Ginger-Lemon Tea

It’s the sneezin’ season in the Time Zone and at the Latitude Where I Live. It’s beach season in the Time Zone Where My Southern Hemisphere Readers Live! What’s wrong with this picture? My daughter Erin swears by Ginger Lemon Tea to relieve the symptoms of minor colds and flu. She says: “I drink it by the bucket-load when I’m sick or feeling on the verge of getting sick. It works wonders!” I suspect the last line of her recipe is the secret to this home remedy’s success! 

Ginger Lemon Tea:

2-4 tbsp. fresh ginger, peeled and finely chopped (this is a chunk of ginger about the size of your thumb)

One lemon, cut into wedges

2-to-4 cups water 

Dash of cayenne pepper

Honey or maple syrup, to taste
Dark rum (optional)

Combine all ingredients except honey or maple syrup and rum. Bring to a boil and immediately reduce heat. Simmer over low heat, partially covered, 10 min. Sweeten with honey or maple syrup. Add a splash of dark rum, if desired. Serve hot. Makes 2 to 4 mugs.

Note: Always seek medical attention if symptoms persist or you run out of rum, whichever happens first.

Chop ginger finely.

Quarter one lemon, bringing it to a simmer.

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper.