Recipe: Thyme-Ginger Euphoric Elixir
Now that we're getting a taste of winter it's time to incorporate warming foods and herbs. Here's one of my favorite winter recipes using common herbs easily found on your kitchen spice rack!
THYME-GINGER EUPHORIC ELIXIR
1 cup fresh thyme (or 1/2 cup dried)
2-3 inch piece of fresh ginger root
Unflavored brandy
Honey (raw, buckwheat if possible)
Cut up the fresh thyme, and grate the fresh ginger (if organic, include the peel). Put the herbs into a pint or slightly larger jar.
Pour brandy to cover the herbs. Top up the rest of the jar with honey. Stir it all together well. Cap the jar and wait 6 weeks. If you can't wait, use it by the teaspoon or tablespoon, and then top up the jar again with brandy or honey.
When it's ready, pour off the liquid and squeeze out the herbs; or leave them in and use just the liquid.
Take 30-60 drops of the elixir in tea or hot water, or drink it straight by the teaspoon, tablespoon, or shot glass.
This elixir can be used as a digestive calmative for stomach or intestinal cramps, or to help fight a respiratory or gut bug. It will open up the bronchia and lungs, and promote easier breathing. Each ingredient helps both your respiratory and immune systems. Thyme, ginger, and honey are all antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. Brandy is calming, and gently antispasmodic. The thyme and ginger together have a calming and euphoric effect at the same time
This delicious respiratory tonic is beneficial for anyone, and especially those with particularly vulnerable lungs. I've found it strengthens the respiratory tolerance of folks who are more susceptible to becoming ill when they're in cold damp weather. It eases the symptoms of colds, coughs and painful constriction in the lungs and bronchia. You can make this medicine in advance to have it on hand when you need it. Or use it as preventative medicine - it will warm you up on a cold winter night. It's so fortifying, and so yummy!
For this and many other delicious herbal recipes, be sure to check out The Gift of Healing Herbs.