HERBAL HOT TODDY – FOR COLD AND FLU RELIEF

Before you get too excited, this is my non-alcoholic version of a hot toddy. It has the same comforting taste, minus any alcohol that might lower the immune response. Licorice delivers the sweetness without any actual sugar, and soothes the throat on the way down. We’ve also got a healthy hit of vitamin C in the lemon juice and the cloves act as a gentle numbing agent against any soreness.
Remember this remedy is one to ease your symptoms, but won’t do much in the way of treating infection. My suggestion is to combine this with whichever antimicrobial and immune-boosting remedies you like. Makes one drink.

YOU WILL NEED

1 teaspoon rooibos tea leaves (or one tea bag) 1 teaspoon dried licorice root
1 Cinnamon stick, whole
1–2 cloves
Juice of 1⁄2 lemon
500 millilitres (2 cups) water
Slice of lemon, to serve

HOW TO

Step 1: Place the rooibos tea leaves, licorice root, cinnamon stick and cloves in a small, heavy-bottomed saucepan.

Step 2: Add the lemon juice and water, and bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.

Step 3: Lower the heat, and continue to simmer with the lid on for five minutes.

Step 4: Strain into a big mug, and add the lemon slice. I also like to transfer the cinnamon stick across to the mug so it continues to infuse while I sip.

Note: Omit the licorice in this one if you have high blood pressure, and sweeten with stevia instead.