There is simply no cure for the common cold. And while plenty of research has been done, proven remedies elude us.
What we do know is that cold sufferers feel better faster when they get proper rest and stay hydrated. And there are a few remedies that people swear by that have some anecdotal evidence to recommend them.
Even if some of these remedies are nothing but a placebo, if they make you feel better and don’t do any harm, then they’re worth a try!
Some of the most annoying cold symptoms are congestion and sore throat. And there’s a concoction that might just be the answer you’re looking for when it comes to vanquishing these.
The cocktail involves just a few ingredients:
- Five to seven inches of turmeric
- Two lemons
- Five to seven tamarind
- Water
- Raw honey
You might not have these lying around your house, but that’s why we have grocery delivery services!
You’re basically making a tea, which will loosen up mucous regardless of the ingredients, but if you want to go all in, you can follow these instructions:
(While the original recipe calls for an intimidating 19-step process (!), we’ve boiled it down for you.)
First, you’ll need to peel the turmeric as you would ginger.
Your whole life will turn yellow, but it’s nothing a little soap can’t solve.
You can peel or chop about an inch worth if you’re just experimenting or making it for yourself.
Boil your turmeric in about 2 cups of water for roughly 20 minutes or until it turns a bright gold color.
Then, you’ll take a couple of tamarinds (depending on whether or not you know you’ll like the flavor) and crack them open to get the fruit inside (set aside the inner roots for later):
Boil these pods in a few inches of water in a separate pan until they start to dissolve.
If you haven’t given up and just made some warm lemon water at this point, give yourself a pat on the back!
Now it’s time to take out the blender and blend together the turmeric water (which should cool down a bit before adding it to the blender) and those tamarind roots you set aside.
Now add the jammy bits of tamarind that you’ve been boiling down. Avoid adding peels and seeds, and strain if necessary because you only want the soft bits of fruit.
Blend the ingredients together, then add half a lemon and blend some more.
Hopefully, at this point, you have a warm, smooth concoction that smells like it can beat your germs into submission.
The last step is to add some raw honey and stir before sipping.
If you decide you like it and don’t want to go through the hassle every time you want a glass, you can double or triple the recipe and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
While this remedy hasn’t been lab tested, turmeric, tamarind, and honey are all thought to have anti-inflammatory properties.
And while different things work for different people, if you’re mired in cold season and feel like you’ve tried everything, this all-natural tea could be the key.
Bottoms up!
