Healing from the Pantry

I have a secret weapon! It’s calmed high fevers, cleared sinuses, soothed sore throats and all without leaving home. Intrigued? Keep reading ! You probably think I’m going to say homeopathy or vitamin C or some fancy herbs but despite those being incredibly useful I don’t always have what I need. I know, shameful. It’s a LOT more basic than that and it involves the kitchen.

It’s the home remedies I have tucked up sleeve! The tepid baths and cool cloths, the honey and lemon drinks or chicken broth are amongst the best home remedies I know. I often suggest these to parents on a phone consult when they can’t leave home to get anything extra.

I’ve added 3 awesome recipes to support you during the flu season.

FIRE CIDER

The Fire Cider is often used to help support the immune system as well so a double whammy!

This is a very forgiving recipe. Add what you have. The fresh horseradish can be a bit had to get but you can use powdered or dry or just leave out. Make a big batch to see you through the flu season. Once you’ve tasted it you’ll know it works by scaring off the flu!

It will help the circulation which will boost the immune system along with garlic. It has anti inflammatory properties and will help break up mucous when you are sick. It’s a pretty nifty little drink!

Ingredients

1 large jar, about 1 L

1 head of garlic

1 tablespoon of dried horseradish (or about ¼ cup fresh)

5cm grated, fresh ginger

I lemon

1 onion

2 chillies

2 tablespoons fresh, grated turmeric (or 1 tablespoon of powdered)

2 cups of apple cider vinegar with the mother (or enough to cover everything well)

¼- ½ a cup of raw honey

Method

Add everything except the honey to the jar and shake well to mix

Pop it in a dark place for 4-6 weeks and then strain. Add honey to taste.

USES: Use as a preventative or when you have the first signs of a cold or flu.

DOSAGE: Preventative take 1tsp -1 tbls daily (in a small amount of water if needed)

At the first sign of cold or flu symptoms take 3 tablespoons daily until you feel better (straight or with a little water but straight is better)

GARLIC AND ONION HONEY

This will keep really well so you can make ahead to keep. It works as an antiseptic to the throat as well as soothing it. Add a bit of thyme and it will help loosen mucous as well.

Ingredients

1 onion

A bulb of garlic

1-2  teaspoon Thyme (optional)

1 cup of honey or enough to cover

Leave on the bench overnight then strain and refrigerate. It’s that easy. 

USES: so good for a sore throat

DOSAGE:  1 teaspoon every hour or 2 to sooth the throat.

HEAD STEAM

How old fashioned is this? And so useful!  Use what you have even if it’s just water. Be very careful the steam isn’t so hot it burns!

Ingredients

A big bowl

A bath towel.

1-2 litres of steaming hot water

Garlic, onion, thyme, oregano, sage, cayenne pepper (very small amount) (ALL optional)

Method and dosage

Just stick your head over the bowl and pop the towel over your head and the bowl creating a steam tent and breath deep!

USES: helps to clear stuffed up noses and sinuses. Garlic etc also have some great anti bacterial properties as well. Very under utilised home remedy.

Head to the kitchen and get these made! Have some fun knowing that you can support your family with food straight from the kitchen. Honestly, health isn’t always complicated. And you know where I am if you need an acute consult. If you have one of my homeopathic kits then you know they are also gold to have in your tool box!