Infusion for Colds

By Megan Amal
AFO Staff

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Cold Companion Infusion

As someone new to real seasons I just had my first bout of ‘Summer colds’. I didn’t know there was such a thing! For others in my boat, or for more experienced Summer cold sufferers, here is an infusion to help ease your discomfort and move you toward wellness.

An infusion is like a tea, but doesn’t include tea leaves and is steeped longer than a tea would be. Our Cold Companion Infusion can be made with ingredients that many people already have in their kitchen and is an easy and fun way to actively participate in your own well-being.
In addition to being a great companion when sick with a cold, this infusion is useful for allergy sufferers, anyone looking to get a good immune boost, and is an aid in decreasing inflammation. It can be served hot or cold. This infusion is also great diluted with water; put about a quarter cup in a cup and fill the rest with water.

*I am no doctor. This recipe is an amalgamation of Somali healing herbs, things I’ve read and tried, and things passed to me through teachers and friends. This recipe is not intended as an alternative to professional medical help but as a supplement to your home care of simple colds and discomfort.*

1. In a medium pot of warm water add:

• About an inch of fresh ginger/hefty tbsp of powdered ginger
• About 3 cloves of garlic/ hefty tbsp of powdered garlic
• About an inch of fresh turmeric/ hefty tbsp of powdered turmeric

2. Dice ‘em all up (or if you’ve got it, use a food processor)

3. Add all to the water and allow these ingredients to steep for about an hour (or less, depending on how strong you’d like the flavor to be. An hour makes it pretty pungent).

4. Turn the stove on high and add

• A tbsp of dry oregano
• A big tbsp of black pepper
  
  

5. Allow it to come to a boil

6. Strain, add a sweetener if you’d like