Your Best Cozy Cure for Colds
Got a sniffle? Looking for a simple home remedy for colds that actually works? When I start to feel a sore throat, stuffy nose, or early cold symptoms creeping in, I reach for two ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen: oregano and garlic.
It might sound unusual at first...
...but this natural cold remedy has been a favorite in our house for years. Garlic is well known for its immune-supporting properties, and oregano tea has strong antibacterial and anti-fungal benefits.
Together, they make a powerful, soothing tea that can help you feel better fast.
Whenever I notice the first signs of a cold, I get to work brewing a pot of this oregano-garlic tea. The recipe came from the grandmother of a student in my Organic Gardening class. She swore by it—and backed it up with stories.
Here's one of my favorite stories:
Her cousin once developed a bad sore throat just before singing in his church choir. He drank this tea throughout the day—and by evening, he was able to sing again.
Yes, I'll admit—the tea gives you a certain strong breath! LOL
But you get used to it, and the benefits outweigh the aroma. If you’re looking for a natural way to soothe a sore throat, warm up your body, and support your immune system, give this cozy cure a try.
Here's the recipe for you:
Oregano–Garlic Tea (Natural Cold and Sore Throat Remedy)
Ingredients:
- 3 cups water
- A few slices of red onion
- 4 to 6 garlic cloves, smashed
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh oregano or 2 tablespoons dried
- 4 to 6 slices fresh ginger
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons honey or other natural sweetener
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
- Pinch (or more) of turmeric powder
Directions:
- In a non-reactive saucepan (no aluminum!), combine water, onion, garlic, oregano, and ginger.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let the mixture steep gently for about 20 minutes. The tea will turn a soft pink color (thank you, red onions).
- Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice and honey.
- Pour into a mug and sip slowly, inhaling the warm steam as you drink.
Enjoy it throughout the day to ease cold symptoms and soothe your throat.
Sip, sip, sip your way back to health.
Thanks for being here.
PS Curious about drying your own herbs? This video walks you through it:
