The Vileness That Wasn't

I had been planning that I'd next post about a cardigan sweater that I'm knitting (cause it's so nifty!), but I've had a bit of a hiccup. Or cough, really. Yes, in the grand tradition of Fall, I have managed to develop bronchitis.

But I'm really fighting back this time. I'm doing all my normal bronchitis stuff, but I've added in Oil of Oregano (horrid, but it seems like it helps me breathe for a few hours after I take it), eucalyptus essential oil (the inhalation of which also helps me breathe) and a concoction that I have dubbed The Tea of Vileness.

Basically, I've combined a few different home remedy teas that are supposed to be good for loosening chest congestion. And it seems to work! Last night I had two cups and my voice was practically back to normal.

Ingredients:
½ teaspoon ginger
a pinch of ground cloves
a pinch of cinnamon
½ teaspoon savory
¼ to ½ teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon honey

Steep it in a cup of boiling water for five minutes and ta-da! You have your own personal cup of lake water!

Though honestly, it isn't really that bad. It smells a bit like mulled cider and tastes a bit like it too, but with a strong oregano-ish note added in. Of course, it isn't actually good, but I was expecting it to be vile so I'm pleasantly surprised. Mind you, it does look a bit like I've scooped up a cupful of muddy swamp (it even settles to help bring back those childhood memories of camping at Kerr lake, though there's no sparkle in the mud of my tea), but it's not like it has to be chewed or anything.

More importantly though, it seems to help with my bronchitis symptoms, so that pleases me. Maybe I'll get over this thing before next spring!