The news is spewing forth stories of ebola, flu, and enterovirus. We are bracing ourselves for the season of sickness. The germs…they are upon us. We’ve already had a couple sickies in the house, and come to think of it, my throat is feeling a tish scratchy. It’s possibly psychosomatic, but I’m not taking any chances.
I have always liked the word “tincture” and decided to make up one of my own to help assuage the inevitable sickness that’s to come. Just say tincture a few times aloud. It’s got little something that just swells your throat with that crisp “t” and playful “nc” sounds. My sons will laugh and say it rhymes with “sphincter.” My tincture isn’t for that sort of ailment.
And don’t worry, I won’t be hocking it from street corners and fairgrounds any time soon. But if you feel the scratchies and sniffies coming on, just mix a bit of this tincture in some hot tea. With a healthy splash of dark rum for the over 21 set. Cough. Cough.
Tincture Tea
2 small lemons, sliced into small, thin wedges
1 inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and sliced thinly
Local honey
Fill a small mason jar with sliced lemons and ginger. Top with local honey. Give it a stir. Seal and refrigerate for a couple days. Add a teaspoon or two to hot tea and stir. Add dark rum for extra soothing. I’ve kept mine in the refrigerator and added lemons and ginger as needed.
I’m not a doctor but I am a med school wannabe who flunked all the pre-req classes. That means don’t mistake this post for medical advice.
This warm drink is comforting any time a chill envelopes the night. I think it will be a swell addition to our porch sitting evenings this fall, sick or not.
