Indian 'toddy' helps sickies get to sleep

Whenever I had a cold or a sore throat, my father made this for me to drink before bed (one of his many Indian home remedies). I was asleep within minutes, without fail.

Warm 1 cup of milk with a dash of cardamom, powdered ginger, turmeric, and sugar or honey to taste. If you're feeling generous, add a pinch of saffron. Serve in a favorite mug.

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Comments

[Heather]

How young can kids be for this home remedy? I'm not afraid of the spices, but can formula or breastmilk be substituted for regular milk? Am I a freak for even asking?

[Parent Hacks Editor]

One should NEVER give honey to a child who's under a year old (infant botulism risk).

As for the breastmilk or formula, I have no idea. It's an interesting proposition, though.

(I can just see Starbucks serving tiny Similac Chai Lattes to the wee ones.)

[Rachel]

I will try this, have had a bad sore throat the last two days from one night out in a while (black tie dinner, talking a lot)..but then I think it must have been something going around. Codi is losing his voice, so funny when he tries a little cry. I was thinking about what I could give him, I know in Europe they put chicken broth in a bottle. But, I love chai teas and I'm sure Codi will too.

[Stephanie]

I am a couple months pregnant right now so this recipe is a really wonderful winter toddy! It's so much more sublte then a cup of cocoa. And when my son gets a little older, I will make it for him too. Now I need to find other uses for all this cardamon and saffron I have.