1. Citron Tea for Colds
Korean Yuja Cha (Yuzu Tea) is deliciously sweet and tart and full of Vitamin C. Popular as a Korean cold and flu remedy, it is very easy to make at home if you can find fresh citron. If you cannot find fresh yuja, then many Asian groceries and almost all Korean markets will sell the Yuja Chung (Citron Tea Marmalade).More »
2. Chicken Soup with Ginseng for Colds and Detox
Sam gae tang is used as restorative when people are sick or weak like chicken soup is used in the West, but it's more traditionally eaten and enjoyed during the summer months. Koreans like to drink hot soup or stews during the summer months in an effort to fight the heat with heat.Because ginseng and ginger are also “hot” spices according to Chinese medicine, you will sweat and detox after drinking a hot bowl of this soup on a summer day. The belief is that your body is better able to regulate itself and stay cool in the summer heat after being detoxed and rejuvenated by a bowl of sam gae tang.More »
3. Ginseng Porridge for Energy
Jook (rice porridge) was always eaten in Korea to stretch grains for the poor and to soothe sick, young, or elderly bellies. It's still enjoyed as a snack, breakfast, a light meal, or as comfort food for the sick. Ginseng is also a traditional Korean medicine for increasing energy, vitality and the immune system. Food and medicine are still closely linked in Korea, so this ginseng porridge is both restorative and medicinal.More »
4. Asian Pears with Honey for Coughs and Sore Throat
Asian pears with honey are a simple and effective home remedy for coughs and sore throat. My Korean grandmother used to do this for us when we were little, and it's something that I now do for my own kids. Unlike many over-the-counter cough medicines, it actually helps to heal the symptoms and not just suppress them. Enjoy this delicious and medicinal snack 2-3 times a day while you're fighting the cold virus.More »
5. Bean Sprout Soup for Hangovers
Korean bean sprout soup, which is both cheap and easy to make, has a light and refreshing flavor. Healthy, full of vitamin C, and low in calories, it's also supposed to be good for hangovers. Add a splash of red pepper flakes (kochukaru) and it's great for colds as well.
Sprouts contain high asparagines that are assumed to assist in reducing acetaldehyde, which is formed normally in the body after drinking alcohol.More »
6. Spicy Beef Soup for Colds and Hangovers
Yuk Gae Jang is a hearty Korean soup that warms you from your lips to your toes. Full of meat and vegetables, it's fiery red, bold, and spicy. Yuk Gae Jang is a one-pot meal that requires very little hands-on time but tastes like you've spent all day making it. The chili peppers clear your sinuses and clean your liver out.More »