During even normal circumstances we are at that time of the year where colds and flues have set in and immune systems are run down. Add one crazy virus into the mix and everyone's nerves are a bit shot.
Selfcare is your number one defense when it comes to being able to stay well for you and your family. Drinking plenty of water, eating well, getting lots of rest and keeping your body active is all so important.
This is simply an additional way you can fill yourself with some immune-boosting ingredients. So, take some time, slip into the kitchen to make this simple recipe ~ then grab your favorite book and indulge in a little self-care with a steaming hot mug of this nutrient-rich tea.
A Little About The Ingredients
- Ginger - Ginger’s anti-inflammatory properties will help manage sore throats. Ginger is also known to have anti-oxidants that can help you fight diseases.
- Cinnamon - Cinnamon contains anti-inflammatory, antiviral, anti-bacterial and analgesic properties.
- Turmeric - It is not only anti-inflammatory and high in antioxidants, but it is also antibacterial and can help fight viral infections as well.
- Lemon - Everyone knows how vitamin C is good for cold/flu and lemon is full of it. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and provides a much-needed boost for your immune system.
- Honey - Honey is antibacterial and antimicrobial, particularly in its raw form. It can also provide great relief in sore throat and cough.
TIPS ON PREPARING THE TEA
- I prefer a cinnamon stick instead of cinnamon powder – In stick form, it is much less likely to absorb water and become slimy (adding to potential mucus you might already be fighting), not to mention the woodsy component of the stick is essentially just added fiber which is always a welcomed addition to our bodies.
- Let the tea cool a touch before adding lemon juice – Vitamin C is heat sensitive so you don’t want to rid its potency.
- Use fresh lemon juice – Fresh is just simply better. It doesn't have added preservatives and tastes better. Using whole foods means you are using them as nature intended. Bright and Fresh.
- Always opt for raw honey if possible – Raw honey contains more antioxidants due to commercial honey processing methods. Raw honey also contains pollen consisting of many vitamins and amino acids that are great for fighting inflammation.
- Adjust ginger amount accordingly – The spice of ginger can be therapeutic to a sore throat but can become overbearing if not careful. We suggest about an inch for this recipe as that is a conservative amount. Feel free to add more if you are looking for a bit more kick.
- Careful when using Turmeric - Turmeric is the spice that gives curries their beautiful rich color, but with that can also come staining. Food52 has a great article on how to remove stains here. But if you're cautious you should be just fine.
Ingredients
-
1 inch Ginger root
- Fresh lemon juice (to taste)
- Honey (to taste)
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1/2 tsp Turmeric powder
- 2 cups Water
Directions
- In a small pot, add water, ginger, and cinnamon stick and bring it to a boil.
- Once it comes to a boil, add turmeric powder.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Remove the pot from the heat and let it cool until it is warm enough to drink.
- Strain the mixture into a cup and add fresh lemon juice and honey to taste.
The recipe yields one large mug of tea. Feel free to play with the amounts, double the recipe or increase and decrease amounts to your liking. There is no science to the numbers, rather a starting place for you to get some of Mother Natures truest remedies into your body.
Notes: I am sharing this from our home and hearts. We are not medical doctors or nutritionists. We are simply a family that loves to use natural and whole foods to supplement our health. This is not meant to override or act on behalf of any prescribed treatments. If you are feeling increasingly unwell please see your physician and follow their advice.
