got a cold? have some nose draino

I often make this tea for myself or friends when sick with a cold, it clears you out, boosts the immune system and doesn't taste too bad either. It works best on congestion. This makes one big mug.

All it takes is:
1 tea bag of your choice
1 tbls honey
1 tsp of ginger (or more if you like ginger)
1/2 tsp red pepper flake (very important)
a good squeeze of lemon

These are two special ingredients I picked up at penn herb, if you don't have a good natural food store near you the tea will still get the job done.

1/2 tsp dried elderberry
1/2 tsp marshmellow root (yes this is an actual plant)

To brew your cure boil some water in your tea kettle. If you have a clean french press put all your ingredients except the bag in the press (if not any heat resistant vessel works, ie pyrex measuring cup). Allow ingredients to steep for 3-5 mins, strain and add your tea bag. Sip and feel your congestion run away.

The active ingredient in red chili flake that makes it spicy is a powerful agent to fight congestion. It acts as an anti inflamitory to calm swelling in the nose and chest, it opens capilaries to get blood flowing breaking up infection and it dries mucus membranes to keep you from clogging up again.

Marshmellow root contains a chemical called musciline which coats the throat and stomach easing iritation often caused by post nasal drip.

Elderberry is a great immune booster and adds a nice flavor.

I hope this helps anyone suffering from the ailments of the season!

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