I discovered this recipe in Hoffman’s Therapeutic Botanical Notes during my student days and I still swear by it to this day. At the first onset of any cold or flu symptoms, make a batch of this tea and sip it throughout the day. A thermos or large coffee mug is the easiest way to transport it around if you are on the go. Yes, you may have garlic breath, but what is worse? – temporary garlic breath, or days suffering through a cold or flu?!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of boiling water
- 2 cloves of fresh garlic, crushed
- 1 Tbsp of fresh ginger, grated (or ½ tsp of dried ginger)
- 1 stick of cinnamon
- A pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
- Juice from ¼ lemon, freshly squeezed
- 1-2 tsp of honey (*New Zealand Manuka honey is best)
Instructions:
- Bring the water to a boil, then turn off the element on the stove and add all of the ingredients, except the lemon and honey.
- Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes, then strain the liquid into a ceramic/glass jug or teapot.
- Squeeze the lemon into the strained liquid and add the honey.
- Pour the mixture into a mug and let the tea cool slightly before drinking.