Tea for Cold or Flu Recipe
True story!
A Brazilian friend of mine made me this tea about ten years ago when I was just coming down with a really bad flu. I drank it, and then throughout the night, I woke up about 5 times, each time completely soaked with sweat. I kept changing my shirt, but by morning, I was almost completely well. 100% TRUE! I have never had a recovery like that before - I typically descend into the flu for 1-2 days and spend at least a week recovering (coughing, sore throat, runny nose, etc)
This recipe sounds nasty, but again, it worked beautifully for me. If it helps, pinch your nose before you begin to imbibe:
A few notes
- echineacea - has not been proven to be effective, and in fact, recent studies have suggested it increases h. pylori levels in your stomach
- ginseng - I've heard good things about using this earthy-tasting root in tea, but not sure if it helps when you're feeling sick.
- See Stacie Naczelnik's recipe too
- 2 cups water
- head of garlic
- 1 inch fresh ginger root
- 1/2 tsp cayenne
- 2 sprigs baby dill
- 1 bag black tea
- juice of 1 lemon
- honey
Boil the water, and lower to a simmer.
Peel and crush the garlic & gingerroot, and add to water. Add cayenne, baby dill, tea and lemon juice, and turn off flame.
Allow to steep for 5 minutes, and then take out all the stuff floating in the tea.
When it has cooled sufficiently, sweeten with honey (do not add honey to boiling-hot tea).
Drink both cups and have a stack of t-shirts waiting by your bedside when you head to bed!