Spring is finally here and so is the windy, rainy weather which bring late season colds and flu. That means it’s time to whip up a freshly brewed pot of Spring Flu Tea. This is a much abbreviated version of Fire Cider, but it’s easier and faster to make. I have to admit that I also add a healthy dose of honey to make it easier to drink.
For those of you new to this series, Sarah Munro, the heroine in ONE DARK WISH, the second book in the Deadly Force series, is an 18th century historian who inherited a collection of colonial-era herbal and homeopathic remedies. And in this blog space, I’ve been sharing her recipes with you all. The original recipe for Fire Cider is a traditional, homeopathic colonial-era vinegar-based tonic infused with ingredients that have been purported to help kill viruses and build up the immune system naturally. In the tea below, the ginger, onion, garlic, cayenne and orange peel still keep the immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties as well as adding a powerful antimicrobial in the form of honey. I hope we all stay healthy this Spring!
Ingredients:
- 1″ ginger root (peeled)
- 1 onion (peeled and cut into quarters)
- 2 garlic cloves (peeled and crushed)
- Dash of cayenne pepper
- 8 cups filtered water
- 1 orange, washed and sliced
- honey (for taste)
Directions for Spring Flu Tea
- Add all the ingredients into a saucepan. Bring to a boil and simmer for ten minutes.
- Strain the tea and add some honey – however much you need to make this palatable.
- Add an orange slice to each cup.
- Drink 1 cup every morning and evening.
- This last for about 4 days if kept in the refrigerator.
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER ABOUT WILD PLANTS, FORAGING, AND MAKING HERBAL REMEDIES:
I am not a medical professional and nothing written on this blog is medical advice. None of my statements have been evaluated by the FDA (I am legally required to give you this disclaimer).
It is important to do your due diligence before foraging, harvesting, and/or consuming any type of medicinal plant.
- If you are taking any medications, talk to your doctor about any potential drug interactions.
- If you are allergic to anything, make sure whatever you are foraging is not in the same family. Example: While dandelions are typically considered safe, those who are allergic to ragweed, latex, daisies, or any other plants in the same or similar families, may not be able to consume dandelion.
Always research potential side effects, dosage recommendations, and how to properly prepare and consume each medicinal plant.
Always make sure you are foraging what you believe to be. Fully prepare and study the anatomy before harvesting wild plants.
Always make sure your kitchen/work area is clean and that all materials are sterilized.
Do not forage plants from areas that have been sprayed within the past 2 years at the very least.
I am not legally or morally responsible for the health of any of my readers. Please do your own research!
