You and I both know that moment.
That weariness that can't be really explained.
Then suddenly...you feel it.
Right there.
In the glands at the base of your neck.
Then the little drip at the back of your throat.
Then the sinking feeling in you tummy.
That "oh are you kidding?" with the dramatic eye roll and exaggerated shrug.
Yep...you've got a bug.
BUT! Though that bug is in your system...it hasn't clutched it's nasty murky talons around you yet!
You have time to beat it!
Ok I'm sure you know to take your zinc, drink liquids, get lots of rest, have some EmergenC, whatever your cold fighting collection is...
Let me introduce you to another cold knocking and all around healthy practice I've taken to over the last year.
It's an anti-inflamatory drink the kicks your immune system in the PANTS!
I'm not a doctor and this will not cure you but it is one way to either knock it out if you catch it early, or to soothe your glands and systems while your body does work.
Abigail's Magic Fire Water
K. It's not magic but it helps so much! When I got really sick during fire season last year and extra sleep was not an option...a woman I was working with from Alaska made this for the both of us and we got better before EVERYONE else. Boom. Drop the mic.
INGREDIENTS
- Lemon
- Cayenne
- Ginger
- Turmeric
- Honey
- Water
No particular order, no particular amounts...mostly go heavy on the lemon and ginger...then little bits of the spices because they get potent fast. (hence the name fire water)
Fresh lemon all sliced up and added to my teapot full of H2O...make sure you leave the rind on because it's full of goodness too!
Cayenne is the butt kicker here. Not only does it obviously help your respiratory system (can we say cleared out?) it is also a good source of Vitamin A and E. This is a major player in the "let's get rid of this cold" game.
Gingaaaaaa! Ginga Ninja warrior to the immune system!
{I'm writing this late at night so stick with me}
Ginger is another cold kicker. It boosts the immune system and is an anti inflammatory!
Doesn't really matter if you slice it or grate it...I was in a hurry the other day so I sliced.
Turmeric.
You the real MVP though.
Turmeric is a natural antibiotic as well as an incredibly potent anti inflammatory.
Why is the anti inflammatory part important? Because when your body is inflamed that's when we start getting gut problems, skin problems, liver problems, respiratory problems, etc.
We can reduce the inflammation naturally and give our bodies a break.
This spice that is so often overlooked is a powerhouse of health benefits! Adding this to your fire water is just chucking more amazing natural cold fighting nutrients and vitamins into your body.
I threw in some honey to cut some of the spiciness as well as to add the antibacterial properties and allergen relief as well. (thanks pollen)
I let this cook on medium heat...basically just pre boil for about 10 minutes. ]
It's going to smell strong and you're going to backpedal but DON'T!
Pour a bit in a cup and the rest in a pitcher and put in the fridge.
I can't manage to take the whole cup in one chug...I have a few sips and then take a break and then a few more.
Not because it tastes bad, but it burns a bit going in and is definitely strong.
BUT!
After drinking my cup I always feel better.
I drink one at night after work if I'm feeling under the weather,
and then have one after breakfast as a mid morning kick in the pants.
Maybe one more in the afternoon if I really know I'm fighting something tough.
Again, this is not a cure. This is a natural way to ramp up your immune system, reduce inflammation, and open up you air ways without putting toxic and harmful synthetics into your system.
Don't simply solve one problem at the expense of another organ's health
Soothe your body as you let it heal :)