The Cold Season, Tea & Hot Toddies

The cold season has finally hunted me down. I have been a full day with the runny nose, sore throat, and bleary feeling that has plagued the masses this season. Of course this type of thing hits while I have my dear son for two days all to myself.

I have a feeling that I may not post much this week due to this stupid cold that has wiggled its way into our house. My son had a runny nose and a poor appetite for the past half week and I suppose I can look forward to the same. I can only hope that it doesn't last very long and to that end I have been dosing myself with Airborne and my daily vitamins as well. Tea has been my constant companion as well.

One of my favorite collections is my tea collection. I have, in my many years of consuming caffeine, become a great admirer of loose leaf teas. I usually have four or five varieties on hand and have certainly garnered a few favorite blends from a handful of quality sources. One of my favorite spots is a small little store near my sister's place near Montréal. The Cha Noir Tea House is the best little place and their blends of tea are fantastic. My current all time favorite black tea blend is from there: Earl Grey Creme. It is positively delicious and is a mix of a superior black tea, bergamot, and I think a hint of vanilla. Though I am finding that my cold is being helped along a little more by their Rooibos Kalahari blend. This mix includes cornflowers and lemongrass that are not only relaxing but helps me breathe.

While not a tea I've also found that the old-school hot toddy works wonders for your throat. My own recipe uses honey for sweetener instead. Feel free to alter to your taste as usual!

Hot Toddy Recipe

8 oz hot water 

1 oz scotch or whiskey 

2 tsp honey

1 tsp lemon juice 

1. Heat the water, honey and lemon juice together.

2. Add in the whiskey when the mix is off the heat and stir.

The fascinating thing that I've discovered is why this works. Really all you need is the hot water, lemon, and honey but here's the explanation. Lemon had natural acids in it that cuts through the mucus in your throat while honey soothes sore and scratchy throats. Mayo Clinic ¹ has endorsed it as has Parent's Magazine. ² While nothing is mentioned in either articles about whiskey or scotch I still think it serves a good purpose for adults!


1.Mayo Clinic - Cold Remedies: What helps, what doesn't, and what can't hurt.
2. Parent's Magazine - 14 Natural Health Remedies for Children