Greek Remedies

Being a first-generation Greek American has meant that I have been spoiled by delicious food, fun traditions, and home remedies. If you ask me where the best Greek food in New York is, the answer is my mom’s house; it’s really that simple. I will say that you will most likely not be getting my mom’s recipes here, as most of them are not written down, and I’m very possessive of them.

That being said, I would like to share two easy little remedies here.

Firstly, no, we do not use Windex, but my family does use lemon for just about everything. In fact, the best remedy for diarrhea is actually the juice of a lemon. Juice that bad boy into a glass and drink it down, it’s that simple. There is science behind this, which is that stomach acid is actually a base and lemon juice is acidic, and they neutralize each other. It’s a nice easy, all-natural remedy and works faster than anything else I’ve ever tried.

The second remedy here is not for the faint of heart or children. When you have a cold or can feel one coming on, you make yourself some punch. This drink should be made at night, right before bed.

Ingredients:

• Cup of whiskey

• Cinnamon stick

• Honey to taste, I use about 2 tablespoons

Heat these ingredients together, but do not boil them. Remove the cinnamon stick, pour it into a mug, and drink fast while it’s still hot. DO NOT INHALE THE FUMES! The fumes are strong enough to kickstart a coughing fit.

Once you drink it, get into bed wrapped in blankets. This will help you sweat out whatever bug was brewing. This drink is strong and will help knock you out. If there is any science behind this remedy, I don’t know what it is. But I know that it works really well, and has helped me get through many sick nights.