The last two weeks of biking, camping, and farming have been windy (and often chilly) ones. Today, as Aaron and I made our way to Las Cruces, NM, I became increasingly aware of cold sweats, then a runny nose, then a growing headache. Drat. There are few things worse than being sick on the road. I decided to mount an herbal counterattack....
My godmother swears by hot water with lemon. In fact, it's one of the things I associate with Aunt Mary. (Well, that and Perry Mason reruns.) Back at Pie Ranch, one of the interns introduced me to the concept of hot water with cayenne, honey, and lemon juice as a cold remedy. I tinkered with the draught a bit, adding in a few cloves of fresh garlic at 47 Ranch last week when Deb mentioned that she was fighting off a headcold. As I sniffled on the phone with mom earlier this evening, I mentioned a few improvements to the recipe. I think it's ready for public release. I give you...
Ib-tea: the magical warm beverage that will burn the germs right out of you
(Makes 1 cup)
In a small pot, combine:
-1 cup water
-2 cloves fresh minced garlic
-1 tsp fresh lemon juice
-1 TBSP local honey
-a pinch of cayenne powder
-1 inch peeled, minced ginger
(you can substitute 1/4 tsp powdered ginger)
Heat on the stovetop until warm.
I'm telling you, germs don't stand a chance. (And with the garlic pervading your being after a mug of this, you won't have to worry about catching anything from someone else....)
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Hopefully you have a comfy spot to ride out the illness and don't have to in a tent. Camping and illness don't work very well together.
ReplyDeleteOMG, how did you know I was all drugged up on Halls and Nyquil last night? I called in sick to work today, but I'm feeling a little better - I'm going to boil up a mug of this to bring with to the office (sans garlic this time around...).
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