The base recipe came from my friend Keshwin, when I had a horrible sore throat and cough show up after a convention, and then I’ve modified it over the years. It’s *STRONG*, this is an infusion, not a delightful sipping tea.
- 3c water
- 2 large lemons
- 2 inches fresh ginger root
- 1 cup honey
- 2 dried cayenne peppers
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- IF AVAILABLE: 1/8 cup each slippery elm bark, marshmallow root and calendula flower
Method:
In a medium saucepan, set water to begin boiling.
Juice and zest lemon, strain out seeds and pith, but leave pulp.
Cut ginger into 1/4 inch coins
Gently crush peppers so there’s more surface area
When water is boiling, reduce to a low simmer, and add all ingredients. Cover, and let simmer for AT LEAST half an hour. A full hour is even better. It should be darker liquid, and strong smelling. Run the liquid through a strainer, and drink 1/2 to 1 cup as warm as you can manage.
It can be stored in a jar in the fridge about a week or two. Whiskey can be added for additional oomph.