With rising Corona Virus cases throughout the world, we are doing what we can to keep our families and friends as safe as possible. In our home, we have dramatically reduced our physical contact to people who live outside of our home. We do all possible to limit exposure to pharmacies, medical offices, and hospitals. Our outside activities consist of grocery shopping and work. We are are focused on incorporating vitamin rich foods into our daily diet. Resurrecting our love of herbal teas in the afternoon, we take advantage of the herbs that are still thriving in our garden. Similarly, we are exploring home remedies and treatments, some of which go back many generations.
My 84 year old neighbor, Pierina, was born and raised in Castelverrino, Italy. Castelverrino is adjacent to Agnone in the Molise region of Italy. Eleven kilometers from my grandfather’s home town of Pizzone, meeting Pierina was like meeting a member of my Italian family. As a young girl, her Nonna Maria taught her about gardening and preparing food. Pierina and her father Maurizio came to America when she was 18 years old. The two worked hard to build a life in Chicago and were eventually joined by her mother and her husband. Once they were back together they settled into the home she occupies today. Finding herself alone, following the death of her husband two years ago, she continues her family traditions. She tends to a large garden and cooks every day. A generous spirit, she enjoys sharing her life and her recipes with others.
Cold and Flu Remedy
Below are Pierina’s instructions for preparing her Nonna Maria’s Decotto Della Nonna. It is an effective, immunity boosting concoction. With just a few ingredients, it is an inexpensive way to help combat the flu season ahead.
Decotto Della Nonna: Home Remedy From an Italian Grandmother
- Base Ingredients:
- Pot of water
- Apple, cored and peeled.
- Oranges, sliced
- Lemons, sliced
- Cinnamon
- Honey
- Dried figs
- Chamomile Tea
- Marva (Marjoram)
- Optional:
- Raisins
- Grapes
- Boiled and peeled chestnuts
- Mint
01 Add the apple, orange, lemon, cinnamon, honey and figs to a pot of water and and set the burner to high heat.
02 Once boiling, add the Chamomile and Marva to the pot and continue to simmer for an hour.
03 Remove from the heat an allow to cool. Allow to sit overnight, covered, in a cool room or refrigerator.
04 In the morning, strain and transfer the liquid to a large jar or jars and refrigerate.
05 Re-heat, one cup per day or night to prevent symptoms. Double or triple if you are suffering from a cold or flu.
Serve hot with with some fresh mint leaves or a slice of lemon.
You can add more honey or sugar if you like, but if you taste while you are making it, you shouldn’t need to add anything more. Just heat and serve. The honey helps sooth a sore throat, while the fruits and herbs act as antioxidants and help boost immunity. Refrigerate until ready to use. Make it by the quart and continue to enjoy it throughout the winter, as you would tea.
Enjoy!
