Caught a cold? Here are two teas to help fight it.
Ginger and Scallion Tea
Have a runny nose, chills, and body aches? Try this simple tea to fight it off.
- 1 inch piece of ginger, sliced but not peeled
- 1 – 2 scallions, sliced (including the white bottoms)
- 1 piece cinnamon bark (optional)
Place the ginger and scallions (and optional cinnamon) in a pot, and cover with about 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then simmer covered for 10 minutes. Strain and drink hot. Get in bed under the covers and let the tea warm your cold away. Note: if you have a fever and/or sore throat, don’t drink this tea. Use the mint tea recipe listed below.
Mint-Lemon Tea
If you have a fever or a sore throat, mint tea is best to soothe your irritated throat and help bring down the fever. In Chinese medicine, mint has cooling properties and also “releases the exterior,” which means it helps your body fight off foreign invaders like viruses.
- 1 mint tea bag
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
Steep mint tea, lemon juice (and optional honey) for 5 minutes in hot water, then drink warm.