My Magic Tea
Many moons ago, I came down with a nasty flu. Many of you and your family are dealing with it right now. I didn't take care of it directly and ended up with pneumonia. After fighting off pneumonia with antibiotics, steroids, and breathing treatments, I found the tea I will tell you about helped me fight every cold and flu, including COVID-19. Two weeks later, I caught the flu again. I tried everything over the counter, and nothing worked. I prayed hard and decided to take it old school. One of the older ladies in my aqua aerobics class told me about the home remedy below. It may sound nasty, but it works every time.
I boiled an onion and lemon. I mixed in some Cinnamon, some honey, and a dash of cayenne pepper. Surprisingly enough, it tastes delicious! The next day, I was feeling much better! If you're anything like me, you're thinking, "Yuck onion tea!" Let's examine these ingredients one by one.
Onions
Onions, such as quercetin contain chemical compounds with potential anti-inflammatory, anti-cholesterol, anti-cancer, and antioxidant properties. Some believe that onions can help relieve flu symptoms such as coughing, congestion, respiratory infections, and bronchitis. Some folks recommend placing sliced onions beside the bed at night, or even just around the house, to help prevent yourself from getting the flu. I am still trying to figure that out! But after boiling the onion to make a tea, I can confirm it helped me!
Lemons
Many drink tea or a hot toddy with lemon and honey when unwell. Have you ever wondered why? Lemons are tasty and help boost your immune system, which helps fight off a cold or the flu. Lemons are high in Vitamin C, a natural antioxidant that enhances the immune system. They have antiviral and antibacterial properties. Lemons are also high in potassium, an essential mineral that helps the kidneys function fully. Proper kidney function also regulates blood pressure. Kidneys are critical in helping to flush waste from the bloodstream. Lemons also help alkalize the blood and urine by creating an alkaline-forming environment in the body. My mom used to tell me that lemons help with mucus when we do not feel well.
Honey
Honey is known to bolster the immune system. A daily dose of honey can help you to feel energetic and stay healthy. It also has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that help fight infections from viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Warning: Don't give honey to children under one year old. Children under one year old have undeveloped immune systems and are unable to ward off infantile botulism carried in honey spores.
Cinnamon
I know you are thinking of sugar, spice, and everything excellent, but everything nice means that Cinnamon is a potent health hero. Cinnamon is an herb traditionally used by many ancient cultures. Various cultures believe Cinnamon helps many issues, including gastrointestinal problems and urinary tract infections, and relieves symptoms of colds and flu. It has remarkable anti-fungal and antibacterial properties. Some studies have shown that Cinnamon helps people with diabetes metabolize sugar better.
Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne stimulates digestion and muscle movement within the intestines, which helps restore deficient digestive secretions and aids in absorbing food nutrients. Cayenne also stimulates circulation and blood flow to the peripheral areas of the body. Any of you who love spicy food know this will warm your tummy, clear your sinuses, and make you sweat. Cayenne warms the body and stimulates mucus release from the respiratory passages. An herb such as cayenne or ginger can promote sweating and can be sweat-inducing. This action can help reduce fevers and relieve the congestion of colds and sinusitis.
Bonus: Ginger
Again, most of us have heard that when our stomach hurts, we should drink ginger ale. But the 99-cent store and other grocery markets sell the root. You can peel it, slice it, and boil it. Ginger has roots in ancient times for its anti-inflammatory, carminative, anti-flatulent, and antimicrobial properties. The root helps improve intestinal motility and has anti-inflammatory, pain killer, nerve soothing, anti-pyretic, and antibacterial properties. Studies have shown that it may reduce nausea induced by motion sickness or pregnancy and may help relieve migraine headaches.
This herb root only has 80 calories per 100 g and contains no cholesterol. Nonetheless, it composes many essential nutrients and vitamins, such as pyridoxine (vitamin B-6) and pantothenic acid (vitamin B-5), required for optimum health.
Furthermore, the herb also contains many minerals like potassium, manganese, copper, and magnesium. Potassium is essential to cells and body fluids that help control heart rate and blood pressure.
Disclaimer: I am not a medical doctor and I am not claiming this tea can heal any ailments. I am just sharing that it has helped me.