I have just recovered from a sore throat and some sniffles developed this week after an overseas trip and partly also, due to social circumstances I have been eating the foods I don’t normally eat back home, maybe too, the cold weather played a part in it… so the immune system just went haywire…

Anyway, before the ailment gets out of hand, for the last couple of days, I made a home-brewed concoction using cumin seeds, crushed peppercorns, lemon juice and a tomato to alleviate my discomfort. I can’t remember where I picked this up but I have been using this concoction whenever is needed for some years already as it worked well for me and my family.

It is very easy to prepare this drink, Just roughly take a handful of cumin seeds, some peppercorns and crushed them a bit and a tomato. Lightly rinsed them and place all the ingredients in a small pot of about 400 to 500ml water and bring to boil. Lower the fire and cook until the tomato is soft and turn off the heat.

Strain the liquid with a sieve into a big mug and squeeze a generous amount of lemon juice in. Sip the drink hot. I don’t add any salt to this drink as I find it already tangy and tasty. But if you prefer some taste, you could add a pinch of Himalayan salts. This drink will make you perspire but it is very soothing and soon the sniffles will go away.

Studies done have shown cumin seeds may stimulate the secretion of pancreatic enzymes, compounds that are necessary for proper digestion and absorption of nutrients. Black peppercorns is known for its antioxidant and anti-bacterial properties. A tomato is rich in lycopene which is an antioxidant and vitamin C.

So before you rush off to buy your cough and cold medicine from OTC medications, you might want to give this concoction a try first for it is much more friendly and doesn’t over burden your body…^^