Your Kitchen Your Pharmacy

Sadly most of us will either get a virus or a cold before the winter ends. we'll be running to the doctor or pharmacy to pick up all sorts of pills and potions. However you can easily look to your kitchen to find remedies. There are some good recipes and ingredients to get you those sick days.

Stomach viruses are in full force right now. These are the worst, leaving their hosts nauseous and weak. One of the best ways to deal with it is fresh ginger tea. Ginger is wonderful for soothing any stomach ailment from flu to indigestion. I always recommend having a few ginger roots in the fridge. For the tea cut the root into sizeable pieces in a cup or mug . Pour boiling water over them and let steep for  few minutes. Drink hot. If the flavor is too strong , add some honey to temper it.. Another must have is rice. This calms the stomach too.Make it plain or for more flavor add a cube of veggie,chicken or beef boullion. Probably in  a day or two you'll be feeing more puckish, . This is the time to reintroduce your stomach to food agian.Mashed potatoes and pasta should be the first foods. These are bland and can be livened up with butter and a little salt and pepper. You can then work your way up to chicken and turkey sandwiches made with dry toast.

Colds and fevers are other nasty winter woes.Again look to your kitchen for relief. Citrus is a big help.Home made lime, lemon or orange ade is always good and  when chilled feels wonderful on a raspy throat freeze the juice in Popsicle molds for all natural treats. Lemon and even orange in  hot tea is the perfect soother. You can go another route  and add cayenne pepper to blow out those clogged nostrils (sorry for that gross mental picture). The heat helps to loosen mucus (again sorry for the eww factor)and makes it easier for breathing. Don't buy the whole peppers, get it in the dried powder form at your local GNC. Be very very prudent with how much you put in.Too much and you can have a fireball in your throat. A small pinch can work nicely. You can also add it to chili or taco fillings too. Of course nothing beats a steaming bowl of fresh made chicken soup. it's both medicinal and a comfort food. Add superfoods like kale,carrots and onions to make it more healthier.

Your kitchen is better than a drugstore. Most herbs and spices have medicinal qualities that can get your through this cold and flu season.Use them. They are your arsenal in this war of gems.