Lemon and Job's Tears Barley Water

Why people make this drink

On public transport you hear plenty of coughing and sniffling, so Nourilo always masks up. With lots of colds going round — especially among children and older folk — it’s a good time to lean on gentle teas and soups that support the body’s defences. Children dislike taking medicine, but lemon barley water tastes good with no herbal flavour, so they won’t refuse it. Lemon is rich in vitamin C (protected by its own citric acid, so even hot water won’t destroy it) and is traditionally enjoyed to lift appetite, support digestion and ease the discomfort of colds and a stuffy nose.

Method

1. Rinse the Job’s tears and cook in 2.1 L of water for 40 minutes.
2. Add rock sugar and stir until dissolved.
3. Add the fresh lemon slices, turn off the heat, cover and steep 5 minutes. Drink.

Nourilo’s Tips

Fragrant and tasty, suitable for young and old. For an uncomfortable throat, steep a few fresh mint leaves in too. Pregnant women should not use Job’s tears — use lemon slices with honey instead, which is traditionally enjoyed to support the body’s defences.