When life throws you lemons, make THIS TEA.
I love lemons. They’re so refreshing and cleansing, and they are such a foundational element of a singer’s healthy lifestyle. If you sing professionally, you know how important it is to keep your instrument in tact. You also know how easy it is to irritate it!
Our vocal cords go through a lot of strenuous activity in a day’s time… talking, yelling, even breathing is an activity that involves use of the muscles in the throat. Sometimes, you’ve already worn out your instrument by the time that evening gig rolls around. Yes, I’m all too familiar.
SO, I am excited to share with you some of my vocal remedy secrets that I use when my voice isn’t cooperating with my lifestyle. One of my favorite remedies is one that I like to refer to as “Singer’s Tea.”
This recipe has been adopted and combined with about a zillion other similar recipes out there. I claim no ownership over the idea. This is just the combination and proportions of ingredients that works for me. Enjoy!
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SINGER’S TEA
- 1 lemon
- 1-2 tsp honey
- 6 thinly sliced pieces of peeled ginger root
- 3-4 whole cloves
- 2 star anise
- 1 cinnamon stick
- Boiling hot water
- One quart mason jar
Steps:
1. Squeeze a lemon (or two, if you really like citrus) into a teapot or mason jar. I like to use a mason jar, so I can store it in the fridge easily. The best way to get the most out of your lemon is to use a fork right in the flesh of the lemon. Twist the fork as you’re squeezing to ensure you get all of the juices out. Then use the fork to take out any seeds that might have fallen into your juice.
2. Add a tsp or two of honey, depending on how sweet you like your tea. Honey coats the throat, so it’s a natural soother… totally worth the ‘sugar’ calories you take in by drinking it.
3. Take a piece of fresh ginger root and with a knife, slowly peel around the outside. Then thinly slice the root until you have 6 or so thin disks. Toss them in the jar.
4. Add your spices! I like to add cloves, star anise (gives a very minor licorice taste), and a cinnamon stick for flavor. You could also add hibiscus, lavender, or cayenne pepper to help clear congestion.
5. Boil hot water and fill your mason jar to the top. Seal the jar and shake gently to mix ingredients.
6. Steep for at least 30 minutes, preferably overnight in the fridge. The next day, take out the spices and ginger, heat and enjoy! The tea will last up to a week in the fridge.
Enjoy!