Honey, lemon and ginger tea for a cold (or anytime you need a lift!)

As winter drags on (February is always the worst for me!), here is an old fashioned recipe that can really brighten things up.

Hot honey, lemon and ginger is quick & easy, and uses ingredients you probably have in the kitchen.  Don’t keep fresh ginger root on hand yet?  You can always use some powdered or dried crystal ginger too … but fresh is best!   In traditional usage, honey, lemon and ginger were used to help get over a cold.  However, I like the fresh citrusy/spicy taste from the lemon and ginger, and I just like it as an easy warming drink (you can also add a shot of whisky and have a nice hot toddy!)

Why these ingredients are key:

Honey:  Honey is a naturally antibacterial and antiseptic.  It also coats the throat, to soothe dry or sore throats.

Lemon: Lemon is antibacterial and has a high amount of vitamin C (and gives a nice fresh taste.)  In aromatherapy, they say that the lemon is used to detoxify the body, stimulate the lymph and liver, and for purifies the skin and respiratory tract.

Ginger: This is the essential ingredient in this tea, in my opinion.  Ginger is hot and spicy, and is traditionally used to warm the body, for colds & to stimulate the immune system.  Ginger also may reduce inflammation.

How do you make it?

Cut a 1/2″ piece of fresh ginger root. Peel.  You might want to cut in a few smaller slices to put in the mug (more exposed surfaces means more ginger juice gets in the tea!).   Place in mug.

Squeeze the juice of half a lemon in the mug.

Add 1 big spoonful of honey (or to taste).

Fill with recently boiled water.

Some people advocate covering the mug during the steeping process to trap all the volatile oils that might otherwise escape in the steam.

(Add a healthy shot of whisky, if you’re feeling like you need an extra kick.)

Enjoy!

What’s your favorite winter warmer or pick-me-up for the February slump??