We’ve all got a stash of emergency vitamins for when a cold is just starting to hit (I’m looking at you, Zicam), but here’s one that you may not have heard of: honey cinnamon ginger syrup. Cinnamon and ginger have been used in Chinese medicine for ages to treat body aches, chills, runny nose, and sneezing. This syrup can be added to any tea for medicinal purposes, or to a cocktail for added flavor and warmth.

If using this syrup to help with cold symptoms, it is important to recognize a hot type cold from a true cold. A hot type cold will have a noticeable sore throat, where the true cold will feel less intense, and more like a scratchy throat. Hot type will have yellow or green-yellow nasal mucus, while true cold will have thin, clear, and watery nasal mucus. Hot type will have fever, and a True cold type could have slight fever, but very noticeable body aches. This syrup is best for the true cold.

Ingredients:

• 1 and 1/4th cup filtered water
• 1 cup raw honey
• 4 Ceylon cinnamon sticks
• 4″ piece of ginger, cut into chunks and mashed up a bit

 

Directions:

Mix all ingredients into a saucepan and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2-5 minutes. Let steep for 15 minutes. Strain out all ingredients and keep in an airtight container in the fridge. This syrup will keep for about 6 months.

To use:

Add 1 ounce syrup to 12 ounces liquid. Chamomile is a recommended tea for this syrup.

 

Lauren Peabody, L.Ac.