Cold and Flu Season

I hate the cold. Anyone who knows me, knows I'm always cold. No I'm not anaemic, thank you though.

I haven't had a bad cold in a while, and the way this weather is set up,  (yes yes I know, it's a virus, not the weather, let me be) , public transport germs, people sneezing and coughing without covering their mouths..or covering with their hand then touching a surface you end up touching too....It's really only a matter of time. 

While my preference is a strong rum, honey and lime combo... I'm dropping a PG 13 version, of a cold/ sore throat, stupid cough, type remedy. It's incredibly easy to prepare, and can be left alone for months until you need it. 

It only has 4 ingredients... FOUR, that's it.
Honey
Lemon
Cinnamon
Ginger

That's it. This is not a trick folks, thats basically it.

Get local honey if you can, many of the store versions are pretty much just some kind of a sugar mix up. Honey is antibacterial, and antifungal. It's basically an antiseptic. Also, it's delicious duh. There are way more benefits but I'm in a bit of a rush today and it's easy enough to look up.

If you buy lemons at the supermarket, wash them in a vinegar solution to get that waxy stuff off. Ain't nobody got time fo dat.... in their body. Seriously, wash the fruit. I suppose you could just use limes if they're available. Please don't pilfer your neighbour's tree... Cause, "your honour I was inside the closet, minding I an I own business".  The citrus helps break fevers, by increasing perspiration, and helps with respiratory issues. It also has preservative qualities.

Ginger has anti inflammatory and antioxidant qualities, it helps with nausea .. so thats why you eat a ginger sweetie when you're feeling sea or motion sick ( morning sick too). The old people know what they're talking about.. they're old.. they've been alive a while for a reason you know. If you have joint issues (like me), the ginger will help with the discomfort, check all your organic teas and joint health thingies, most have ginger in them.  Ginger is amazing, use it.

Cinnamon is one of my favourite spices, if you can get the rolled bark, even better. It's popular now because of buzzwords like "super food", but we been knowing forever right? It helps fight bacterial and fungal infections, it's anti inflammatory, it's delicious with apples, sweet potato...and mulled wine... *cough* moving on.  A friend in Grenada once made me the most delicious tea of boiled cinnamon bark and bay leaves. I don't even like bay leaf unless it's in soup. Thanks Kiki. 


​All you have to do is:

cut up some lemons, I used two, but whatever will fill your jar, glass preferably.

Peel (you don't have to though, just wash it thoroughly) and slice up some ginger. 

Layer lemons, then ginger, then pour honey to cover, drop some cinnamon bark or the ground stuff (if you must) on top of that, then back to the lemons and ginger. Pour honey on top of that and let it ooze into the corners and spaces. You just want everything to be covered up. 

Place the lid on the jar and leave it alone fr 12-24 hours, then put it in the fridge, it should be good for about 4-6 months. It will turn into a jelly like mush at some point. When you feel a cold coming on, dig in, get a bit of everything put it in a mug and pour boiling water over it. Who needs tea bags when you have this at your disposal. That wasn't a question.. lol. You could swallow a spoonful too. Honey and Cinnamon is my go to sore throat remedy.

​Happy cold busting!!