Ginger and Plantain
Jul 10th, 2006 by Don Ray
Well, I have been learning about local remedies. After three weeks of fighting the cough and sinus and associated inflamed throat, I was given a ginger tea to drink. It was made from whole gingerroot that was crushed and then boiled. To this boiling liquid, a bar of the natural sugar cane sugar was added for sweetness. The ginger tea is pretty hot and spicy. For about two days after arriving in Panama City, I tried this remedy.
It did an amazing job. Then I learned a side effect of the ginger. Ginger as it turns out, at least in the tea form that I was taking it in, is a natural laxative. Guess what. I traded one problem for a different problem at the other end of the anatomy.
Well, now we come to the second local remedy. It seems if you know how to make a drink with plantain by scraping it into a soft paste and then adding it to boiling water you have a fairly thick semi banana flavored remedy that eliminates diarrhea. After having over 10 visits to the porcelain throne in a little over 10 hours, I was ready to try anything. It took the second cup, but it was quite effective.
I will know the next time to go with moderation in the use of the first remedy. I am happy to report that now both ends are functioning as they are supposed to now.
Hi Don Ray,
Pleased to hear that sinus problem seems to have been cleared up, but WAY too much information on the cure! Hope you’re having an otherwise good time in the big, bad city - sorry to hear Manolo’s wasn’t up to par. Its been a couple of years since we were there, but had always enjoyed our meals there. Speaking of meals - you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the progress being made on the David TGIFriday. See you soon.
Linda
I knew ginger sometimes upset my digestive system. I don’t think I would have anticipated your problem. Thanks for the tips.
Better to know what to expect than to be caught off guard. I know I will be more careful.