Immunity-Boosting Shot 
Believe it or not, “Wanna do a shot?” is a common inquiry in my kitchen during the early morning mad dash to get everyone off to school and work. While I do confess that amid half-made lunches, tantruming kids, a spilled smoothie, and a missing sneaker, I have more than once fantasized about a leisurely happy hour with a lovely glass of wine, the kind of shot I’m talking about isn’t boozy at all. It’s a small, potent dose of ginger that my husband and I rely on to keep ourselves in fighting shape or, at the very least, clear of the colds and other illnesses we simply don’t have time to deal with. A ginger shot—which is more or less pure ginger juice—is a direct delivery of all the benefits of ginger. Straight up. With antioxidants to fight free radicals and toxins in your body and anti-inflammatory properties that will aid your recovery if you’re already knocked down by something, this shot is a lifesaver. I add lemon juice for an extra dose of vitamin C and to cut the heat of the ginger a little. Even so, it isn’t for the faint of heart. This stuff is intense. If you like, you can add a little bit of maple syrup to ease up on the heat even more, but remember it’s a shot, not a sipper, so toss it back and get on with your day. And if your version of “Wanna do a shot?” does mean what it’s supposed to mean, you can always turn to this wellness shot the next day to help you ease back into things.
Makes 8 to 10 treatments
2 large knobs ginger (about 4 ounces), peeled and chopped roughly
1 cup fresh lemon juice (from 3 to 4 lemons)
Pure maple syrup (optional)
1. Place the ginger and lemon juice in a high-speed blender or juicer. Process until very smooth.
2. Pass the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve, pushing the pulp against the screen with the back of a spoon or rubber spatula to squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
3. Store the reserved juice in the refrigerator for up to a week. Drink 1 to 2 ounces daily, sweetened with maple syrup to taste, if desired.
Cough Suppressant 
What’s worse than a nagging, hacking cough that disrupts your daily groove? The night cough, that’s what! You know the one I’m talking about. The cough that shows up just as you start to think you’re getting over a cold or the flu. The one that sneaks up, like clockwork, just as evening sets in, even though you’ve barely coughed all day. The one that is determined to keep you up all freaking night. Yeah, that one. Well, watch out, Night Cough! Here comes a simple, natural remedy so full of powerful nutrients, it’ll kick you and the rest of those nasty cold symptoms to the curb. The whole lot of you! Here comes honey—KAPOW!—a well-researched and documented natural cough suppressant that’s packed with antiviral, antibacterial, and other soothing properties to help calm things down. And now turmeric and black pepper, like Batman—BOOM!—and his sidekick Robin—BAM!—a powerful combo, working together to bring even more anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiviral ammo to your system. Next time you feel that night cough (or any cough) creep in, make yourself a mug of this soothing sipper and prepare for victory. See ya, Night Cough!
Makes 1 treatment
1 cup milk (coconut, almond, dairy, or any other kind)
¾ teaspoon ground turmeric
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon raw honey
Pinch of freshly ground black pepper
1. Put all the ingredients in a small saucepan or microwaveable mug and stir to combine.
2. Heat over medium-high heat for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, or microwave on HIGH for about 1 minute, until the mixture is very hot but not boiling.
3. Stir again and sip slowly, stirring and swirling as you go to keep the spices from settling at the bottom of the mug.
Extremely Attractive Sore Throat Gargle
Gargling is a simple, highly effective, time-tested way to kill germs and soothe a sore throat. It also looks and sounds extremely attractive! Mmm-hmmm. Be sure that when you gargle and spit you do so in front of your significant other or, better yet, someone you’ve just started dating, because it’s super sexy. Well, no. But it is a super effective way to heal and calm a raw, scratchy, irritated throat. In addition to ginger, this potent solution includes apple cider vinegar—great for killing bacteria and loosening phlegm—as well as sea salt, which reduces inflammation, clears mucus, and helps fight off bacteria in the throat, plus raw honey, which coats the throat and brings flavor and even more antiseptic firepower. Make a fresh batch of this stuff every time you need to gargle, which you should do a few times a day until your symptoms subside, because you don’t want to run the risk of having bacteria set up camp in a glass you’ve left hanging around. Gross.
Makes 1 treatment
½ cup hot water
1 tablespoon raw, organic apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon raw honey
¼ teaspoon sea salt
½ teaspoon ground ginger
1. Combine all the ingredients in a mug or glass. Stir to combine, making sure to dissolve the honey.
2. Sip some of the mixture, gargle for several seconds, then spit. Repeat with the rest of the solution, making sure to give a wink and flash your best “come hither” look at whomever catches you in the act.
Cold-Fighting Wellness Tonic 
Here’s a simple, effective, and all-natural way to DIY back into fighting shape when you’re sniffling, sneezing, coughing, and otherwise battling a cold. With a squad of anti-inflammatory and immunity-boosting ingredients, such as herbs, spices and vitamin C–rich citrus, this wellness tonic—a nutrient-dense powerhouse that packs a punch—will stop your cold in its tracks. Like a supercharged multivitamin, this elixir works best if taken with a little fat (say, a fried egg or a spoonful of peanut butter) to help your body absorb all those nutrients. Buckwheat honey is said to be particularly effective in calming cold symptoms. If you don’t have buckwheat honey (or don’t care for the strong flavor of it), no problem; any good-quality raw honey will provide health benefits.
Makes 1 treatment
¼ cup fresh orange juice
¼ cup fresh lemon juice
One ½-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
One ½-inch piece fresh turmeric, grated, or ½ teaspoon ground
2 teaspoons buckwheat honey
Pinch of freshly ground black pepper
Place all the ingredients in a small jar. Stir or shake gently to combine. If desired, pass the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the pulp. Sip.
Cold and Flu Soother
I freely admit that each year in late fall, after school starts and the weather starts to turn, I begin to obsess and fret a little (Really, Suzy? A little?)—okay, a lot—about cold and flu season. I become a handwashing tyrant, which explains why everyone in my house ends up with skin like a crocodile’s halfway into winter. (And this, my friends, is why we keep a healthy stash of homemade lotion bars all over the house; check out my book The Honey Companion for the fun and easy recipe.) I carry a pack of disinfectant wipes in my bag and use them to wipe down shopping carts, and I change the towels in my house so often they almost march themselves to the laundry room after a single use. Alas, my neurotic behavior is always for naught, as at least one icky bug inevitably makes its way through our house before too long. And so, I turn to this fantastic remedy—a mix of fresh lemon, ginger, and raw honey—to soothe and fight whatever’s knocked us down. The lemon, high in vitamin C, boosts immunity. Antiseptic and antiviral ginger not only kills germs but also encourages perspiration, which is super helpful if you’re dealing with a fever. And raw honey not only soothes a sore throat and suppresses coughs naturally but has powerful germ-fighting properties to help you get over an illness quickly. Also, this soother is delicious. I like to think ahead and have a batch ready and waiting in the fridge so that, at the first sign of a cold, I can just scoop out a few tablespoons, add hot water, and sip away the sniffles.
Makes about 1 cup soother
1 cup raw honey
2 lemons, sliced
One 1-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced
1. Pack a pint-sized mason jar or other lidded container with the lemon, ginger, and honey, alternating layers of each.
2. Screw on the lid tightly and place the jar in the refrigerator. Chill for at least 12 hours to allow all the ingredients to meld. You will likely end up with sort of a loose jelly, though, depending on the juiciness of your lemons, the mixture may turn somewhat runny—no problem either way!
3. To use: Scoop 1 to 2 teaspoons of the infused honey into a mug of warm water and drink immediately.
Cherry-Ginger Electrolyte Pops
About a year ago, we went through a phase in our house wherein my kids brought home a new and different illness pretty much every other week. The flu, colds, a stomach thing . . . you name it, we gave it a try. So, as one does in the face of fevers, congestion, and dehydrating tummy troubles, I tried my best to push fluids and keep those kiddos hydrated. But want to know what’s really hard? Getting sick kids to drink fluids. I’d bust out all the fun and fancy cups and straws, offer sugary juices, warm beverages; I’d wear funny hats; I even tried to teach them old college drinking games. And then I’d beg. But no dice. Finally, I started stocking those colorful freezer pops made from electrolyte solution (and a whole bunch of freaky artificial junk) that, naturally, my kids loved. Damn you, Red No. 40! After a while, though, I just couldn’t keep pumping my sick and pathetic little ones with all those food dyes, added sugars, and fake flavors. So, if ice pops were the answer, I was going to make an ice pop that would actually help them get better. A combination of hydrating coconut water, stomach-soothing ginger, and electrolyte-replacing salt would do the trick. As for flavor, my kids like cherry ice pops, so I went with cherry juice (make sure it’s the unsweetened kind, which has shown to raise melatonin and help kids sleep), but feel free to sub in any whole fruit or juice you think will be a winner in your house. And just as these babies can help hydrate and soothe little ones who are under the weather, they are a friend to the hungover, too. Ahem. Speaking of drinking games . . .
Makes 4 to 8 pops, depending on size
1/3 cup unsweetened tart cherry juice
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
½ to 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1 cup raw coconut water
1 to 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
1/8 teaspoon sea salt
1. Combine all the ingredients in a blender. Process until smooth.
2. Carefully pour the liquid into ice pop molds and freeze until solid.
DIY Sty Treatment
If you suffer from the occasional sty, then you know just how uncomfortable, irritating, and painful they can be. A sty, for the fortunate and uninitiated, is an annoying and surprisingly painful red bump that appears on the eyelid when an oil gland gets clogged and then becomes infected. Those suckers show up right on the eyelid—and I mean, really, is there a worse place?—where they can last up to a few weeks. Turmeric, however, with its powerful antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, can help ease the pain and make the sty go away faster. (No matter what, do not try to squeeze the pus from the sty. This can cause the infection to spread to other areas of the eye. Also, it’s sooooo gross!) To help prevent sties, make it a habit to always wash your hands before touching the skin around your eyes.
Makes 1 treatment
2 teaspoons ground turmeric
1 cup hot water
1. Mix the turmeric and hot water in a small bowl or mug.
2. When the mixture is cool enough to touch to skin but still quite hot, dip a cotton ball into the mixture and, with your eye closed, apply it to the sty. Press down gently and allow the compress to remain on the eye for 10 minutes.
3. Repeat, using a fresh cotton ball, up to five times per day.
Homemade Burn Soother
There are two kinds of burns: solid burns, as in real zingers, as in “We have two dinner options in our house—take it or leave it!” Yes, burrrn. And bad burns, as in the kind you get when you have a run-in with a curling iron or an oven rack or even an hour too long in the sun. Ouch. Most minor burns can be treated at home, though if you have blistered or severely injured skin, seek medical attention ASAP to be sure you get the right treatment. For minor burns, after lowering the skin’s temperature with cool compresses or ice cubes wrapped in a soft cloth, soothe and heal singed skin with this powerful turmeric treatment.
Makes about ½ cup soother
½ cup aloe vera gel
2 tablespoons coconut oil
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1. Combine all the ingredients in a small jar or container with a tight-fitting lid. Store the salve in a cool, dark place for up to 3 months.
2. Apply to minor scrapes and burns a few times a day until healed.
Antiseptic for Cuts and Scrapes
The next time you have a minor cut or scrape on your skin, rub a slice of fresh ginger on it. (Common sense alert: Note the use of the word minor! Serious wounds need to be seen by a doctor.) Sure, it may sound a little scary and painful, but trust me. You see, ginger has really strong antiseptic properties, which makes it a great agent for helping heal cuts and abrasions. Plus, gingerol, one of its active ingredients, keeps infections away while improving circulation and encouraging cell regeneration. Isn’t that pretty much everything you want when faced with a little skin wound—to keep it clean and to encourage healing? That’s it. That’s the stuff. As for the pain, remember what it feels like to douse a skinned knee with rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide? Yowza. Ginger is a walk in the park!
Makes 1 treatment
1 slice fresh ginger
Waterproof adhesive bandage
1. Wash the wound with clean water.
2. Gently rub the ginger slice directly on the affected area for 5 to 10 seconds. Cover the injury with a waterproof adhesive bandage.
3. Change the dressing daily until the injury is completely healed.
Wound Disinfectant
I read a statistic recently that made me laugh out loud. Apparently, 90 percent of childhood injuries are preventable. The subsequent advice was to keep knives, nails, scissors, and tools locked away and out of children’s reach. Hilarious! Yeah, because loose nails are my biggest problem, right? Want to hear the most recent injury that happened at my house? Skinned, bloodied knees from running full steam ahead on the sidewalk while wearing polka-dot rain boots. On the wrong feet. In the sun. Preventable? Sure, you try having that conversation with a fiercely independent, fashion-conscious preschooler. Also, note that all sharp objects were locked up at the time. What I’m trying to say is that cuts, scrapes, and minor injuries are a simple fact of life; sooner or later you’re going to cut your hand while slicing watermelon/snag your arm on a metal fence/skin your knee after slipping on a piece of sidewalk chalk someone left on the driveway. (All totally hypothetical.) The point is you want to be prepared, and having this simple wound treatment on hand to disinfect, soothe, and prevent infection in those inevitable minor cuts and scrapes is certainly a step in the right direction. After locking up your loose nails, of course.
Makes 1 treatment
1 to 2 teaspoons ground turmeric (more for larger wounds)
¼ to ½ teaspoon water
1. Gently wash the affected area with clean, warm water.
2. Mix together the turmeric and water to make a thick paste.
3. With clean hands, apply the paste gently to the affected area. Once you’ve covered the infected area, place an adhesive bandage (Princess variety optional), rolled gauze, or gauze held in place with paper tape over the wound.
4. Change the dressing at least once a day, applying more turmeric paste as necessary, until the wound is healed.
Note: This treatment is for minor cuts and scrapes only. You need to seek immediate medical attention if the cut is very deep and/or won’t stop bleeding after applying moderate pressure for several minutes, the injured person has not had a tetanus shot within 5 to 10 years, or the cut is from a human or animal bite.
Sprained Muscle Treatment
Sprains are really common injuries, especially if you happen to be a particularly active person, an athlete, and/or a klutz like me. An estimated 25,000 people sprain an ankle every single day—that’s how common it is. When a sprain happens, ligaments, often in the ankle, wrist, or knee, have been overstretched (or, in severe cases, torn), usually resulting in instant pain, swelling, and bruising. It’s important to seek medical attention right away if you injure yourself and have those symptoms, so you can rule out a broken bone. But once a sprain is diagnosed, you can use this natural remedy to reduce swelling and support other treatments prescribed by your health-care provider. Just remember that you may be sporting a pretty, yellow temporary tattoo while using the treatment. Think of it as a fashion statement!
Makes 1 treatment
1 teaspoon table salt
2 teaspoons ground turmeric
1 to 2 teaspoons water
1. Combine the salt and turmeric with enough water to make a spreadable paste. Apply to the injured muscle and wrap it in a cloth (an old one that you don’t mind staining).
2. Leave the paste on for 30 to 40 minutes, then rinse. Repeat one or two times a day until the pain and swelling subside.
Note: To remove turmeric stains from the skin, just dip a cotton ball in coconut oil and rub, rub, rub!
Ginger Compress for Joint Pain and Muscle Strain
I know that exercise is highly beneficial and very necessary for both physical and mental well-being. And there’s nothing quite like a really good workout, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t find the often accompanying aches and pains to be kind of annoying. I mean, after all that hard work! Of course, I understand that it has to do with lactic acid buildup and microscopic muscle tears and a whole bunch of other science-y mumbo jumbo, but it just seems kind of unfair for our body to freak out on us like that! I do find, however, that giving sore muscles a little TLC in the form of a ginger compress is a good way to make peace with my body. Give this natural compress a try the next time you’ve overdone a workout, twisted or turned the wrong way, are fed up with chronic pain from such conditions as arthritis, or feel that you might be coming down with the flu, rather than reach for your usual over-the-counter meds to treat your aches and pains. It’ll stimulate circulation, which will in turn relieve pain, relax your muscles, reduce stiffness, and even help release toxins. And don’t forget to forgive your body for freaking out a little bit from time to time—it’s hard work being you!
Makes 1 treatment
½ cup grated fresh ginger
2 cups water
Bring the ginger and water to a boil in a small saucepan over high heat. Lower the heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and steep the mixture for 15 minutes, then soak a cloth in the liquid. When cool enough to handle but still quite warm, apply to the affected area until cool. Repeat as needed.
Migraine Remedy
When you suffer from migraines, the search for relief can be frustratingly endless. Migraines are not your run-of-the-mill headache; they’re another kind of beast entirely. They can last for a few hours, even a few days, and generate serious, throbbing pain that may cause nausea, pain behind the eyes, sensitivity to light, and/or blurred vision. It’s not always clear what brings on these day-wrecking headaches—diet, stress, and hormones are among the often-suspected culprits—but research shows that inflammation in the brain is a known trigger. Prescription drugs and over-the-counter painkillers can sometimes provide relief, but they often come with side effects, such as fatigue and dizziness, not to mention, in the case of opioids, the risk of addiction. If you’re trying to reduce your dependence on medication, avoid side effects, or save money, this home remedy may help. The recipe makes a paste that you’ll use for tea whenever you’re hit with a migraine. Store it in the fridge, and you’ll have it at the ready next time you feel one brewing. Just remember, it’s always a good idea to consult with your health-care provider before treating any chronic health problems on your own.
Makes about 1¼ cups paste
2½ tablespoons ground turmeric, or more to taste
1½ teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
1 cup raw honey
2 tablespoons ground ginger (optional, but a good idea if you experience nausea with your headaches)
1. To make the paste: Combine all the ingredients in a jar or container with a tight-fitting lid. Stir to blend into a paste. (Heating the honey slightly in a microwave for about 10 seconds makes it easier to incorporate.) The paste keeps for ages if stored away from direct sunlight and heat.
2. To make tea: Stir 1 to 2 teaspoons of the paste into a cup of hot water. Make a cup every few hours, depending on the duration of your migraine.
Breath Freshener
It really is amazing how the little things, small indulgences, can make a such a difference in our otherwise bonkers lives. For my husband, it’s soap. A few years ago, he declared that he would buy himself only fancy soap and has since walked around happier and smelling like “pine tar” or “charcoal” or “bourbon-tobacco manliness.” It’s a good thing—everyday luxuries are important, and the guy really enjoys a good shower experience. For me, it’s an Italian brand of ridiculously expensive toothpaste. My favorite is its ginger-flavored one. I know, right? Ginger sounds like an odd flavor departure for toothpaste (and it did to me, too, but because of the way my brain is wired, it’s exactly why I had to try it!). But it turns out that ginger is not only refreshing and delicious, it’s also scientifically proven to freshen breath! Studies have shown that a compound in ginger—[6]-gingerol—actually stimulates an enzyme in our saliva that breaks down the stinky business in our mouth, kicking bad breath to the curb. So, after I brush with my schmancy toothpaste, or anytime I’m sporting some dragon breath, I like to keep the ginger party pumping with this easy, spicy, gets-the-job-done-right DIY mouth rinse. Ginger, fresh mint, and cinnamon combine to create an anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, fresh-tasting rinse that swishes bad breath right away.
Makes about 3 cups freshener
One 2-inch knob fresh ginger, thinly sliced
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
⅔ cup packed fresh mint leaves
3 cups water
1. Combine all the ingredients in a medium saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for anywhere from 20 to 45 minutes, bearing in mind that the longer it simmers, the more intense the flavor will be.
2. Remove from the heat and allow it to cool slightly. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a glass jar or bottle. Allow to cool completely, then store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
Dry Mouth Remedy
Here’s a cool word you might not know: xerostomia. It means “dry mouth,” and if you’ve ever dealt with it, you know what a bummer it can be to have your mouth somewhat resemble the Sahara. Experiencing dry mouth can be super uncomfortable and may make it hard to talk or swallow, cause cracking at the corners of your lips, and/or a give you a burning sensation on your tongue. There are lots of reasons why you might experience dry mouth, with causes ranging from certain diseases to side effects from medications to vitamin deficiencies to dehydration. The good news is that ginger, which is known to stimulate saliva production, can help you alleviate the discomfort associated with dry mouth. Try sipping this soothing tea two or three times a day consistently for a week or so, and you should experience gradual improvement. If not, see a physician or dentist for consultation and care.
Makes 1 treatment
One 1-inch knob fresh ginger, sliced
1 cup water
Raw honey
Combine the ginger and water in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer for 2 to 5 minutes. Strain the tea into a mug and add honey to taste.
Digestive Aid
You know how your mom used to give you ginger ale when you were home sick from school? There’s a reason for that! Ginger is a superstar at settling the stomach. Not only that—thanks to phenolic compounds, including gingerol, it stimulates digestion and aids in transporting body fluids. So, the next time you overindulge or feel that your digestive system requires a bit of calming or de-bloating or is otherwise in need of support, stir up this quick and soothing recipe. I always make it with sparkling water, but I’m a carbonation junkie. If you don’t find bubbles soothing, feel free to use still water instead.
Makes 1 treatment
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice, lime juice, or raw apple cider vinegar
Sweetener of your choice, to taste (optional)
Water (flat or fizzy)
Combine the ginger, citrus juice or vinegar, and sweetener (if using) in a glass. Stir well to combine. Add ice, if desired, and fill the glass with flat or fizzy water. Gently stir the mixture, then allow the ginger bits to settle to the bottom of the glass. Sip slowly.
Dandruff Treatment
On the list of beauty-related bummers, dandruff—the condition where your scalp is super flaky and often itchy—is right up there with oily skin and bacne (back acne.) Hormone imbalances, autoimmune diseases, or an overgrowth of the fungus Malassezia on the scalp can all lead to seborrheic dermatitis, an overreaction to naturally occurring yeast, a.k.a. dandruff. But no matter the root cause (get it?), you’re going to want soothing relief and a way to eliminate those embarrassing flakes. Although over-the-counter dandruff shampoos are easy to find, they’re full of chemicals and, according to some studies, may even lose efficacy over time. Your best bet? A combination of coconut oil and turmeric, both of which have natural antifungal properties to restore balance to your scalp. Coconut oil will moisturize and soothe irritated skin, and antiseptic turmeric helps to quell inflammation, giving you nearly instant relief. Just remember to protect your clothes and/or use an old towel to prevent staining.
Makes 1 treatment
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
¼ cup coconut oil
1. Combine the turmeric and coconut oil in a small bowl. Mix well.
2. Apply to the scalp, massaging gently.
3. Allow the mixture to remain on the scalp for 30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly and shampoo.
4. Repeat once or twice per week until the dandruff is resolved.
Heartburn Remedy
Is it any wonder that ginger is good for treating heartburn? I mean, really. Is it? We all know it settles a stomach, aids digestion, calms nausea, and is generally awesome for all things stomach-y. So, using it to treat heartburn should be a no-brainer, agreed? Okay, fine, I confess it seems kind of counterintuitive to me, too. Something along the lines of fighting fire with fire—adding hot and spicy ginger to an already burning situation—seems all wrong, but don’t forget about its powerful anti-inflammatory properties! And don’t forget how soothing ginger is to the stomach and intestines! And don’t forget how it keeps food moving along in the digestive tract. And, ah, suddenly it all starts to make sense. The best way to relieve heartburn quickly is to chew on a piece of fresh ginger if you can stomach it (pardon the pun). If not, try this recipe for soothing ginger water. It takes all of a minute to make, maybe a minute and a half if you decide to sweeten it. In other words, relief is on the way!
Makes 1 treatment
One 1-inch knob fresh ginger, grated
1 cup chilled water
Raw honey (optional)
Combine all the ingredients in a glass. Stir to combine, then allow the ginger to settle. Add ice, if desired. Sip slowly.
Stomach Soother
We’ve all been there. Whether you went for the double bacon cheeseburger special or scarfed down another piece of birthday cake against your better judgment, you overdid it, and now you’re going to have to pay. Your belly is rumbling, you’re too full to move, and you’ve got that bloated, uncomfortable, why-did-I-do-that feeling. You could chew some chalky antacid tablets or maybe choke back a shot or two of that thick pink stuff, but wouldn’t you rather go for something all natural that actually works and tastes good? Turmeric does wonders for a less-than-thrilled digestive system, thanks to its anti-inflammatory superpowers. It aids digestion and soothes an irritated digestive tract, so much so that research even suggests that the curcumin in turmeric may be an effective treatment in dealing with inflammatory bowel disorders. So, when you’re full of nothing more than french fries and regret, restore happiness to your belly with this soothing and yummy elixir.
Makes 4 treatments
Juice of 2 lemons
¾ teaspoon ground turmeric
½ teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
6 cups filtered water or sparkling water, if you prefer
Place all the ingredients in a small pitcher or mason jar. Shake or stir to combine. Serve over ice, if desired. Sip slowly.
Therapeutic Ginger Chews for Morning and Motion Sickness
I don’t know where I got the notion, but before I had my first kid, I really, truly imagined I’d get pregnant and magically become this serene, rosy sort of earth mother, all shiny hair and glowing skin, with an effortlessly chic maternity wardrobe that flowed and flattered. It never crossed my mind that I’d spend 17 weeks with my first kid, then pretty much all nine months with the second, in a barftastic haze of nausea and exhaustion. (Not to mention that I’d be wearing maternity hand-me-downs from my sister-in-law who is literally about 9 inches taller than I am.) Glowing? Yeah, right. Of course, in the end it was all worth it, because I now have these two incredible little people whom I love more than I could ever have imagined was even possible. But that morning sickness—that was rough stuff: around-the-clock nausea, food aversions (I couldn’t even look at broccoli), and, well, barfing. I tried all sorts of remedies, including straight lemon juice squeezed over crushed ice (a nightly “treat” my husband would make for me), motion sickness wristbands, and consuming my (steadily growing) body weight in frozen cheese ravioli. In the end, what I turned to most often were these sweet and spicy ginger chews—truly a medicinal miracle that are now a staple in our house, because they work so well for motion sickness, too. Ginger, of course, is a fantastic cure for upset stomachs and nausea, thanks to the compound [6]-gingerol that helps relax gastrointestinal muscles. This recipe is quite easy to make, though I do strongly recommend using a candy thermometer to be sure you get the texture just right. And speaking of candy, if you’re looking for something that leans a little more toward the fun side, try the candied ginger on page 100—similar concept, but more of a treat than a treatment.
Makes 30 to 40 chews
Oil for pan
¼ cup packed shredded fresh ginger
2 cups water
¼ cup raw honey
¾ cup cane sugar
1. Lightly brush the bottom and sides of a small glass casserole dish or loaf pan with oil. Line with parchment, leaving a 2-inch overhang on the long sides; lightly brush the parchment with oil.
2. Combine the ginger and water in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, until the liquid has reduced by half. Strain the ginger, reserving 1 cup of the liquid.
3. Pour the ginger liquid into a large saucepan and add the honey and sugar; stir well. Insert a candy thermometer, then bring the mixture to a rolling boil over high heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Lower the heat to medium-high and cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reaches 260°F on the candy thermometer.
4. Immediately remove the pan from the heat and pour the mixture into the prepared dish. Allow the mixture to cool, uncovered, at room temperature, for at least 30 minutes and up to 1 day.
5. Lifting by the parchment overhang, remove the candy from the dish and transfer to a large cutting board. Using a sharp knife, cut into ¾-by-1¼-inch pieces; wrap each piece in waxed paper or cellophane.
Anti-Nausea Ginger Syrup
It seems ginger’s uses when it comes to quelling nausea are just about endless. If ginger candy and ginger tea don’t do it for you, there’s always this incredibly simple syrup to stave off the queasies. You can stir it into sparkling water, add it to a mug of hot water, drizzle it over yogurt, or simply take it by the spoonful. With just a couple of common ingredients, it’s a quick and easy way to find relief from nausea, motion sickness, indigestion, stomachaches, and the dreaded stomach flu. And, thanks to the raw honey, it’s also antiviral, so it might even help as a preventive measure if you’ve been exposed to a stomach bug or another icky virus.
Makes about 2 cups syrup
½ cup ground ginger, or 1 cup fresh, peeled and chopped
2 cups water
1 cup raw honey
1. Combine the ginger and water in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, until the liquid has reduced by half.
2. Strain the liquid into a mason jar or other heatproof, lidded container. Discard the ginger solids or reserve for another use. Allow the liquid to cool until it’s comfortable to handle, around 30 to 40 minutes, then stir in honey.
3. Store the syrup in the refrigerator for up to 3 months.
Longevity Tea
In 2000, a National Geographic explorer and author named Dan Buettner rounded up a crew of anthropologists and other researchers to travel around the world and study communities with surprisingly high percentages of people living to age 100—what the world has come to know as Blue Zones. Among the big winners are Okinawa, Japan; Icaria, Greece; Ogliastra region, Sardinia; Loma Linda, California; and Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica. In all of the Blue Zones, not only do people tend to live longer, but they remain much healthier throughout their lives, experiencing less disease and greater happiness—fascinating, given the diversity in their diets, habits, and environments. In Okinawa, it seems, turmeric may be part of the answer to why the tiny island boasts one of the highest centenarian ratios in the world: about 6.5 in 10,000 people (versus 1.73 in 10,000 in the United States). Turmeric is one of the Okinawans’ favorite spices, ever since they began importing it from India in the sixth century, and they drink tons of turmeric tea. Here, in this recipe, turmeric combines with jasmine tea (another important part of the Okinawan diet), resulting in a cup with a delicate earthiness and a relaxing, floral fragrance.
Makes 1 serving
1 teaspoon loose leaf jasmine tea
1 teaspoon ground turmeric, or 1 tablespoon grated fresh
Pinch of freshly ground black pepper
6 ounces boiling water
Sweetener such as raw honey, maple syrup, sugar, or whatever you like, to taste
Combine the tea leaves, turmeric, and pepper in a nest strainer or infuser and place in a cup or mug. Pour the boiling water over the tea and let steep for 3 to 4 minutes. Sweeten as desired.
The Cures-Everything Ginger Bath
Ginger is some pretty powerful stuff. Restorative, calming yet invigorating, and healing, it is so often the answer to what ails me. I want to boost my energy: ginger. I want to calm down: ginger. My stomach aches: ginger. My throat hurts: ginger. My skin itches: ginger. My muscles are sore: ginger. The warmth and mmm . . . that smell. I love it so much that sometimes I literally want to take a bath in it. And I have. This one, in fact. A hot bath filled with ginger (fresh or powdered) is an incredible way to detox, soothe sore muscles, and promote relaxation. How? Well, ginger contains compounds that are thought to stimulate circulation, warm the body, support digestion, and improve your metabolism. Yeah, but how? Well, for one thing, ginger in the bathwater will make you sweat. You’ll sweat buckets. Rivers! That’s part of the magic of ginger: it speeds up circulation, which in turn creates heat, which in turn—yep, you guessed it—makes you sweat. And all that sweating provides a clear path for toxins to get out of your bod. So, whether you want to alleviate cold and flu symptoms, undo a long night of questionable food and drink choices, soothe overworked muscles, or simply purge some of the nasty chemicals we’re all exposed to every day, this bath is one of the best ways to get your detox on. Make sure to drink plenty of water before, during, and after the bath to replace the fluids because you’re going to sweat. A lot. Even after you get out of the bath, you’ll probably keep sweating for the next hour or so, so wear something light or just keep yourself wrapped in a towel. And if you have sensitive or allergy-prone skin, test ginger on a small patch of your skin for irritation before the bath.
Makes 1 treatment
½ cup grated fresh ginger
1. Fill a bathtub with hot water (as hot as you can safely stand it) and add the ginger. If you don’t feel like having bits of ginger floating around while you soak, you can put the ginger in an old stocking or tie it up in some cheesecloth.
2. Get into the tub and soak for 20 to 30 minutes.
Note: If you have high blood pressure, diabetes, or a history of heart disease, don’t use a ginger bath. If you’re pregnant, have a liver condition, or are taking blood thinners, consult with your doctor before taking a bath in ginger. Ginger baths are not recommended for children under two years of age.
Sleep-Promoting Bath Soak
I once lived in a really quirky studio apartment. Not only was it small (the living area was just big enough for a bed or a couch, but not both, and my coffee table doubled as storage for my too-large shoe wardrobe), but curiously it had a fairly good-sized bathroom with a gorgeous, deep, step-up, art deco–style bathtub. The tub was square and built into the corner of the bathroom, which had a huge window and got tons of light. The thing was majestic and begged to be used for actual bath taking. And so, for a time, I got really into taking baths. As such, I developed a pretty serious bath salts (and bombs and oils . . . ) habit that did quite a number on my wallet. So, after a while, in the name of frugality, I began to tinker with making my own bath products and came across this recipe that is supposed to be great for detoxifying the body. And it may do just that, which would make sense given that ginger produces a thermogenic effect (i.e., causes a slight increase in body temperature), helping you sweat out whatever shouldn’t be in there. Epsom salts are said to “draw out” toxins, thanks to the power of magnesium and sulfate, but I find that they put me right to sleep every time I soak in them, so I categorize this stuff under “sleep promoting,” which I think makes sense. This soothing treatment will help eliminate sleep-related woes from puffy eyes to cranky mornings, giving you plenty of zzzzs so you can look and feel your best.
Makes 1 treatment
1/3 cup Epsom salts
1/3 cup sea salt
1/3 cup baking soda
3 tablespoons ground ginger
1. Mix together all the ingredients and pour into a comfortably hot bath.
2. Try to soak for at least 20 minutes, then rinse off. Rehydrate with water before, during, and after the bath.