Yesterday I looked at the cold and flu maps for my geographical region. The rates of both are just beginning to tick up. By the looks of the health people’s stats, this year is predicted to be rather awful in terms of both the common cold and the flu.
I myself have been fighting something, the cold I’ll bet. But I did try a Hot Toddy and while I am not so sure that it helped me I am pretty sure it didn’t hurt and I felt somewhat better.
Here are six reasons for trying one as well:
(sources: The Smithsonian Mag and Men’s Health)
- Vitamin C in the lemon and natural properties in the honey might boost your immunity.
- Spices (if you add them) stimulate saliva which soothes a sore throat.
- Whiskey (added sparingly) dilates blood vessels and can relieve congestion in your nasal passages.
- Warm liquids ease congestions and help with hydration.
- Lemon and honey can also stimulate mucus which flushes your sinuses.
- Psychological benefits: it feels healing and like someone cares about you even if you had to make it for yourself.
Here is a traditional recipe: It is from the website Cookie and Kate.
INGREDIENTS
- ¾ cup water
- 1 ½ ounces whiskey
- 2 to 3 teaspoons honey, to taste
- 2 to 3 teaspoons lemon juice, to taste
- 1 lemon round
- 1 cinnamon stick (otional, for garnish)
INSTRUCTIONS
- In a teapot or saucepan, bring the water to a simmer. Pour the hot water into a mug.
- Add the whiskey, 2 teaspoons honey and 2 teaspoon lemon juice. Stir until the honey has disappeared into the hot water. Taste, and add 1 teaspoon honey for more sweetness, and/or 1 teaspoon more lemon juice for more zing.
- Garnish with a lemon round and cinnamon stick (if using). Enjoy!
You can tinker with the volume of lemon and honey and whether or not you add warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ground cloves and/or ginger. I like to add spices but technically it makes the hot drink into a punch.
Take this instead of an over-the-counter cold medicine and NEVER with.
beabetterboozehound 