Peppermint, Ginger and Lemon Infusion with Honey

Peppermint and ginger are the two herbs Europe's medicines agency has on its books for the after-dinner hour. Its herbal committee registers peppermint leaf as a traditional herbal medicinal product that "can be used for relief of digestion-related problems such as indigestion and flatulence", and ginger root for "the symptomatic treatment of mild, spasmodic gastrointestinal complaints including bloating and flatulence" — in both cases on the strength of long-standing use, not clinical trials. This cup simply puts the two in the same mug.

Pour it after a heavy meal. What the pairing does in the mouth is the interesting part: menthol reads as cold and gingerol reads as hot, so the same sip is cooling and warming at once — a contrast neither herb gives you alone.

A touch of raw honey and a squeeze of lemon balance the flavors—the honey rounds out the ginger's bite, while the lemon adds brightness and a dose of vitamin C.

Both herbs are caffeine-free, so this is an evening cup with no hour limit. If you want it stronger, add ginger slices rather than steeping longer: peppermint left past ten minutes turns bitter.