Honey, garlic, ginger, turmeric, and lemon to combat colds, flu, and coughs.

We arrived in Playa del Carmen a few years ago, and one of the things that continues to surprise us is how much we've been getting sick since we got here. My husband and I probably got sick four times in the 12 years we lived outside of here. And my daughters never had to go to the doctor for illness in their first two years of life before coming to Playa. In our minds, it was going to be even better in Playa! We thought: warm weather, no long winters, no enclosed spaces because you can't play outside with the girls...  But no! As soon as we arrived, boom, bubonic plague for everyone.

My daughters started school right after we arrived, and I had already been warned that when that time came, I should prepare for what my cousin calls a huge cold lasting six months. What I wasn’t prepared for was all the times my husband and I would get sick too! In retrospect, and from what people who have been here longer tell me, it's all the humidity and the air conditioning's fault.

A natural alternative to the syrups your doctor prescribes

The point is that to avoid living on medicine for breakfast, we had to look for natural alternatives, and in our searches, we found what is now known in my house as “the bomb.” The bomb is a mixture of honey, turmeric, ginger, garlic, and lemon, and it is truly MIRACULOUS. If you feel like you’re getting sick, that you’ll come down with a cold, or if you already have, give this magical potion a chance. The portions in this recipe are not exact. If you don’t have two lemons but have one, go ahead; if you’re missing one of the ingredients but have the rest, well, it's better than nothing. If you need to use double the honey to make it, go for it. This is just a guideline for what (more or less) we put when we prepare it at home.

Ingredients

• 2 or 3 lemons (yellow or green), their juice, and zest

• ½ cup of honey (preferably organic)

• 6 cloves of garlic, peeled and chopped

• 5 cm of fresh ginger, peeled and grated

• 2 teaspoons of powdered turmeric (if you find it fresh use the same amount as ginger) - add a little black pepper

Mix all the ingredients in a glass jar and let them marinate.

How to take it

Take a tablespoon of the mixture every hour while you feel unwell and then a few teaspoons a day until you feel perfect. Warning: get ready to smell like garlic, it's inevitable. We've gotten used to it here, and since when one takes it, everyone does, it kind of goes unnoticed. It’s not so pleasant, but it’s so wonderful that you can tolerate it.

There are several options for how to take the mixture, depending on your tastes and your tolerance for strong flavors. My husband prefers to take a tablespoon boldly every hour, followed by a glass of water to wash away the “bad” taste. You can also dilute a tablespoon in water and take it that way, little by little,  or prepare a warm tea and dilute it there (just don’t use boiling water because it eliminates many of the properties of the honey).

The secret of the "bomb" lies in two powerful components that fight colds

Turmeric as an anti-inflammatory

Turmeric not only gives this drink its golden color, but also contains important anti-inflammatory components. The anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric come from curcuminoids, which is a natural chemical compound found in the plant. Recently, studies have shown that turmeric may actually be more effective than ibuprofen for some chronic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. This is because it not only alleviates inflammation but also repairs damaged tissue and reduces pain signals sent to the brain by blocking enzymes called COX-2.

The use of this ingredient in India dates back over four thousand years where it came to have a religious significance. Turmeric has been used in medicine in South Asia for a long time, and various studies suggest that it reduces oxidation in the blood and may help reduce the growth of cancer cells, as well as help prevent cardiovascular diseases and others like Alzheimer's. Turmeric is difficult to digest on its own, so it is recommended to add a bit of black pepper to increase its absorption.

Ginger as an immune system booster

Ginger is a spice that is part of the Zingiberaceae family. It has been used for centuries by many cultures as a natural remedy for various ailments. Ginger can be used to treat colds, flu, and nausea. The medicinal properties of ginger have been extensively studied in recent decades, and many benefits have been found that support its use as an immune system booster.

In a 2006 study, it was shown that ginger can reduce inflammation and improve circulation when consumed along with exercise. These benefits make it particularly useful for athletes looking for an immunity boost before or after training sessions or games.

It has also been found that ginger has neuroprotective properties, as it increases antioxidant levels in the brain that help defend against damage from free radicals caused by stress factors.

The history of ginger and its medicinal use also dates back thousands of years, being used by the Chinese, Romans, and South Asians. This incredible ingredient in golden milk has properties that strengthen your immune system, help alleviate digestive issues, and recover more quickly from a common cold.

* Please note that this article is just an opinion and not a medical reference. Always consult your doctor.