The honey in the hot onion milk strengthens the immune system to prevent coughs, the authors say

COUGHING? TRY HOT ONION MILK

'My mum’s answer to coughs,' says Karin Berndl.

She adds: 'You will probably find all the ingredients for this very simple recipe in your home without having to pop to the shops. How convenient.'

THINGS YOU’LL NEED

500 ml (17 fl oz/2 cups) milk

2 large onions, diced

1–2 teaspoons honey per cup

Hot onion milk works to help with coughs, the authors say. This is because onions loosen phlegm and have antibacterial as well as anti-inflammatory properties

GET STARTED

Heat the milk in a saucepan to a gentle simmer then add the onions. (Use almond milk, soya milk or water if you don’t like the idea of using cow’s milk.)

Remove from the heat immediately and leave to infuse for 20 minutes.

Strain into a cup or mug. Add the honey and drink the mixture to soothe your cough. Please make sure that you only add the honey just before drinking the milk, as honey is sensitive to heat.

If you don’t drink all the onion milk at once, you can reheat the remainder gently in a saucepan.

WHY WE BELIEVE IT WORKS

Onions loosen phlegm and have antibacterial as well as anti-inflammatory properties, among many others.

Honey has been prized for thousands of years for its healing properties.

It strengthens your immune system, prevents bacterial growth and reduces fever.

It is also antispasmodic or anticonvulsant, and is mucus-dissolving.