*** The following recipes use dried herbs. If using fresh herbs then double the quantity ***
The Favourite
In my humble opinion, this is the best and easiest recipe to combat colds for those chilly dark months. I would normally start drinking this herbal blend just before the winter months begin to keep my immune system stronger in fighting those bugs!
INGREDIENTS
- 1 teaspoon Ginger Root (fresh or powder)
- 3-4 slices Lemon
- 1 teaspoon Honey
- 1 cup hot water
PREPARATION
Place the Ginger and Lemon into a cup, add hot water (not boiled) and steep for 10 minutes. Can be strained afterwards but I prefer to leave the ingredients in for a more potent flavor!
Add honey as not only is it a natural sweetener, it also has anti-bacterial, antioxidant and anti-fungal properties which works well with maintaining the health and harmony of your body. Triple-remedy whammy and all-rounder immune booster!
Cold Flu Tea
Drinking 2-3 cups of this tea whilst it’s still hot will make you sweat and help lower your fever.
INGREDIENTS
- ½ teaspoon Yarrow flowers
- ½ teaspoon Elder flowers
- ½ teaspoon Peppermint leaves
- ½ teaspoon Echinacea root
- ½ teaspoon Schisandra berries
- 3 cups hot water
PREPARATION
Combine the herbs into a teapot and pour in hot water over them. Cover and let it steep for 10-15 minutes. Strain and drink immediately or can be drunk throughout the day. A double batch can be made and left in the fridge but make sure you warm it up before drinking.
Bedtime Sage Tea
This herbal tea blend is a natural bedtime tonic for colds in aiding a restful night of sleep when you’re feeling all bunged up! Sage leaves have astringent, antiseptic and expectorant actions. It helps to fight germs, clear phlegm and helps to reduce fevers.
Peppermint helps clear congestion in your nose and chest.
Catnip and Chamomile both have soothing sleep aid properties to help you drift off and achieve a more restful sleep.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 teaspoon Sage leaves
- ½ teaspoon Catnip
- 1 teaspoon Peppermint leaves
- 1 teaspoon Chamomile flowers
- 2 cups boiling water
- juice of 1 Lemon (optional)
PREPARATION
Place all the herbs into a teapot. Add the boiling water and cover. Cover and steep generously for about 15-20 minutes. Strain and serve. Add honey and the Lemon juice to taste if desired.
