help regulate insulin spikes. Drinking lemon juice mixed with lukewarm water and honey on a daily basis may help reduce belly fat and obesity.

Cold and Flu

When you have a cold or flu, getting plenty of fluids and eating foods rich in vitamins A and C can help restore your immune system and help you heal more quickly. Lemons contain both vitamins as well as anti-inflammatory properties. Honey soothes your throat and inhibits certain infection-causing bacteria. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests drinking hot tea with honey and lemon as a treatment for colds and flu.

Healing

Honey's healing properties have been known for decades. Applying honey to minor wounds might help prevent infection and possibly speed healing. Honey works mainly through its high sugar content, which kills microorganisms, according to New York University's Langone Medical Center. Lemon juice is a natural antiseptic and cleanser. It's also effective in relieving and treating insect bites.