The Pungent Power of Ginger
As we head into cold and flu season, take advantage of one of Nature’s most powerful medicines for the lungs: ginger. It’s pungent, spicy quality is associated with Autumn and the Metal Element in Chinese Medicine and it is considered to be warming and clearing. Drink it as a tea with a spoonful of honey and a squeeze of lemon– it’ll make you sweat and help loosen any phlegm so that your body can move it out. Ginger is also great for soothing a queasy stomach, so enjoy!
FRESH GINGER TEA
Take an inch-long piece of fresh ginger and slice it up thinly, peel and all. Simmer in 4 cups of water for 15 minutes. Drain the pieces out (or not) and drink as hot as you can stand it for the greatest healing effect.
Ginger is peppery, so if the tea tastes too spicy for you, mix in a spoonful of local honey and a squeeze of lemon. Enjoy this anytime you feel chilled or have a cold or respiratory illness. This flavorful, old-fashioned remedy has been used by East and West alike for centuries!
For more in-depth nutritional consultations, contact Catherine Varchaver at Body and Soul Nutrition.
