Mom's Elixir (Homemade Cold and Flu Relief)

There's a lot of gunk going around this time of year. 

I am not a doctor, really the furthest thing from it, except for playing Dr. Mom when it comes to scrapes and bruises, coughs and colds.  And in my role as Dr. Mom, I've learned a few things:

*a nice warm cup of (decaf, please, for your sake and your kids!) herbal tea can work wonders for a cold or cough

*food has many healing and medicinal properties

*loads of love and hugs can go a long to way making anyone feel better

So I've been toying around with a nice warm homemade tea or elixir to help soothe my family's symptoms.  I started with the classic hot water with lemon and honey, and then added a few spices and such to power up my elixir.

Mom's Elixir (Homemade Cold and Flu Relief)

2 cups boiling water
juice of 1/2 lemon (vitamin C, mild antibiotic properties)
juice of 1/4 orange (vitamin C)
a heaping tablespoon honey (anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and a natural cough suppressant)
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (anti-microbial)
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger (anti-inflammatory, clears sinuses, helps soothe tummies)
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric (antioxidant and anti-inflammatory and so much more)
1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (OPTIONAL--but can help clear congestion)

Boil water.  Add the remaining ingredients:

Stir well.  Sip and enjoy.  You may want or need to stir again to mix up the spices.

Makes 2 cups of elixir.

Be well!

Life is sweet,
SPC