Winter weather is upon us. With the drop of temperatures comes seasonal ailments like colds and sore throats.
If you start to feel sick with a sore throat, which is also a symptom of COVID, taking care of yourself with nourishing foods that soothe your throat will help you feel better. Avoid foods that are acidic or scratchy. Some people also recommend avoiding dairy to avoid mucus buildup.
Below, find some cold-weather recipes to help soothe your sore throat:
Iced Green Tea with Mint & Ginger
INGREDIENTS: (SERVES 6 TO 8)
- 6 cups water
- 1/4 cup ginger, peeled and sliced
- 3 to 6 bags of green tea (depending on how strong you like your tea)
- 1/2 cup mint leaves, tightly packed, plus extra to serve
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1 lemon, divided
INSTRUCTIONS
- Combine the water and ginger slices in a medium-sized pot. Bring to a boil. Once the water boils, lower the heat to a simmer and add the tea bags and mint leaves. Cover the pot and let steam for about 15 minutes.
- Strain the tea, separating the liquid from the mint leaves and tea bags. Mix in the honey and juice from half of the lemon into the tea. Pour in a pitcher and cool to room temperature before refrigerating.
- When ready to serve, add 1 to 2 lemon slices into each glass with a few mint leaves and ice cubes. Once the tea has cooled, pour it into the glasses and serve.
Blueberry Pie Smoothie
INGREDIENTS: (SERVES 2)
- 1 (14-ounce) can light coconut milk
- 1 cup frozen blueberries
- 1 banana
- 1/4 cup rolled oats (gluten-free, if necessary)
- 1/4 cup pecans, chopped
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons shredded coconut
INSTRUCTIONS
- Place all ingredients except the shredded coconut into a high-speed blender and whirl away until smooth. Garnish each smoothie with shredded coconut.
Sore Throat: Common Cold, Bacterial Infection Or Throat Cancer?
CHICKEN SOUP
INGREDIENTS: (SERVES 6 TO 8)
- 1 3- to 5-pound chicken
- 3 large carrots
- 5 stalks celery
- 2 large yellow onions
- 1 bay leaf
- Handful of parsley stems
- Fresh parsley, to serve
INSTRUCTIONS
- Combine the chicken and water in a large soup pot: Remove the chicken from its packaging, drain any liquid, and