25 February 2009

Cure in a Cup

Even avowed non-tea drinkers (those poor, misguided morons) will usually have a hot cup when sickness strikes.


One of my favorites for a cold or sore throat is fresh ginger tea; for stomach problems, fresh mint tea. I've seen a brews that combine them both, though, so even though I feel fine today, I decided to test some combinations out- which I can attest is easier when you're not suffering from any energy-draining ailments.

The one I liked the best is based on an ancient Indian concoction that usually contains fennel seeds in the mix.

(I am aware fennel is allegedly a very effective antidote to indigestion, but I think that's only because you feel less nauseous by comparison after you stop eating it and tasting that nasty flavor.)

It's simple: a warming brew of ginger, sweet cardamom and fragrant mint is tempered by a few spoonfuls of honey.

And that all seems too overwhelming from your sick bed, just stir some honey and mint into a mug of bagged tea. I'll forgive you in your weakened state.

Ginger-Mint Tea

In a small saucepan, over medium heat, toast 8 crushed cardamom seeds until fragrant, about a minute. Pour in 2 1/2 cups water and a 3-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and sliced and bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in several sprigs fresh mint and 2 teaspoons honey. Let sit 5 minutes, then strain into cups, adding more mint for garnish if desired.

Just a few sips will soothe, even the object of your affliction is external- a significant other, a relative, the IRS, or an employer (or, more likely, the Department of Labor). And if that describes all the same person, your problem might be beyond tea.

4 comments:

Cheryl A said...

Just found your blog from Tastespotting and this tea looks yummy. I grow a handful of herbs every summer and play around with mixing and matching to come up with different teas. I'm so glad I found your blog and I will definitly be trying your suggestions. It is snowing like crazy and very cold today so I may go home (early) and try this one out...thanks for sharing!

Anonymous said...

Course the best cure will be when the fresh mint comes out of your yard instead of from the store

Anonymous said...

Can't wait for my flour

jessica said...

i like the combo here - i've been doing more of a cinnamon/clove/ginger with cayenne/lemon/honey. if you were adding fennel, you'd do it instead of cardamon or you'd add it at end?