Cranky
05-22-2006, 08:23 AM
For a good "cold tea," combine equal parts of elder (Sambucus nigra), peppermint (Mentha piperita), and yarrow (Achillea millefolium) and steep 1 to 2 tsp of the mixture in 1 cup hot water. Take it hot just before going to bed. This will induce a sweat, and if the cold is caught early enough, may stop it altogether. Even if it is too late for this it will still be very useful. This tea can help the body handle fever and reduce achiness, congestion, and inflammation. They may be taken with a pinch of mixed spice and a little honey to soothe a painful throat.
Other herbs that may be added to the infusion include:
Cayenne (Capsicum minimum):
a favorite North American Indian remedy: use 1.25 ml (1/4 tsp) of the powder to really stimulate the circulation.
Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum):
use a cinnamon stick, and break it into the mixture of herbs, for a gentle, warming and sweat-inducing effect.
Ginger (Zingiber officinalis):
grate a small piece of fresh root ginger into the mixture for extra heat.
Caution: Peppermint tea may interfere with the beneficial action of homoeopathic remedies.
Other herbs that may be added to the infusion include:
Cayenne (Capsicum minimum):
a favorite North American Indian remedy: use 1.25 ml (1/4 tsp) of the powder to really stimulate the circulation.
Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum):
use a cinnamon stick, and break it into the mixture of herbs, for a gentle, warming and sweat-inducing effect.
Ginger (Zingiber officinalis):
grate a small piece of fresh root ginger into the mixture for extra heat.
Caution: Peppermint tea may interfere with the beneficial action of homoeopathic remedies.