Pop Culture Curmudgeon

Ginger Cures for Colds and Flu

In honor of the flu that knocked me completely out of commission last week, I’d like to share two of my favorite cold and flu remedies.

Ginger Lemonade

1/4 cup shredded fresh gingerroot (you don’t need to peel it, but do wash it before you shred it)

juice from 4-6 lemons

agave nectar, raw honey, or real maple syrup to taste (I use about 1/4 cup)

filtered water to fill a pitcher

Mix the ginger, lemon juice, and sweetener in the bottom of your pitcher. Fill pitcher with filtered water. Mix everything together a let the lemonade sit overnight. Strain before drinking.

This will have a strong ginger bite to it, but the sweetener should help tone that down.

Ginger Tea

1/4 cup shredded or chopped ginger (again, you don’t need to peel it, but do wash it)

2-3 cups filtered water

Put the ginger and the water in a small stainless saucepan. Bring to a boil. Turn off the burner and cover the saucepan. Let the tea steep for 10 minutes or longer, then strain into a cup. The recipe makes 2-3 cups.

Your first reaction on tasting this tea will likely be something along the lines of, “Oh my god. This is what evil tastes like.” Just drink it fast and feel free to make whatever sort of grimaces and noises you need to get through it. Anyone who has tasted this tea will understand.

I love ginger, and I think it makes a much nicer natural cure than raw cloves of garlic. I’m sure Mr. Pop Culture Curmudgeon would agree with that assessment.

Do you have any home remedies or natural cures you always grab when you get sick?