Food as Medicine

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I am a big fan of natural remedies and there is something highly satisfying in preparing your own "medicine" from available ingredients. Today I am going to share with you my favourite recipes for cough/cold/sore throat.

Onion inhalation

I know it sounds odd, but believe me, it is super effective! When you feel the first symptoms of a common cold or a sore throat, all you need is an onion (garlic works as well, but I prefer onions)!
It is common knowledge that onions and garlic contain flavonoids that reduce the risk of catching colds and coughs, reduce inflammation, etc
Chop 1/2 - 1 onion finely, put it in a jar or a glass and inhale the "fumes" carefully, alternating inhaling through your nose and through your mouth. If you are doing it right you will feel a slight burning sensation at the back of your throat from the pungent onion "fumes". After 10-20 inhalations you can close the jar with a lid and put it aside, to use again later (the longer the chopped onion sits in a jar, the weaker it becomes, so just use it maybe once again and then chop another onion if needed).
This is a trick that I've learnt from my mum and I find it works like magic. One or two times is usually enough - the key is to use it at the very first symptoms of a cold or as a preventive measure.
An added bonus - it's a perfect "medicine" for pregnant women who cannot take any medication.

Golden milk
I am pretty sure you've heard about this before and you can find a variety of recipes for golden milk on the internet. It soothes a sore throat and has an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effect thanks to ginger, turmeric and honey. And it is very tasty!
The key ingredients are ginger, turmeric and honey, but you can also add cinnamon, black pepper, cardamom to taste. I prefer it simple though - with just ginger, turmeric and honey.
Slice a thumb-sized piece of fresh ginger into a small saucepan, add a sliced thumb-sized piece of fresh turmeric root (or 1/2 tsp of ground turmeric). Pour in a glass of milk, cover with a lid and bring almost to a boil. Take off the heat and leave to cool down slightly and to infuse with the lid on for about 5 minutes until it is pleasantly warm to drink. Strain into a cup, add some  honey to taste, and sprinkle with a pinch of cinnamon if you want. This drink is especially good taken before bed as tryptophan in milk helps you sleep too.

Ayurvedic honey-lemon-ginger-cinnamon syrup

I have found this recipe in Ayurveda Cooking for Beginners by Laura Plumb and it has quickly become one of my favourite natural remedies. It is good for a sore throat, cough, cold and it is delicious taken on its own (1/2 tsp) or added into warm water or even drizzled over porridge or yoghurt for breakfast!
You will need:
4 tbsp raw honey
a thumb-sized piece of fresh ginger, grated (or pushed through a garlic press) * you can also use 1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground cloves * I don't use cloves in this recipe, but it's up to you. If I were using cloves, I'd reduce the amount to 1/4 or even 1/8 tsp as cloves have a very strong taste
1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice

Mix all the ingredients in a small bowl or a jar and let the mixture sit for about 30 minutes for the lemon to thin the honey and for all the ingredients to combine thoroughly. Store in a jar at room temperature.

Irish Hot Whiskey
This hot drink does have cold-fighting ingredients - lemon and cloves, and the Irish take it both as a drink and as "medicine" (preferably before bed).  I personally find that even if it doesn't cure your cold, it will make you feel better anyway;) and it tastes delicious.
You will need:
3/4 cup of hot water
1/4 cup of good quality whiskey
1 tsp sugar
a slice of lemon, studded with 4-5 cloves
Pour the hot water into a glass, add sugar, whiskey and a slice of lemon studded with cloves. Enjoy before bed (or any other time:).