I swear I was a medicine woman in a past life. Dr. Quinn, anyone? But seriously, unless I am on my death bed, and probably even then, I won’t touch over the counter meds.  The list of people who’ve experienced (and survived) one of my remedies is long, and I’m constantly conjuring up natural remedies to prevent and treat any ailment–ask anyone who knows me. Usually it’s some combination of garlic, ginger, lemon or vinegar that is almost intolerably spicy or strong, but it always does the trick. Knock on wood, I can’t remember the last time I had a cold or even a sniffle that lasted more than a day.

 This recipe does, of course, contain some of those elements. But it is also sweet, almost craveable, warming and balanced.  I made it one chilly morning this week when I woke up with possibly the worst stiff neck I’ve ever experienced, and sure enough, I was cured in less than a day. My boyfriend was nursing a cold at the time, so I threw in some extra ginger and a squeeze of lemon for his sake, and the result was one for the books.  Really good stuff, even if you’re not sick!

This tea is perfect for cold and flu season, for aches and pains and for cold winter mornings. It is sweet, spicy and invigorating. Fresh turmeric has a wealth of health benefits, and powder can absolutely be substituted if you cannot find fresh. Turmeric is anti-inflammatory, anti-tumorigenic and improves circulation.

Ginger aids in digestion and adds to the antioxidant, antibacterial and antiviral value of this tea. Local honey acts to soothe the throat and when taken regularly can help with seasonal allergies.

Black pepper helps to increase the turmeric’s bioavailability and adds a nice layer of spice. Store a jar of this in the fridge and use throughout the cold winter months, or anytime really!

Makes one 16 ounce jar of syrup

4 Tablespoons fresh turmeric, peeled and grated or very finely minced
4 Tablespoons fresh ginger, peeled and grated or very finely minced
1 teaspoon black pepper, ground
1 cup raw local honey
hot water
lemon

Combine the grated turmeric and ginger with the honey. Add the black pepper and stir until uniform. Alternatively, the paste can be made in the blender, just make sure you clean the blender right away to avoid stains!

Store the paste in a mason jar in the fridge. As needed, mix 1-2 Tablespoons with 1 cup of hot water and a squeeze of lemon.

Note: Turmeric will stain anything it comes in contact with, including your fingernails, so be forewarned…or just enjoy the free bright yellow mani!