Photo by Ruta & Zinas.

I was recently on business in Bangkok when I awoke with the type of bone aching pain I thought could only happen in cheap Halloween movies.

I felt as though I had some form of the plague, avian flu or swine flu. With no idea where to go or who to see in Bangkok I made this really simple, extremely powerful antiviral, immune system-enhancing, microbe-crushing tea. I drank about a liter or two a day and was on my feet in 2 days.

• Juice  a bunch of citrus for some serious vitamin C. Grapefruit, orange, limes and lemons. (I had to use pomelo in Thailand). Find your own proportions depending on what tastes good, I like 1 of each but use 2 lemons.
• 3 inches of ginger peeled and finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic finely chopped
• 3 tablespoons honey
• Pinch of cayenne powder if you’ve started running a fever
• Add ginger, garlic,  to a saucepan and bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 5 minutes.
• Strain and add the fresh juice, cayenne and honey.
• Sip until you feel human again!

For some more tips read Dr. Gibran Ramos’ awesome tips to maximize your immunity and Christine Dionese’s Chinese medicine immune boosting tips and Treating kids this flu season.

Dr. Nishant Rao is a co-founder of WellWire.com. He is a well-traveled naturopathic doctor and new father, practicing an integrative approach to create wellness in and around Los Angeles. Become a patient or discover his practice.