As I write this, I am knocking on all the wood I can find because for the first time in weeks, we are ALL healthy. I was saying on Instagram the other day how I feel like we are getting rocked this cold and flu season. Grayson started preschool at the beginning of the month and since day one, it’s been constant sickness (just like everyone says!). That, plus all the rain we’ve been getting lately, has this mama seriously about to pull all her hair out.
Before we moved to the Berkeley area, we lived about half an hour north of the Golden Gate Bridge and whenever I would get a cold, my absolute favorite remedy (that ALWAYS seemed to make it better) was this hot lemon elixir from the juice bar at a local health food store. The drink seriously packs a punch with fresh lemon, ginger, turmeric, spicy cayenne and honey! You guys always asked about it because I would put photos on Instagram whenever I got one…so, I decided to make a homemade version to share!
Now, I’m not going to pat myself on the back too much here (haha), but I think my version is ALMOST as good as the one from the store. 😉 If you’re feeling down, you really need to try this — I pretty much swear by it and think the “secret” is using really good raw honey. See if you can find a local variety because it will help with allergies, too, and we all know pollen season is right around the corner.
I used fresh turmeric in my version, which I found quite easily at my local Whole Foods. If you can’t find fresh turmeric, feel free to substitute 1/4 tsp dried. Turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory spice that is incredibly healing to the body. You don’t want to leave it out.
This drink is sweet but also quite spicy —- just add the tiniest bit ever of cayenne. Remember, you can always add more if it’s not enough. 🙂 If you don’t feel good, consider doubling or tripling this and keeping leftovers in a mason jar in the fridge to heat up and drink throughout the day. If that doesn’t make you feel better, I don’t know what will!
I hope you guys like this! I was really excited to finally “nail” it and it’s now my go-to drink all season.
![](https://s6655.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/cold-chaser-4-1-of-1-150x150.jpg)
- 1 inch piece of fresh turmeric peeled and chopped
- 1.5 inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and chopped
- 1.5 cups water
- juice of 1 large lemon
- 2 tbsp raw honey
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper (VERY small pinch - like a sprinkle!)
-
Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan and bring to gentle simmer. Strain into a mug and drink hot.
Really go light on the cayenne. The first time I made this drink at home I added too much and learned my lesson. 😉 Just a very light sprinkle will do!
Lori
February 21, 2017 at 7:36 amCould you substitute ground/dried ginger? And if so, how much?
jenna
February 21, 2017 at 9:02 amyes, you can! 1/8th to 1/4th of a tsp would work. Taste and see!
Lori
February 21, 2017 at 10:01 amThank you!
Christina @ montessoriishmom.com
February 21, 2017 at 7:54 amMMM, I don’t remember the last time I had a cold (knock on wood!), but I want to try this anyway! I love ginger and this sounds delicious 🙂
Aileen
February 21, 2017 at 9:02 amI just got a cold and this is great! Also, so, so glad you’re back 🙂
Whitney
February 21, 2017 at 9:05 amI’ll be making this today for sure, I’ve got all the ingredients! With a 2.5 year old and a 9 month old that puts every thing in her mouth I feel like we’ve been sick basically this whole year so far. By the way so glad your blog is back, I’ve been following you forever and I would still reference back to your blog for recipes.
Liz
February 21, 2017 at 9:59 amThis couldn’t have been better timed. This year has been bad for us too and my guy isnt even in preschool yet and its just us! I’m currently listening to him cough through his nap upstairs 🙁
Andrea
February 21, 2017 at 10:17 amI survived on a similar tincture for most of the month of January. I added some raw apple cider vinegar to it as well!
Alyssa
February 21, 2017 at 5:03 pmI need to know where your shirt is from! It’s gorgeous!
Tracy
February 22, 2017 at 10:47 amHi Jenna! I’m a long-time reader of your blog (and follower on IG) and I’m thrilled you’re back to blogging! Seriously, so great!
I’m hoping you’ll do some book reviews like you’ve done in the past!
Kelly J. R.
February 22, 2017 at 11:17 amYour Asian Chicken Noodle Soup is a go-to recipe for when we’re feeling under the weather. I just made it last night because my husband feels like he’s getting sick. I’ll have to make this drink for him too.
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kim
March 16, 2017 at 3:31 amIs that a shirt or dress? I love it!
jenna
March 16, 2017 at 1:12 pmdress- thank you! 🙂 its from etsy
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March 22, 2017 at 2:23 pmThere’s definately a lot to find out about this issue. I like all the points you have made.
Cristina
March 25, 2017 at 5:11 pmWoW! This was great. I am 17 weeks pregnant and came down with an awful cold this week. I’ve been doing tea and honey and it’s been just okay. I then remember you posting some sort of cold remedy drink and found this. SO MUCH FLAVOR! Love it. I hope it helps quick this cold because being sick and preggo is not fun. Thank you!