A Great Cough and Cold Remedy
Ease your cough, cold and flu symptoms with this antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-viral spicy lemon drink. This has been a lifesaver for so many members of my family this past few weeks. Helping with coughs and colds. But I just like it cause it's hot and spicy and Christmassy. A perfect winter warmer.
Honey
Try to source a raw local honey for maximum benefit.
A good source of antioxidants and research has shown that raw honey can kill unwanted bacteria and fungus. It's also a phytonutrient powerhouse. These are the nutrients that are found in plants that help protect the plant from harm. It's an old sore throat remedy and research has shown that its as effective as a cough suppressant. as over the counter medications.
Ginger
The health benefits of the ginger root have been hailed for centuries, but there is also loads of scientific studies of its curative power. It is anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and has anti-viral properties. It has been widely studied for it's positive affect on respiratory illness, although a lot of the results are anecdotal. A few slices of raw ginger root in boiling water may help soothe a cough or sore throat. Research suggests that it can also ward off nausea that often comes with flu.
Turmeric
This long, thin, orange root is the spice that gives curry its colour.
Curcumin, is the active ingredient in turmeric, and it has powerful biological properties. Ayurvedic medicine recommends turmeric for a variety of health conditions, including chronic pain and inflammation.
Studies abound showing curcumin as being anti-inflammatory and high in anti-oxidants, so much so that Turmeric supplements are big business now.
However, as with all plants, fresh is best.
Lemons
One lemon gives up to 30mg Vitamin C. It is this property that makes the lemon a critical ingredient in my drink recipe below.
Vitamin C is one of natures top antioxidants. Antioxidants help remove free radicals that can damage cells from the body. Foods that are high in vitamin C and other antioxidants may help strengthen the immune system against the germs that cause the common cold and the flu.
Recipe
Makes 2 cups
Ingredients: 2 cups water 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric (grated fresh turmeric is great if you have it) A pinch of black pepper 1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh ginger 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1-2 cloves (optional as quite a strong flavour)
1 star anise (optional) Pinch of cayenne pepper (if you like things a bit spicy!) 2 tsps high quality honey (preferably raw honey) Juice of 2 lemons
Method:
Bring water to a boil in a small saucepan; add all the ingredients except the honey. (If the lemons are organic I quarter the lemons and add them to the water.)
Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes.
Strain tea into 2 mugs.
Add honey and a lemon wedge to each drink to taste.
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