I first came across this tea back during the lockdown and was feeling awful – although I had tested negative for Covid, I still felt like I had been hit by a truck.  A friend of mine who was Jamaican brought me over a tea that she assured me would get me back on my feet fast, and although I was skeptical ( and slightly terrified of her temper ) I agree to try it.   The problem was it contained one of my most hated of all substances – turmeric.

But like when my kids were younger and of school age, I always used the ” Buckley’s ” test to see if they were really sick.   I knew with how awful Buckley’s tasted, that if they were willing to take some without kicking and screaming, then they were actually ill and not just trying to get out of school.   So for me willing to try turmeric tea I knew I was a hurting unit.

The smell alone from this recipe is enough to clear your sinuses thanks to the apple cider vinegar in it, and I have no doubt that some people might even find this tea’s strong aroma pleasing, but I was not one of them.   Truth be told though, after drinking a cup of this tea, within hours I felt significantly better and by better I mean I had gone from a 9 out of 10 on the feeling crappy stage to a manageable 3 or 4.   Ever since then I have been an feverish supporter of this concoction  ( Pun intended ) and am quick to prescribe it to anyone that is suffering flu or cold symptoms.

The Recipe for Miracle Cold Cure Tea

• Two Cups Water
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger ( fresh if you have it )
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon or lemon juice.
• 1 tablespoon natural apple cider vinegar.
• 1 tablespoon honey

Cooking Instructions

Simple bring this mixture to a boil and let cool enough to drink.  This recipe is enough for one person and can be increased by doubling the ingredients if you so choose, or want to make a batch big enough to heat up later – although honestly one good serving seems to be enough to cure most people.

I also have been known to add a bag of orange pekoe to my tea to make it a bit more palatable which doesn’t impact the effectiveness of the mixture.

The Science Behind this Tea as a Cure for the Common Cold…

This tea recipe is effective at relieving cold symptoms due to the unique properties of its ingredients, each of which is known for specific health benefits that support the immune system and alleviate symptoms:

1. Turmeric: Contains curcumin, a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compound. Curcumin helps reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract and fight off infections.
2. Ginger: Known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiviral properties, ginger can ease sore throats, reduce nasal congestion, and provide a warming effect, which can soothe cold symptoms.
3. Cayenne Pepper: Contains capsaicin, which can stimulate mucus flow and relieve nasal congestion, helping to clear the sinuses. Capsaicin is also known to have pain-relieving properties.
4. Cinnamon: Another anti-inflammatory and antioxidant-rich spice, cinnamon can boost circulation and may help reduce sore throat pain.
5. Black Pepper: Enhances the bioavailability of curcumin in turmeric, making its effects stronger. It also has mild decongestant effects.
6. Lemon Juice: High in vitamin C, lemon juice strengthens the immune system and has antioxidant properties. It also adds acidity, which helps thin mucus and ease congestion.
7. Apple Cider Vinegar: Balances the body’s pH, potentially making it less hospitable to viruses and bacteria. It also helps with sore throats and congestion.
8. Honey: A natural cough suppressant and throat soother, honey has antibacterial properties and adds sweetness to the tea, making it more palatable.