My dad was born in the Philippines and when he was growing up, all the over-the-counter convenience we have at the local pharmacy now was not available then. That, and he lived in a small island, away from the local city. So, if a family member got sick, my grandma would whip up a herbal remedy to cure the ailness. This tradition was passed on to my family by my father who seems to believe that "all that crap you can buy at the store is never going to be as good."

We are going to take a page from his herbal cold remedies and talk about the age-old healing qualities of ginger. In Asia, ginger is used for its therapeutic and anti-viral qualities to cure the common cold, nausea, and ease depression. When ingested, ginger warms and stimulates your internal your organs and is great for people who have a "cold body". Always buy fresh ginger by looking for a root that has smooth skin with a few joints and twists.

When I feel like I am coming down with a bug, I use these simple home remedies:

A SIMPLE CUP OF TEA

Make Your Favourite tea. Do not use milk or sugar. Grate fresh ginger about 1/2 a teaspoon. Let it steep and drink. Use honey for added sweetness. If tea is not available, a simple cup of hot water will do. You will not taste the ginger as you drink your tea, but you will feel that instant warmness on your throat and chest.

GINGER RICE

If you are like me, and you like eating rice with almost every meal, adding ginger to your rice is also a great way to boost your immune system. I make really small ginger cubes, add it to the water in the pressure cooker and let it cook.

From what I hear, Vancouver is experiencing a very bad flu season this month. It is just as nasty as it comes. Since I work from home, I do not get a chance to go out that often. And still, I caught it! What a way to start the new year! Hopefully, these remedies will work for you as it has for me.