Cold Fighting Tea
(original post January 2011)
Trying to fight winter colds and sniffles the natural way? Try this healthy, revitalizing, and delicious tea.
2 chopped cloves of garlic
juice of one lemon (or three Tablespoons of lemon juice)
1 Tablespoon Honey (Raw local honey is best if available.)
1/2 teaspoon of ginger chopped (Ground is ok-if ground, it can be a little more.)
dash of cayenne (The cayenne really helps. If you are nervous about the kick, make it a small dash, but don't leave this out.)
pinch of ground cinnamon or a cinnamon stick
Boil enough water for two cups. If you have either a tea basket or ball as used for steeping loose leaf tea fill with the mixture and boiling water over allowing the mixture to steep for atleast 5 minutes. If not, steep the mixture in one cup and strain into another (warm this cup with the extra hot water). Either way you will be drinking the tea without bits of garlic and ginger floating around the cup.
Why this particular mixture? What do all these herbs do to help our bodies fight off infections?
Garlic: Supports circulation and acts as a natural antibiotic aiding the body in resisting disease as well as having anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. (Also keeps away friends just in case you have anything contagious :) ).
Lemon: It is in almost every hot tea recipe for colds I have seen, but I am not exactly sure why. Is it the soothing taste? The acid environment it creates? Does it have antibacterial properties? If you know- be sure to COMMENT.
Honey: Helps with dryness and dehydration often associated with cold and flu.
Ginger: Relieves congestion and acts as a catalyst increasing the effectiveness of other herbs.
Cayenne: Supports circulation, cardiovascular health, and nourishes the digestive system- a major set of organs in the body’s defense against bacteria entering the body. The spice loosens mucus and produce expectorant actions.
Cinnamon: Is good for balancing blood sugar and cholesterol and in this case, simply adds a delicious warmth to the flavor.
Drink a cup everyday as a revitalizing and healthy tea. When ill, or if you feel something coming on, drink at least 2 cups a day.
Information Sources:
The People’s Pharmacy Guide to Home and Herbal Remedies by Joe & Teresa Graedon, PhD
