Ginger Beer a Turn of the Century Health Tonic

Herbal remedies have played a part in all cultures. (Take 8 oz with fish and chips)

This classic ginger beer recipe is taken from the book "Dr. Chase's Third, Last and Complete Recipe Book, Memorial Edition" by Dr. Alvin Wood Chase, M.D., published by F. B. Dickerson Company, Detroit and Windsor, in 1891.

Old English Ginger Beer Recipe

Loaf sugar, 2-1/4 pounds; cream of tartar, 1-1/2 ounces; gingerroot, 1-1/2 ounces; 2 lemons; fresh brewer's yeast, 2 tablespoonfuls; water, 3 gals.

Directions: Bruise the ginger, and put into a large earthenware pan, with the sugar and cream of tartar; peel the lemons, squeeze out the juice, strain it, and add, with the peel, to the other ingredients; then pour over the water boiling hot. When it has stood until it is only just warm, add the yeast, stir the contents of the pan, cover with a cloth, and let it remain near the fire for 12 hours. Then skim off the yeast and pour the liquor off into another vessel, taking care not to shake it, so as to leave the sediment; bottle it immediately, cork it tightly; in 3 or 4 days it will be fit for use.

Herbal Tea for Sore Throat

Honeysuckle Flower is one of the most commonly used herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine for sore throats. It is not as easy to find as slippery elm which is commonly used in Western herbal remedies. Most health food stores will order it for you. Honeysuckle Flower tastes as sweet as it smells. Bring one quart of water to a boil, add one cup honeysuckle flowers, not the leaves, cover and steep for ten minutes. Two to four cups a day are recommended.