It’s the season of the sniffle. If you’re feeling a little under the weather, here are some comforting concoctions you can whip up at home to help fight the sniffles, a scratchy throat or a full-blown cold.
Soothe a sore throat with a hot lemon drink, made with fresh lemon juice and honey. Simply squeeze the juice of one lemon into a mug, add hot water from the kettle and a teaspoon of honey, to taste. Honey is antibacterial and helps coat the throat to ease discomfort. Lemon is astringent and soothing, high in Vitamin C and can help detoxify your system. For an added boost to your immune system and to reduce inflammation, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to your hot lemon drink. For a little kick of caffeine, make your honey drink as above, but with hot green or black tea instead of hot water.
Sage tea is another brew that will help ease the discomfort of a sore throat and reduce swelling. Snip fresh culinary sage from your garden or buy a bunch of sage from the local grocer. Crush the sage in your hand or with a mortar and pestle. Pour boiling water over the sage and allow it to steep for three to five minutes. Strain the leaves and sweeten with a little honey, if desired. Sip and enjoy.
Another wonderful drink to try is a warm black currant tisane. High in Vitamin C, black currant will help fight off sore throats and colds and is also delicious. Dilute a few teaspoons of black current syrup (such as Ribena) or use pure black currant jelly, with a cupful of hot water. Add a pinch of cinnamon, for a natural pain reliever with antibacterial and antifungal properties. Sip slowly and enjoy.
Savoury broths and drinks can also be very soothing and healthful when you have a cold or sore throat. Add a minced clove of garlic to a cupful of hot and salted chicken or vegetable broth for a soothing, delicious and antibacterial boost.
Fresh ginger will help ease congestion and relieve a sore throat as well as lessen any tummy upset associated with feeling under the weather. Grate raw ginger into any of the hot drinks mentioned and be sure to strain it before drinking, after steeping it for several minutes.
And to boost your immune system and help prevent colds and flu, consider adding ample pinches of the spice turmeric to your drinks and diet. It is naturally anti-inflammatory, anti-viral and antiseptic.
