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Nursing a cold is no fun and if you tend to reach for natural remedies then you’ll enjoy this Ayurvedic fix. The recipe comes from my Indian mother-in-law who consulted an expert in Ayurveda, traditional Indian medicine, before passing it on.
After the hubby and I both came down with a cold she recommended we try this spicy concoction. We noticed a difference right away. It lessened coughing and soothed our sore throats. By Day 2 we were already feeling more like ourselves.
You’ll need honey, almonds and whole black peppercorns (all of which you most likely have in the cupboards). The other two ingredients may require a run to your local Indian shop or spice market but it’s well worth the effort. You’ll need green cardamoms in their pods and ground ginger (note: it is best not to use powdered ginger from the spice aisle at the supermarket as the flavor won’t be as intense as the one sold in the Indian shop).
Ready to give this Ayurvedic cold remedy a try? Grab a spice grinder and follow this recipe:
- 3 tablespoons of crushed almonds
- 30 whole black peppercorns
- the seeds of 30 green cardamoms (split the pods open to access the seeds then dispose of the skin)
- 2 tablespoons of high-quality ground ginger
- 3-4 tablespoons of honey, per taste
Grind the almonds, peppercorns and cardamom seeds into a powder. Pour into a small bowl and add ginger. Mix well and slowly incorporate the honey to form a paste. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
Dosage: consume 1-2 teaspoons a day for the duration of the cold
WHY IT WORKS
In Ayurveda the spices used in this cold remedy are considered “warming” to the body. Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory agent while honey has antibacterial properties. Black peppercorns are traditionally used to cure digestive troubles, among other ailments, and cardamom is used to treat sore throats and respiratory issues.
Editor's note: As with all medications, consult your doctor before use. Do not consume if allergic to any of the ingredients. For adult use only.
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