Evidence supporting the use of: Lemon
For the health condition: Colds (with fever)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Lemon has long been used in traditional remedies for colds and fevers. In many cultures, hot lemon drinks—often combined with honey—are a common home treatment for symptoms such as sore throat, congestion, and mild fever. The rationale behind this traditional use is primarily due to lemon’s high vitamin C content, which is believed to support immune function, as well as its refreshing taste and soothing effects when mixed with warm fluids. However, the scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of lemon specifically for treating colds or fever is limited. While some studies suggest that vitamin C may slightly reduce the duration and severity of cold symptoms, the effect is modest and not unique to lemon; it can be obtained from various fruits and vegetables. Furthermore, there is no compelling clinical evidence that lemon itself has a direct antiviral or fever-reducing effect. Its main benefits are likely supportive—providing hydration, a small boost of vitamin C, and some symptomatic relief. In summary, lemon’s use in treating colds (with fever) is justified by tradition, with limited scientific evidence rating about 2 out of 5; it is safe for most people and may offer mild symptomatic comfort, but it should not be considered a primary or standalone treatment for colds or fever.

More about lemon
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black currant
black galingale
black nightshade
blackboard tree
blueberry
boxthorne
buckthorn
bur-reed
capillary artemisia
capsaicinoids
Celosia
chamomile
Chinese raisintree
chrysophanics
cinnamaldehyde
Cistus
clove
coconut milk
common madia
cowage seed
cowherb
dragonhead
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elderberry
flavoglycosides
forsythia
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gamma-terpinene
garlic bulb
ginger
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green chiretta
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hemp
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licorice root
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linalool
little ironweed
lodhtree
long pepper
luffa
mallow
Melia
Monoterpenes
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Mushroom
nut grass
Onosma bracteatum
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Paris polyphylla
pear
Peucedanum
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Piper nigrum
pistacia integerrima gall
plantain
pomegranate
quercetin
rhizome
rosemary
sage
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