We all know the feeling—a scratchy, painful sore throat that makes swallowing feel like an ordeal. The last thing anyone wants is to spend days sipping on hot tea, popping lozenges, and waiting for relief.

Fortunately, my nana taught me a quick, simple trick that can soothe a sore throat in just two minutes with almost no effort. I’ve tried it countless times, and it works like a charm. Here’s how it works and why it’s so effective.

The Magic Trick: Honey and Lemon (1 tablespoon of honey (preferably raw and organic)
1/2 fresh lemon or 1 tablespoon of lemon juice)

The trick involves a classic combination: honey and lemon. These two natural ingredients have been used for centuries to relieve throat discomfort. But it’s not just any preparation of honey and lemon; the magic is in the method my nana taught me.

Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by squeezing half a lemon into a small bowl or directly onto a spoon. If you’re using bottled lemon juice, simply pour about a tablespoon. Mix with Honey: Take a tablespoon of honey and mix it with the lemon juice until they form a thick, smooth mixture. You want a consistency that allows you to slowly coat your throat when you swallow it. Slowly Swallow: Here’s the key part—take the honey and lemon mixture and slowly let it slide down your throat. The goal is to allow the mixture to coat your throat thoroughly.