With the cooler months closing in flu and colds are on their way back. A clean whole food diet combined with plenty of sleep is the best way to keep your immune system strong and protect your body from sick making intruders.
However, the moment you feel yourself getting sick, try this magical drink and you’ll be on your feet again in no time.
Before I share the recipe with you, let’s take a quick look at the ingredients and their benefits.
Ginger has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. It improves digestion and reduces pain, swelling, and fever naturally. It soothes a sore throat and helps to clear nasal passage as well.
Turmeric also works as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antiseptic agent. It strengthens the immune system, clears respiratory infections and eases coughs.
Raw honey: has antibacterial, antiviral, and immune boosting properties.
Back pepper (or cayenne pepper): while pepper is mainly added to improve turmeric’s healing power, it is known to soothe irritation, cure headaches, reduce fever, and clear mucus.
Ginger-Turmeric Flu And Cold Elixir, The Recipe
Ingredients (makes 1 cup)
- 1 teaspoon fresh grated turmeric root (or ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder)
- 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger root (or ¼ teaspoon ginger powder)
- ½ to 1 tablespoon raw honey (or to taste)
- ¼ to ½ teaspoon black pepper
FYI: not a huge fan of black pepper in your tea? Use 1 teaspoon of virgin coconut oil instead to increase turmeric’s bio-availability.
Also read: 4 Simple Ways to Optimize Turmeric’s Bioavailability
Preparation
Bring water to a gentle boil. Add fresh grated turmeric and ginger. Reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes. If using turmeric and ginger powder, simmer for 5 minutes.
Strain liquid and add honey and black pepper (or coconut oil). Add lemon if you want or swap water for almond milk to improve taste.
Use as needed, up to 3 times a day.
FYI: do NOT use when pregnant or breastfeeding, are on blood-thinning drugs, or have gallstones or bile duct dysfunction.
Sources: MindBodyGreen, freshly-grown.com
Don’t forget to download my FREE Book “Amy’s Home Kitchen”, packed with my family’s favorite healthy, clean and delicious recipes. Or connect with me on Facebook or Google+
