Colds are creeping in

The cold weather is not the only thing creeping in. The sniffles, sneezes and the flu are also slowly spreading again. As I've probably mentioned before, I try really hard not to medicate unless I have to. In our house, we try to go for nutritional remedies if we can. You can call it the chicken soup cure, but it works for us.

Dr. Lark is a physician who believes in diet, nutrition, exercise and stress management techniques to remedy most health problems. Her website, www.drlark.com, offers tips, health solutions and products that enhance health and well being. I notice that there was also a section on recipes to try out. I like the idea of trying a nutritional remedy first before drugs.

If you're interested visit the website where you can get more information and subscribe to the newsletter.

This recipe for a 5 minute energizing tea was on the website and I just realized aside from the peppermint leaves, this is my grandma's cure all for a sore throat, ginger tea! I guess with the addition of the peppermint it's supposed to give you more energy. I know whenever I've had this tea I always felt better after wards. Try it next time you need a picker upper.

2 cups water
2 teaspoons fresh ginger root, grated
1 teaspoon peppermint leaves
1 teaspoon honey (if desired)

Bring water to a boil. Add ginger and peppermint to water and stir. Turn heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes. Add sweetener if desired.

This drink is an excellent coffee substitute. Both ginger and peppermint are stimulating herbs that can help raise your energy level: ginger also helps relieve digestive problems, while peppermint may help quiet muscle spasms.