These two recipes are prepared as teas but are not taken in your teacup – they help with the discomfort of flu season in other ways.

Winter Inhalation

This traditional herbal steam helps open your sinuses, discourages bacterial and viral growth, and reduces pain and inflammation. Remember to stay a comfortable distance from the steaming pot to avoid burning your face.

8 – 12 teaspoons fresh or 4 teaspoons dried eucalyptus leaf {Eucalyptus globulus}

2 – 3 tablespoons fresh or 1 tablespoon dried peppermint leaf

2 – 3 tablespoons fresh or 1 tablespoon dried thyme herb

3 cups purified water

Essential oils of the herbs above {optional}

Place the eucalyptus, peppermint, thyme, and water in a saucepan and stir to thoroughly combine. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer, covered, for 5 to 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and uncover. Drape a large towel over…

The name of this recipe is a homage to one of my go-to cookbooks, The Joy of Cooking, where the extra-special recipes have the moniker “Cockaigne” added. The word comes from a middle-English fable meaning “luxurious and idle paradise;” or abundance! Feel free to add other delicious herbs to the recipe such as organic Vanilla Beans, Hibiscus, Allspice, Star Anise, and more!

Ingredients: 

• 1 cup dried, organic Elderberries (or 2 cups fresh elderberries)
• 1 teaspoon organic Cinnamon Chips or 2 Cinnamon Sticks
• 1 teaspoon organic whole Cloves
• 1 teaspoon organic Ginger (powder or root) or 2 Tablespoons grated fresh ginger
• 1 Tablespoon dried organic dried Orange Peel or ¼ cup fresh orange peel
• 1 Tablespoon dried organic dried Bitter Orange Peel
• 1 Tablespoon organic dried Wild Cherry Bark
• 1 Tablespoon organic dried Rosehips
• 10 whole organic Cardamom Pods
• 4-5 cups water

Directions:

1. Put all these ingredients into a large saucepan and heat over medium-high heat to boiling.
2. Once the mixture boils, turn the heat down and simmer for 20-30…