Kelly’s Cold & Flu Elixir: Natural Remedy

This flu season has taken everyone down. First, my husband had it, and now both of my kids. I’ve been playing nurse for almost a month now, but have managed not to get sick and I’m convinced it’s because of this elixir I’ve concocted. While it can’t prevent anyone from getting the bug, it’s nice to have a secret weapon ready once the first signs of trouble start. And the proof is in the pudding (or more like the potion in this case). My hubby got over his flu in only 3 days (on day 3 he still had sinus congestion, but was back at work). My tots wouldn’t drink it boiling, but even cool, the elixir works – one of them recovered in a mere two days. The other poor thing is on her second day of the flu, so the results are TBD.

Here is the simple recipe:
• 2 cups of boiling water
• 4 slices of fresh ginger
• The juice of a whole lemon
• 2 tablespoons of local honey
• A generous sprinkle of cinnamon
• A gentle sprinkle of cayenne pepper

With the lemon and cayenne pepper, you might have noticed that this is a bit like the Master Cleanse. But instead of maple syrup, use honey to soothe your sore throat. I really recommend getting local honey because when you’re at harmony with your environment, your immune system gets a boost. Next is my favorite ingredient – ginger. First of all, it tastes good, which is rarely the case with cold treatments. More importantly, though, the medicinal benefits are well documented. Ginger is naturally anti-viral, helps relieve congestion, and makes your tummy feel better. Be sure to use boiling water to get the goodness out of the ginger. You don’t have to drink it scaldingly hot, but you should try to go as hot as you can handle – it’s good to sweat when you’re sick. In fact, I try to take a very hot bath with sea salt (a natural detoxifying agent) whenever I’m ill. Then I swig down my elixir and jump into bed. This will make you sweat a lot, so keep drinking (but never ice water!).

Cinnamon is another miracle seasoning. A lot of people just use it for baking and in their coffee, but you should try to integrate it into your diet as much as possible. The spice aids in treatment for diabetes, cancer, and even regular old colds. It helps with digestion, is anti-bacterial, and relieves all sorts of aches and pains. The cayenne pepper is added to break up mucus and get you to start expelling the gunk. Since it’s an anti-inflammatory, it can relieve upset stomachs, sore throats, coughs, and headaches. The hotness stimulates your circulation, particularly in your lymphatic system, which is key when fighting the flu. Just like the water temperature, the hotter, the better, so put a lot in. Besides relieving your symptoms, this concoction tastes really wonderful – so warm and soothing, like your insides are getting a nice, big hug. As soon as I feel even the tiniest tickle in my throat, or some head congestion, I stop everything (even in the middle of the day) and take a hot bath and drink this elixir. Knock on wood because I’ve been keeping this severe flu season at bay so far with no vaccine. Please let me know if it works for you!