Cough and cold remedies: three simple recipes

It is coughs and colds season again in the southern hemisphere.

We've just passed Midwinter, and now both my children have sniffles.

So here are three simple cough and cold remedies that I use. They're safe, cheap, effective - and natural.


Chamomile and ginger tea

Chamomile has anti-inflammatory and sedative properties, and is also great for asthmatic conditions.

Teamed with ginger, which is excellent for nausea and for helping with circulatory problems, this is a winning tea.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon German chamomile flowers (you can buy these in most tea shops, in health shops, and in some supermarkets)
  
• 1/2 tablespoon fresh grated ginger root
  
• Boiling water
  

Add the chamomile flowers and the ginger to a mug full of boiling water.
Steep well.
Sip slowly and relax...


Honey and lemon tea

This is an old favourite.

By using honey local to your area, you'll be taking in a dose of local pollens, and building resistance to local nasties, as well as the pollens that will be around causing hayfever come springtime.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespon local honey
  
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  
• Boiling water
  

Add the honey and lemon juice to a mug full of boiling water.
Stir until the honey is dissolved.
Sip slowly.


Asian sweet corn soup

This is my take on traditional Chinese sweet corn soup. The garlic and ginger are great for coughs and colds. Garlic is a strong natural anti-bacterial, and will help get you back on your feet in no time.

Plus - garlic keeps away vampires! *LOL*

Usually this soup would be served egg drop style.

That is, you whisk an egg up until frothy, then add it slowly to the hot soup while still on the stove when it begins to boil, stirring quickly.

This creates the stringy egg effect you see in Asian restaurants.

However, when making this soup for illness, forego the egg, unless extra calories are needed. Egg is an inflammatory food, and can cause problems with mucous and joint ache.

By all means, when you are well again, add an egg!

Ingredients:

• 1 can of corn kernels (organic if possible)
  
• 1 can of creamed corn
  
• 1 tablespoon tamari or soy sauce
  
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
  
• 3 cloves garlic, peeled and sliced finely.
  
• 1 inch (2/5 cm) block piece of ginger root, peeled and grated.
  
• Water.
  

Put the garlic and ginger in a half cup of water in a large saucepan.

Turn on to a medium heat, stir the garlic and ginger until they become fragrant and the water is bubbling.

Add the soy sauce, sesame oil, corn kernels and creamed corn, plus another cup of water. Stir thoroughly until the soup begins to boil.

Serve hot.

--You've taken the time to drop by: I'd love to hear your thoughts as well! Comments are really appreciated! Thanks!