Vinegar has roots in folk medicine reaching back before Hippocrates, who used it to treat patients in 400 B.C. There are over 200 strains of viruses responsible for causing colds, according to C. Norman Shealy, M.D., author of "Illustrated Encyclopedia of Healing Remedies." Shealy notes that vinegar has antibacterial properties that can help to relieve throat problems that occur during a cold.
You can make a tea that will help soothe symptoms of a cold. Ginger, cayenne and echinacea have properties that can alleviate cold symptoms, according to the University of Maryland. These herbs can also be added to vinegar to increase the effectiveness of your remedy.
Step 1
Use the mortar and pestle to grind the dried ginger root until you have ¼ teaspoon of ground ginger. Grind the echinacea until it is powdered and measures ¼ teaspoon.
Step 2
Put the ground ginger, echinacea and a pinch of cayenne pepper into a tea ball. Heat 1 ½ cups of water in a saucepan over medium heat.
Step 3
Attach the tea ball to the side of the saucepan to let the herbs steep in the water. Reduce the heat to low once the water begins to boil, and let the herbs simmer in the water for 20 minutes.
Step 4
Remove the tea ball and pour the heated water into an 8-ounce cup. Stir 2 tablespoons of vinegar into the tea. Use apple cider vinegar, which contains the most nutrients and vitamins. Add honey to taste, and drink your cup of tea as a cold remedy.
Things You'll Need
- Dried ginger root
- Echinacea
- Cayenne pepper
- Tea ball
- 1 ½ cups water
- Saucepan
- Apple cider vinegar
- Honey
References
- "The Illustrated Encyclopedia: Healing Remedies"; C. Norman Shealy MD, PhD; 2002.
- University of Pittsburgh: An Ancient Medicine and Popular Home Remedy
- University of Maryland: Ginger
- University of Maryland: Cayenne
- University of Maryland: Echinacea
