tea and comfort

I’ll try and keep this post informative instead of veering into whining, but I do believe we’re all allowed a smidge of self-pity when we’re sick. I’m coming out of a bad sore throat/head pressure thing, and wanted to share some of my sickbed routine with you from a comfortable, non-contagious distance.

First, pad to the kitchen, brew up a fresh pot of liberally-honeyed tea, eat a grapefruit, and make this little tonic with the peels: Scoop out the membranes and leftover fruit, and finely chop the rinds in a food processor, along with a lemon rind if you have it. Dump into a pot, along with a half cup of water and simmer for 20 minutes. Add honey to taste. It’s kind of like non-alcoholic Campari for the bedridden set. I take this by the teaspoon a couple times a day, and also make it into bittersweet tea with hot water and more honey.
 
Gargle with salt water, pad back to bed, and rub a little balm to your temples. I like this one when I need some deep recovery sleep, and this one when my head feels like it’s going to burst out from the confines of my skull.
 
This comfort regime makes being sick feel a little more safe and cozy – kind of like being bundled up on my childhood sofa after my mom just brought me buttered toast and felt my forehead with the universal mother move: taking-your-temperature-disguised-as-a-kiss.
 
Stay healthy, everyone.