When I first moved to Germany I was fortunate enough to be able to stay with my uncle Wulf and aunt Brigitte until I transitioned into my own place. Moving from a hot climate to a cold one, I often caught a chill which resulted in me getting a cold. Wulf being born in 1938 and a radical hippie, lived in communes and has been doing all the nutrition and health practices that I am only now discovering, never believed in the pharmaceutical industry. So when I got sick he always made his own cold remedy for me using onions, honey and thyme.
Ingredients:
The onion has phytochemicals that are a stimulant for vitamin C, supercharging the vitamin and thus your immune system to fight off illness. In addition, it has oils that are antibacterial and have mucus loosening (mucolytic) properties.
Honey is well known for it’s anti-inflammatory agencies and antibacterial effect. It is also a good remedy for sore throats as it helps to coat the throat. Honey is packed with vitamins and mineral all important to human nutrition. It is important to note that the best honey to consume is raw honey if you want all the nutrient benefits. If you are vegan, substitute with brown sugar.
Thyme not only has one of the highest antioxidant concentrations, but it is an all around immune booster with high levels of vitamin C. It improves circulation and acts as an expectorant and anti-inflammatory substance, helping the body to get rid of phlegm and mucus.
How to make Uncle Wulf’s Homemade Cold Relief:
- 1 medium sized onion
- 3 tbsp of raw honey
- 1 tbsp of thyme leaves
Method:
- Chop the onion into fine pieces.
- Place all the ingredients in a small jar and let it stand for 24 hours. The onion will lose its juices and pull out the herbal goodness. Shake the jar from time to time.
- After 24 hours, strain and store the liquid in a jar in the fridge. It should keep for up to one week. Depending on the temperature of your fridge, it may last longer. If it smells funny or looks cloudy, throw it out.
- Take 1 tablespoon every 2 hours or a teaspoon every 2 hours for children. Reduce to every 4 hours as symptoms get better. If there is no change, consult your physician to rule out a more serious illness.
