Cold season is mostly over, but I felt there is no time like the present to get this post up. Since my son has been a toddler, whenever he is sick, he asks for this tea. And I happily make it for him. The thought didn’t even cross my mind to share this recipe until my mother-in-law asked for the recipe (I made it for her while she was visiting). This tea is called Feel Good Tea and is the most comforting hug when you are under the weather. Not only does it help you to feel better, but it’s so delicious too. Another reason why my son asks for it. This tea is semi-homemade as I use fresh ingredients like ginger, mint, and lemon, but also tea bags to make things easier.
I start by infusing the water with ginger, mint, and lemon. All three of those ingredients are recommended when you have had a cold. Then I add raspberry zinger tea bags for flavor and color (very kid friendly), echinacea tea bags to help support your immune system and chamomile tea bags for comfort and relaxation. In the recipe, I suggest using honey at your desired level of sweetness. What makes my son happy is not the same as what makes me happy. Also, feel free to use a decent amount as honey is very good for coughs!
- 1 bunch of fresh mint
- 1 4-5 inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and sliced
- 1½ (1 whole and a half) lemon, sliced
- 8 cups of filtered water
- 5 echinacea tea bags (I prefer Traditional Medicinals brand)
- 5 sleepytime or chamomile tea bags
- 6 raspberry zinger tea bags (I prefer Celestial Seasonings)
- honey
- In a large pot, add mint, sliced ginger, lemon slices and 8 cups of water. Turn the heat on low and cook for 30-40 minutes. This will slowly infuse the water.
- Bring to a boil, and add the tea bags. Turn off heat, stir and let steep for 15 minutes. Using a sieve, strain the tea. Add honey to desired sweetness as you serve a cup, that way the honey is most effective. Allow whatever you are not drinking cool and store in the refrigerator. Just warm up as much as you plan to drink. I would freeze what you don't plan to drink it in about 3-4 days. To get ahead, sometimes I will make a batch to go straight in the freezer (after it cools) so we can have it on hand. Preferably wait to sweeten until serving.
