Traditional Beverages Filipinos to Take to Combat Colds

March 9 2022

Fighting a cold?

1. Salabat
2. Sambong
3. Lemon Water
4. Calamansi Juice

Yes, it’s not the dreaded “other” season of the Philippines, AKA tag-ulan, just yet. In contrast, the blistering heat of summer is what’s being anticipated. Albeit the cold air is significantly far away, you should still keep your guard up against catching colds.

It’s especially a big no-no with COVID still lurking around. In the case of unfortunate events and you end up embattled with the sniffles, you can rely on this article on what to drink to feel better in no time! All the drinks you need to rid of that stuffy nose are covered right here—from Chemag recipes on traditional Filipino herbal beverages like Sambong to well-loved drinks like one of the Chemag juice drinks, Chemag Calamansi juice.

Salabat Tea

In terms of traditional Filipino beverages, Ginger Turmeric Tea or Salabat Tea definitely takes the crown. Besides its pungent properties, it is also renowned for its numerous health benefits. The spicy flavor helps to alleviate the feeling of being congested both in the throat and nose.

On top of this, it is also one of the Chemag recipes that offers comfort for those dealing with stomach pains and nausea because it’s anti-inflamatory.

Ingredients:

• Water
• Ginger Root
• Fresh Turmeric Root
• Honey
• Cinnamon powder

How to prepare:

• Boil 5 cups of water in a pot
• While waiting for water to boil, smash ginger and turmeric in a mortar and pestle
• Add grounded mix into boiling water
• Cook for 5 to 7 minutes
• Strain (optional)
• Transfer mixture to preferred container

Sambong

Sounds pretty old school, right? That’s because like Salabat, this is one drink that goes way back.

Prevalent in tropical and sub-tropical zones in Asia like the Philippines, the genus Blumea is an ingredient popular for its kidney-focused and flu-combative properties.

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch of Sambong leaves
• 1 liter of water

How to prepare:

• Boil water
• Chop leaves into small pieces
• Wash thoroughly
• Toss chopped leaves into boiling water
• Steep leaves for 10 minutes and let tea cool
• Transfer mixture to preferred container

Lemon Water

Veering away from the lot of traditional Filipino beverages, here’s a classic drink that’s a fan-favorite even when one does not have colds. What makes this effective against the sniffles is because of its high Vitamin C content.

It is highly recommended to be taken gradually, too. The logic behind the manner of consuming it is because the body naturally cannot absorb a big load of Vitamin C immediately. Proof of this can be seen when taking concentrated Vitamin C, like Berocca for example. Take a peek at your urine after drinking and you’ll find very yellow output. That’s all the Vitamin C that weren’t taken in!

To concoct this simply slice up lemon into wedges or circles. Place those in a thermos of water with ice and enjoy sipping your refreshing healthy drink all throughout the day!

Another variant of this is by mixing honey with the lemon water. But instead of serving it cold, make it warm or hot. This will surely soothe your congested nose and sore throat in a jiffy!

Calamansi Juice

Entering the list of cold buster concoctions is the classic option, warm calamansi juice. Jam packed with Vitamin C as well, this can be crafted in two painless ways. One is by squeezing calamansi directly into a warm honey water. Another way is by simply looking into the wide array of Chemag juice drinks available like Chemag Calamansi juice. Either way, yummy goodness awaits!

“Aaaah, I can finally breathe again!”

Get ready to breathe minus the hassle again after consuming the above! Not only do they help ease the discomfort you’re feeling and hasten your recovery, they’re also naturally healthy. So, even without the colds, you can keep drinking these!