One of those "should have" moments

  For more years than I can count, I have been making a brew called Bayou Fire.  This is my home remedy for most every malady that hits during the winter months.  While a lot of folks will not find the results that I have, it works for me.  Each year when folks start to come down sick with bronchitis, flu, colds or you name it, I pull out the large pot and start my brew.  It is merely a concoction of roots and herbs from the garden.  These are fermented in a bath of apple cider vinegar.  Since the brew has a name like Bayou Fire, it stands to reason that it is a bit hot.  Besides the heat that fresh ginger root gives to the pot, I do throw in a mass of jalapeno and habanero peppers.  Every item that is included promotes healing.  I take it at the first hint of a cold or whatever.  This usually does the trick.  One or two doses and I have avoided illness.  Therein lies the problem with others.  Folks often come to the Bayou seeking an herbal remedy but not at the beginning of their illness.  They wait until they are so sick that even doctor prescribed medications have a hard time breaking the sickness.  Folks...with whatever medication you take, do not wait until you have some full blown illness before seeking help and then expect to be healed instantly. It does not work that way.  Go to your doctor and get help.  DO NOT COME TO THE BAYOU AND EXPECT MIRACLES!  If you do, I will give you a couple of heaping spoonfuls of the Bayou Fire and you may not be too happy.  While the Fire will help with symptoms, it is not for everyone. 

  As I was bottling my first batch of the Bayou Fire today, I was figuratively kicking myself for being lax.  While I have been making this concoction for a number of years and freely giving out my recipe or even bottles of the elixir itself, I now find that this stuff is being marketed as a cure all....and it ain't cheap!  The recipe for the marketed "Fire" is almost identical to the recipe that I shared so freely with folks.  I could have been rich!!!  If only I had the foresight to see that there would be this vast interest in herbal remedies, I would have marketed my stuff long ago.  Instead, because I was laughed at, called "Bayou Witch" and otherwise just plain ridiculed for my interest in and use of herbs, I withdrew into my own little kitchen and left well enough alone.  Still, each year, I brew up a batch or two to keep on hand if for no other reason than folks love sharing their illnesses with me.  It fully amazes me how many people will come to visit knowing full well they should be home in bed!  Nope! Ain't happenin'.   Here, open wide and take a dose of Bayou Fire!