Or my maternal Irish grandmother Kelly had a sure fire cure for head colds and sore throats. She boiled onions with a little Oregano or Dill, depending on season. Then, we climbed into bed with one of Dad’s thick wool socks on our feet. To that she drained the onion/herb mixture dropped two large ladles of it in two more wool socks and shoved them on our feet. So, one went to sleep with hot smelly onions on feet. The only thing worse was waking up to go to bathroom in the night, forgetting what was on your feet and in my case jumping out of the top bunk and landing on squishy cold onion socks that slid across the floor! However, your cold was always better in the morning!!
I've read about this but have never known anyone who actually tried it (or on whom it was inflicted, depending on how you look at it 🤔). Love your description of "squishy cold onion socks"!
I have another honey elixir from used by preachers on the late 19th and early 20th century Camp Revival circuit: Honey, cayenne pepper, a dash of very cold vinegar. One tablespoon is enough to kick start a very sore throat. I was interviewed once on NPR and the host decided to try it because she had a bad throat. After a huge howl and slight gasping, she certified that it worked!
Love this tale, Pat. You'd get a howl out of me ( I'm chile-intolerant), but a hug from Bill (a certified chile-head). And of course, there are chiles and there are CHILES. Did it work for you?
True confessions: I never tried it before the radio host did. When she sprang it on me, I was sure I'd be responsible for an on air murder! But now I do use it, especially for the raspy phlegmy stage--cuts right through!
Glad it works for you, Pat, likely for many others, too. Capsaicin is a much researched pain reliever--works by desensitizing nerve cells. (I am seriously allergic, even to mild jalapenos.
Happy New Year, Susan! Each day is a moment in history. We're going to need wassail and more, Dutch courage at the ready! We'll get through this breakthrough year with one another's compassionate support and persistent creativity.
We will, but it's hard! Each day brings a new abuse of power, and not just in the WH but at all levels of government. Grateful for places where we can share what we feel about what's going on.
I know what careful attention you pay to your plants, Susan--I think your fruit trees will welcome your wassail. I love this ritual, which has roots in such an ancient tradition.
Looking forward to you columns this year!
Or my maternal Irish grandmother Kelly had a sure fire cure for head colds and sore throats. She boiled onions with a little Oregano or Dill, depending on season. Then, we climbed into bed with one of Dad’s thick wool socks on our feet. To that she drained the onion/herb mixture dropped two large ladles of it in two more wool socks and shoved them on our feet. So, one went to sleep with hot smelly onions on feet. The only thing worse was waking up to go to bathroom in the night, forgetting what was on your feet and in my case jumping out of the top bunk and landing on squishy cold onion socks that slid across the floor! However, your cold was always better in the morning!!
I've read about this but have never known anyone who actually tried it (or on whom it was inflicted, depending on how you look at it 🤔). Love your description of "squishy cold onion socks"!
I have another honey elixir from used by preachers on the late 19th and early 20th century Camp Revival circuit: Honey, cayenne pepper, a dash of very cold vinegar. One tablespoon is enough to kick start a very sore throat. I was interviewed once on NPR and the host decided to try it because she had a bad throat. After a huge howl and slight gasping, she certified that it worked!
Love this tale, Pat. You'd get a howl out of me ( I'm chile-intolerant), but a hug from Bill (a certified chile-head). And of course, there are chiles and there are CHILES. Did it work for you?
True confessions: I never tried it before the radio host did. When she sprang it on me, I was sure I'd be responsible for an on air murder! But now I do use it, especially for the raspy phlegmy stage--cuts right through!
Glad it works for you, Pat, likely for many others, too. Capsaicin is a much researched pain reliever--works by desensitizing nerve cells. (I am seriously allergic, even to mild jalapenos.
Lemon and honey are still my go-to for a sore throat- since childhood (a LONG) time ago 😀
Looking forward to the next episode of Bitter Taste of Garlic 😍
It ain’t easy, especially on the windy days 🥶🥶
Mine too, compliments of my Missouri grandmother, who had her own bees and shared honeycombs with her daughters. Stay warm up there, Lynne!
Happy New Year, Susan! Each day is a moment in history. We're going to need wassail and more, Dutch courage at the ready! We'll get through this breakthrough year with one another's compassionate support and persistent creativity.
We will, but it's hard! Each day brings a new abuse of power, and not just in the WH but at all levels of government. Grateful for places where we can share what we feel about what's going on.
Now that I know it's a thing, I'm going to wassail my apple and pear trees on January 17th! Thanks for the abundance of knowledge you share, Susan. :)
I know what careful attention you pay to your plants, Susan--I think your fruit trees will welcome your wassail. I love this ritual, which has roots in such an ancient tradition.