The Berlin winter has been hitting Hannah Robinson hard, so she’s started fighting back with cold-busting homemade herbal teas and hot toddies
My apartment in Berlin’s Friedrichshain is all old-school charm. High ceilings and giant windows let in plenty of light — but also some brutal drafts, while my retro coal fireplace keeps the place only intermittently warm. Since there is no quicker route to thawing out than getting your hands around a mug of something hot, I’ve opened myself up to a world of homemade teas and hot toddies that make me almost happy about the plunging temperatures.
The classic hot toddy has its restorative reputation for good reasons. According to online chatter (we couldn’t find the research to back it up), hot water and whiskey both act as decongestants; dilating blood vessels and allowing the mucus membranes to better deal with the infection. Lemon also adds a vitamin C boost, while the squeeze of soothing honey can ease scratchy throats. Taking the time to make one is also a powerful ritual in self-care, one that I presume sends signals to your lurgy that it’s high time to get going.
I prefer to start with a big pot, lightly toasting dry spices (nutmeg, cloves, cardamom and cinnamon), before adding water and lemons. Because of their warming kick (and use in traditional medicine), grated fresh ginger and turmeric are two of my favourite additions. Just throw in a bag of your preferred herbal tea and let your elixir simmer for about 10-20 minutes, before serving with the sweetener of your choice — if required.
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