This traditional remedy is like a “medicine chest” hidden inside a piece of fruit! By using an empty orange peel as a natural container to steam ginger and honey, you create a concentrated “syrup” that is infused with citrus oils (limonene). This combination acts like a hot knife through butter for persistent coughs and bronchitis, breaking down mucus almost instantly. But the benefits go deeper: ginger and honey are a natural antibiotic duo that fights the bacteria causing angina (throat pain) and chest discomfort. Furthermore, the bitter compounds in the orange peel stimulate the liver to detoxify and help the bowels move smoothly, making this a true “head-to-toe” healer.
How the “Steamed Orange” Heals Your Lungs and Gut
The magic happens during the warming process. When the orange peel is heated, it releases essential oils that are normally too tough to eat. These oils are powerful bronchodilators, meaning they help open up the airways in your lungs. The ginger then goes to work reducing the inflammation in your chest, while the honey coats the throat to stop the “tickle” of a cough. Because this remedy is “pre-digested” by the heat, it enters your system quickly, settling an upset bowel and giving your liver a boost of antioxidants to filter out the waste from your illness.
Recipe: The “Orange-Pot” Antibiotic Syrup
This is one of the most effective old-world ways to treat a heavy chest and a sluggish system.
Ingredients:
- 1 Large Organic Orange (organic is best since we are using the peel).
- 2 inches of Fresh Ginger (finely grated).
- 2 tablespoons of Raw Honey.
- A pinch of Sea Salt (this helps “pull” the juices out of the peel).
- Optional: 1 stick of Cinnamon (to help with circulation).
Instructions:
- The Preparation: Cut the top off the orange (save it like a “lid”) and use a spoon to scoop out the fruit inside, leaving just the hollow orange shell. (You can eat the fruit separately for the Vitamin C!).
- The Filling: Place the finely grated ginger and the sea salt inside the hollow orange.
- The Honey: Pour the honey over the ginger. If you are using cinnamon, tuck the stick in now.
- The Lid: Place the “orange lid” back on top.
- The Steam: Place the orange in a small bowl (to catch any juices) and put the bowl into a steamer or a pot with a bit of water. Steam for 15 to 20 minutes on medium heat.
- The Elixir: After steaming, the inside will have turned into a warm, thick, spicy syrup.
- The Routine: Drink the warm syrup while it’s fresh. For the best results with bronchitis or chest pain, take this once in the evening before bed.
Three Reasons This “Orange Bomb” is Incredible
- Clears Bronchial Tubes: The combination of steamed citrus oils and ginger heat acts as a powerful expectorant, clearing out even the most stubborn phlegm.
- Liver & Bowel Reset: The bitter nutrients from the inner white part of the peel (the pith) stimulate bile flow, which helps the liver clean the blood and the bowels move waste.
- Heart and Chest Relief: By reducing systemic inflammation, this “antibiotic” mix helps ease the pressure of angina and chest tightness associated with heavy coughing.
A Friendly Tip for Success
Don’t throw away the orange peel after you drink the syrup! You can actually eat a little bit of the softened inner peel; it’s packed with hesperidin, which is excellent for strengthening your blood vessels and lowering blood pressure. If you are making this for a child, you can add a little more honey to make it taste like a “spicy candy” treat.
