One of the oldest remedies around for symptoms of the common cold is the hot toddy. However, most of the age-old recipes call for scotch or whiskey as a key ingredient. The claim is that alcohol will soothe your throat and help you sleep. The fact is, that it is doesn't do much to help your cold and can be detrimental in the long run.

So how do you make a good hot toddy to fight your cold symptoms that is also good for you? Here's a proven recipe that can play an important role I reducing symptoms of the common cold:

1 cup hot water (not warm, HOT)
Roughly 1 inch fresh ginger, juiced
½ lemon, juiced
3 Tbsp honey

Here's how it works:

The most important thing to do when you are sick is stay hydrated. To do this effectively, you must avoid foods and beverages that contain caffeine, refined sugars, carbonation and alcohol, as these substances actually dehydrate the body. The Healthy Hot Toddy contains none of these ingredients. It will also promote better hydration. In addition, the hotter the water the more steam produced; this will help soothe the sinuses.

Ginger is widely used to fight colds for a variety of reasons. It helps suppress coughs by stimulating circulation. This can help clear up congestion and mucus, making what coughing you do more productive, acting much like a really spicy pepper. It also helps with feelings of nausea and upset stomach.

Lemon is a great source of vitamin C in addition to adding a great flavor to the drink. Vitamin C helps improve immunity and decrease toxicity in the body. It is also incredibly alkaline, which will help rebalance your body chemistry. Once more, it also acts to loosen congestion and help with an upset stomach.

Honey is the main reason this toddy will help your throat feel better. It coats your throat, soothing that irritating tickle and helping you get rid of the cough that can keep you up at night. Honey also has antibacterial properties which once again can calm you stomach.

Recipe adapted from Willy Street Co-op Juice Bar