Ginger and Laurel not only for the sore throat!

Usually January puts our immune defenses under pressure because of the flu viruses that are almost classics in this period. We have to be careful to the choice of the outfit that we wear regardless the shining sun or sometimes the fashion because this latest one does not respect the good manners for a good health. Therefore, it is better to be wear, as an onion, even it is not pleasant but you have to think that your body will thank you especially for the early morning workers!

Here I propose a balm very easy to prepare and very effective not only for sore throat but also to clear the voice or as a simple balm to protect the upper airways.

Enjoy your reading and I await your comments! See you soon!

Ginger is a medicinal plant not present in Mediterranean medicinal plants as it grows in the east. Lately it has become very fashionable as it was time ago for Aloe Vera. The use that made it such famous is as a slimming plant because it produces heat and consequently makes you lose weight as it consumes calories, always if accompanied by a low-calorie diet and moderate physical activity. It is very rich in essential oils (gingerina, zingerone), resins and mucilage. From this root, you prepare a spice curry with the same beneficial effects. It has antioxidant activities so it is recommended for the prevention of colorectal cancer. it is very helpfull for gravid nausea preparing a herbal tea with ginger root and lemon adding honey and trust me it is a healthy touch. This last effect is due to the fact that since it produces heat it also stimulates the circulation, so it becomes spasmolytic as well as being antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and digestive. It should be discouraged in case of hypertension for its effects listed above! P.S In some traditions they considered it aphrodisiac!

The Laurel was sacred to Romans and Greeks who considered it the tree of god Apollo so it has always been a symbol of glory. It is very rich in essential oils so it is also widely used as an oil for friction in case of rheumatic pains and sprains. The leaves have antipyretic properties so its decoction was used since times against colds and rheumatism. Its use as an aromatic herb in dishes with legumes is very important as it helps not only digestion but also avoids fermentation so ant flatulence.

At the beginning, we prepare the decoction of ginger and laurel

boiling in 500ml of water

80g of grated root or a medium-sized root cut into thin rounds

With 8 bay leaves

for 15min.

A practical advice is to dress the grating part of foil so it does not get dirty and then did not lose even a little grated ginger. The same principle has to be used when talking about grating soaps etc.!

Then add 2 tablespoons of acacia honey.

Leave it to become cool and then pour it on an ice form so it becomes a divisor of single doses and when you want to use it add it  to the hot tea because it has to melt or during summer to clear the voice as an ice cream!