Home Remedy for Colds | Remedio Casero Para el Gripe

Spring has arrived and conventional wisdom would suggest that our bouts with the cold and flu should be over. For many of us this has not been the case — it seems like every week someone I know is being put out of commission by this flu bug.

I rarely (as in almost never) get sick, but when I was pregnant with Amado, my immune system was shot and I got hit with a bad cold three times during my pregnancy. Since my options were limited in terms of meds, I came up with this natural tonic, which combines pretty much everything I thought would help combat my symptoms. It tastes like a spicy hot toddy, minus the booze, and was the only thing that helped clear my stuffy head when I was sick. Hope it helps you or someone you know who’s still being affected by this lingering bug.

Ingredients:
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1/4 teaspoon powdered cayenne pepper (I like mine spicy and use 1/2 teaspoon)
1 lemon or lime
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon agave syrup or honey (optional, this helps soothe an irritated throat)
3/4 cup boiling water

Preparation:

1. Combine apple cider vinegar, cayenne pepper, juice from one lemon or lime, salt, and agave syrup in a small teacup.
2. Mix in boiling water and drink hot.