When you simmer these together, each ingredient contributes to a “moving” force that clears stagnation from the chest, sinuses, and blood:
Onion & Garlic (The Sulfur Duo): These are the master clearers. They help break up mucus and act as natural “antibiotics” for the respiratory tract.
Ginger & Cinnamon (The Warmers): These move the blood and open the pores. They ensure the “medicine” reaches your fingers and toes, driving out the “damp cold” of winter.
Cloves (The Shield): As we discussed with Clove Tea, these provide deep antiseptic support and help soothe a raw or scratchy throat.
Lemon (The Cleanser): While the juice is often added at the end, boiling the peel releases the essential oils (limonene) that support the liver and thin the mucus.
How to Prepare and Use the Decoction
Because you are boiling these for 15 minutes, you are making a “decoction” rather than a simple tea. This is a much deeper extraction.
The Preparation: Slice one Onion (with the skin for extra minerals), crush three cloves of Garlic, and slice a two-inch piece of Ginger. Add one Cinnamon stick and 5–7 whole Cloves.
The Boil: Place them in a pot with 4 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then turn the heat down to a steady simmer for 15 minutes. Keep the lid on to trap the steam!
The Lemon Finish: After 15 minutes, strain the liquid into a mug. Only then should you squeeze in the fresh Lemon juice and add a teaspoon of Raw Honey to preserve their live enzymes.
Where This Fits in Your Wellness Rhythm
This brew is the “heavy artillery” of your toolkit. It works alongside your other rituals to provide a complete defense:
Internal: Use this brew twice a day if you feel a “chill” or congestion.
External: Pair this with the Onion in the Socks at night to draw the congestion down while the tea pushes it out from the inside.
Environmental: While the pot simmers, the steam itself acts as an air purifier, much like your Salted Orange Peels.
A Respectful Closing to Our Journey
We have now traveled through the pantry, the garden, and the home. From the 15 minutes of Grounding to this 15-minute Winter Brew, you have all the tools to maintain your vitality naturally and respectfully.
