Alas, it is now the season for itchy eyes, runny noses, and sneezing, symptoms which are very often combined with a fever.
Ethiopians tell you it is “Gunfan” or Flu, and ferengies will tell you it is “allergies” or the “common cold”. As a sufferer, you cough and splutter and carry on with your daily activities as best you can with your red nose streaming.
But people in the know will tell you about relief in a cup… special Ethiopian tea comes to the rescue!
You might be doubtful that tea will do the trick but mark my words this is no ordinary tea! The taste is both sweet and sour but instantly soothing! So, what is in this special Ethiopian tea I hear you ask….
The pleasant burning sensation comes from large amounts of ginger as well as portions of fresh orange juice, a squeeze of lemon, pineapple juice, garlic and honey. You can also add a dose of Ethiopian alcohol but that ingredient is optional.
Not every special tea contains all these ingredients but you will always find ginger as the main one, with orange juice and honey. The ginger will immediately open up your sinuses and enable you to breathe!
Usually, within a day you begin to feel a little better. A special Ethiopian tea a day might well keep the doctor away!
Most cafes around Addis serve this special Ethiopian tea. Enquire if it does not appear on the menu but don’t be fooled with a drink that turns up with a tea bag as special Ethiopian tea actually contains no tea!
Has Ethiopia got the remedy for the best kept secret of soothing, if not curing, the common cold….?