The changing of the seasons could mean achy joints, stuffy noses and a sore throat are heading your way.
Whether you’re spending the last days of your summer vacation here or just trying to make it through the work week, no one wants to battle a nasty case of the common cold.
Here are five local remedies you can try should the sniffles strike you while on the North Fork.
“Flu Shot” Juice
The Giving Room offers this immuno-boosting tonic for an instant pick-me-up. Made with pineapple, lemon, ginger, cayenne, garlic and honey, “Flu Shot” has a spicy kick that helps clear your sinuses ($8).
The Giving Room is located at 56125 Main Road, Southold
Fire Cider
This concoction made with apple cider vinegar, honey, oranges, lemons, onions, horseradish root, ginger too, habanero pepper, garlic and turmeric, is an old folk recipe intended to fight off colds and flu, according to its label. Grab a bottle ($12.99) at The Market in Greenport.
The Market is located at 44 Front Street in Greenport
Chicken Noodle Soup
While researchers have yet to find a cure for the common cold, this tried-and-true remedy comes pretty close. Chicken soup acts as an anti-inflammatory and the steamy broth can help break up mucus, according to the Mayo Clinic.
We bought a recent bowl from Salamander’s ($9), which also serves a variety of homemade soups.
We also dig the chicken soup at Love Lane Kitchen and Ammirati’s of Love Lane. But be sure to call ahead to make sure they are in stock.
Visit Salamanders at 38 Front Street in Greenport, (631) 477-3711. Love Lane Kitchen is located at 240 Love Lane, Mattituck (631) 298-8989 and Ammirati’s is at 135 Love Lane in Mattituck (631) 298-7812.
Click here for more local suggestions on where to buy chicken soup
A dollop of honey in a cup of hot water or tea can help loosen mucus and will keep you hydrated. Honey can also soothe a sore throat and a study suggested that honey may help relieve coughing.
Luckily there are several farms on the North Fork that offer their own locally-produced honey.
Blossom Meadow makes raw artisinal honey, available for sale at Coffee Pot Cellars in Cutchogue. A 2 oz. plastic jar sells for $3.75 or 3 jars for $11.
Coffee Pot Cellars is located at 31855 Main Road in Cutchogue
And if all else fails …
Love Lane Kitchen and various North Fork taverns
Hot Toddy
Made with hot water, lemon, honey, whiskey and sometimes tea, a hot toddy is sure to make you feel better. If the steam doesn’t open up your nasal passage and the honey doesn’t soothe your throat, the whiskey should take the scratchy feeling away for a little while.
Available at most bars and restaurants, we grabbed this cocktail made with Makers Mark at Love Lane Kitchen in Mattituck.
Love Lane Kitchen is located at 240 Love Lane in Mattituck
