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            It’s that time of year. Cold and flu viruses are everywhere, and most people will get sick at least once. I’ve already had a few colds, a sinus infection, and most recently the flu, and the season is only just winding down. Humans living in temperate and arctic climates have dealt with these illnesses for thousands of years. (Those living in tropical climates had a whole other host of ailments.) Around the world, home remedies consistently involve soup, tea, and other hot liquids. Only the ingredients vary.

            One Korean cold remedy is ginger tea. In this case, there are no actual tea leaves involved. Hot water is poured over slices of fresh or dried ginger and often a cinnamon stick. A little honey sweetens the mix and balances the spice. Some studies suggest that ginger is an anti-inflammatory, and honey is known for its anti-bacterial properties, so this traditional remedy might have scientific backing. It certainly won’t hurt. And Korean ginger tea is delicious.

            You have to be careful with folk remedies. Many herbs and spices have some medicinal benefit, but some have side effects or interact with prescription medicines. Luckily, all the ingredients in ginger tea are widely consumed without incident, the cinnamon challenge notwithstanding. As an added bonus, it’s caffeine free, for the perfect evening drink.

To make it:

            All you need is a few slices of fresh ginger and about a teaspoon of honey per cup. Add boiling water, stir with a cinnamon stick, and leave it in.  The normal cassia cinnamon sticks found at the grocery store are good – there’s no need to hunt down the softer, more expensive “Ceylon cinnamon.” The subtler Ceylon cinnamon would be completely overwhelmed by the ginger. Once the tea is cool enough to drink, the flavors will be fully infused. Just give it another stir before enjoying. The ginger slices and cinnamon stick can be reused for a second cup of tea. The flavor won’t be as strong, but it is still distinctive and tasty.