Welcome to another day of “mix-ups”. Last week, we looked at the cod liver oil and "bud suck" mix-up (still waiting for any information on what that plant is called in other parts of the Caribbean).  This week, I just want you to raise your hand if you are from the Caribbean (or elsewhere) and know about today’s mix-up- honey and lime. Good…very good.

Honey-Lime mix up:

So popular was this mix-up that a person just had to cough in irritation or to alert another that the time to stop bad-talking Ms. Mable from up the street was nigh.  Before you knew it, there would be legions of people at that person’s side suggesting that they “tend to that” with some honey and lime. Yes, honey and lime was considered a vital weapon in the arsenal if you were keen on battling a nasty cold, cough (dry and wet) or flu.

You were expected to reach for this mixture, with much haste as soon as you felt a cold coming, or found yourself in the middle of the flu season and people coughing and sniffling all around you. If your luck played its usual trick and you this season’s cold or flu just couldn't pass you by, then you were expected to reach for the mixture to help you avoid the worst of it.   Besides that, honey and lime was used for almost every throat complaint under the sun- scratchy/ticklish throat, laryngitis and all.  I even remember a time when honey and lime was popular as a remedy for the tones of children who had naturally husky voices.

The making of the mixture:

It’s all very simple business. Really.   You get a tablespoon.  You fill half of it with honey and half of it with freshly squeezed lime juice (I’ve cheated before and used lime concentrate). You tilt your head back and you swallow that mixture- like the life of your throat depended on it.  You might do a little shivering dance as the sourness of the lime hits you- but it’s all for your own good.

Repeat as needed. For a really bad cold or constant throat disobedience, I normally mix enough honey and lime to last me for a few hours or even a day. Then, I return time and time again to take a tablespoonful and show a cold who’s woman.  I’ve found that constant doses of this mix-up are best taken on a full stomach.  And, sometimes, I take it a bit further by actually approaching the stove to make me a cup of lime juice and honey tea.  For this tea, I just use equal proportions of honey to lime juice along with sufficient water. Then, I sit back, relax and slowly sip my way into showing a cold who’s woman.

Disclaimer:

The contents of this page are meant for educational and entertainment purposes only. Statements published here ought not to be taken as expert medical advice designed to treat/cure any diseases or health related conditions. Please talk to your doctor or any qualified healthcare professional if you need medical advice (Believe me, WE at RE:BELE would!)