Immunity-Boosting Herbal Elixir
Here’s a nourishing and delicious herbal beverage recipe to boost your immune system and warm you up during flu season. It combines powerful herbs, spices, and natural ingredients known for their immune-supportive properties.
Prep Time
2 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Serves
1-2
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger root, grated (or ½ teaspoon dried ginger powder)
- 1 teaspoon fresh turmeric root, grated (or ½ teaspoon dried turmeric powder)
- 1 cinnamon stick (or ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon)
- 1-2 cloves (or ¼ teaspoon ground glove)
- 1 teaspoon dried echinacea leaves or root (optional, for extra immune support)
- 1 teaspoon dried elderberries (optional, for added antioxidants)
- Juice of half a lemon (or orange)
- 1 tablespoon raw honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
- A pinch of black pepper (to enhance turmeric absorption)
- A pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for added warmth and circulation)
Steps
1
Simmer the Herbs: In a small pot, combine the water, ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, cloves, echinacea (if using), and elderberries (if using). Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 10-15 minutes to extract the benefits from the herbs and spices.
2
Strain and Sweeten: Strain the liquid into a mug using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth. Discard the solids.
3
Add Lemon and Honey: Stir in the lemon juice and honey while the tea is still warm. Add a pinch of black pepper to enhance turmeric’s benefits and a dash of cayenne if you like a bit of heat.
4
Enjoy Warm: Sip slowly while it’s warm, letting the aromatic spices soothe your senses and boost your immunity.
Why This Works:
- Ginger: Anti-inflammatory and antiviral, helps fight infections and soothes sore throats.
- Turmeric: Packed with curcumin, a powerful antioxidant that reduces inflammation and boosts immune function.
- Cinnamon: Antimicrobial and warming, supports circulation and helps fight infections.
- Clove: Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial, alleviates flu symptoms such as sore throat and congestion and helps kill viruses and bacteria.
- Echinacea: Known to stimulate the immune system, helping your body fend off colds and flu.
- Elderberries: Rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, known for their antiviral properties.
- Lemon/Orange: High in vitamin C, which supports immune health.
- Honey: Natural antibacterial properties, soothes sore throats and adds a touch of sweetness.
- Cayenne Pepper: Stimulates circulation and adds warmth, helping to clear congestion.
Tips:
- This elixir can be made in a larger batch and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat before drinking.
- For an extra immune boost, you can add a clove of garlic to the simmering pot (garlic is known for its antiviral and antibacterial properties).
- Adjust the sweetness and spices to suit your taste!
Stay warm and healthy this flu season with this immunity-boosting herbal elixir!
IMAGE SOURCE: iStock Photo
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