When the flu comes knocking, it’s like a surprise guest who doesn’t give you any heads up. You don’t get that early warning sign of a tickling sore throat or that hint of fatigue creeping in. It’s more like a freight train hitting you out of nowhere, and suddenly, even getting out of bed feels like a huge feat. Hate to say it – but we’ve all been there!
This abrupt arrival probably means that you’re not exactly in the mood or shape to whip up a fancy remedy to speed up your recovery. Heck, you might not even have the energy to drag yourself to the store for the necessary ingredients. That’s when the basics come to the rescue – rest and loads of fluids. They’re your trusty sidekicks, alongside what other treatments you might consider.
And here’s the kicker: having a stash of this Whole Lemon Flu Elixir on hand in your freezer means that support for your immune system is immediate. It’s your instant backup when you’re feeling down and out.
This recipe makes approximately 10 x 50ml ice cubes and as with other remedies, the calculated vitamin C, which is important, is not the whole picture.
A summary of the superhero ingredients is listed below:
Whole Lemon: These little citrus powerhouses have an impressive nutrient profile packed with goodies like potassium, magnesium, B vitamins, and of course high levels of Vitamin C. When consumed whole, you get the Vitamin C in its most complete form – meaning it’s not just the ascorbic acid, but it’s complete with bioflavonoids found mostly in the skin and pith of the lemon. Make sure to go organic to keep those pesky pesticide residues out of your elixir. Lemons are also like the secret weapon against blood sugar spikes when consumed with carbs like bread.
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) Water/Tea: Thyme isn’t just for adding flavour to your dishes; it’s been a go-to herbal remedy for centuries. Modern science has confirmed its impressive anti-microbial powers, and some studies have even shown it to be effective against multi-drug resistant bacterial strains, attributable mainly to the thymol content. Plants are complex, and there’s a chemical complexity we are only beginning to understand. Isolating one constituent is not representative of the whole plant.
Ginger (Zingiber officinale): Ginger has been our trusty cold and flu companion for ages. It’s not just about soothing your throat; it’s got anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and antioxidant properties up its sleeve. Ginger also helps reduce nausea, which often tags along with the flu. One of ginger’s polyphenols, gingerol, has even been attributed to be helpful in fighting against bacterial and viral infections.
Manuka Honey: This special honey comes from the nectar of New Zealand’s Manuka tree. It’s like the superhero of honey with its antimicrobial, antiviral, and wound-healing powers, produced from the bees that forage from them. It is important to ensure that you choose genuine Manuka Honey, so look for a high UMF (Unique Manuka factor). Yes, it might cost a bit more, but it’s worth every drop and will last you a long time.
.To whip up this elixir, just add hot (not boiling) water, and you’ve got yourself a warming drink that’s not only soothing but packed with nutrients to give your immune system a high-five.
Of course, you don’t need to be under the weather to enjoy this goodness. Strain it, add more water, and you’ve got a refreshing, hydrating beverage to savour anytime.
