Tea Time: Our Favorite Immune-Boosting Teas and Tonics
Our favorite Teas, Tonics and Tinctures to give your immunity a boost.
At Tuesday Foods we believe in the power of food as medicine, and it is our mission to support you in living your healthiest, most vibrant life. Now more than ever, it is so important to boost your immune system through nutrition, herbs, supplements and good clean living. So, to ensure that your immunity is in tip-top-shape, and to help you feel more energy and vitality each and every day, we have gathered some of our favorite immune boosting teas, tonics and tinctures to help fortify your body’s natural defenses.
Cheers to staying healthy, happy and strong this season!
Immune Boosting Green Juice:
A green juice is not only a great way to get in a hefty dose of vegetables and vitamins, but they’re also packed with nutritional powerhouses that keep the immune system strong. This hydrating, anti-inflammatory, and anti-viral recipe is free of refined sugar (sugar can weaken the immune system) and contains a powerful punch of vitamin C and antioxidants. Parsley is chock-full of vitamin c and chlorophyll and has been proven to suppress an over-active immune response, helping you fight off allergies, inflammation, and illnesses.
Ingredients:
Into the juicer…makes one small juice:
1 handful of parsley
2 cups of spinach
1 green apple
1 lemon
1 cucumber
2-3 celery stalks
1-2 inches of ginger (fresh)
Immune-Boosting Turmeric Tonic:
What’s an immune-boosting tonic, you ask? Well….it’s a concentrated combo of immune boosting herbs and spices. Each ingredient has its own healing properties to address specific cold/flu symptoms. Ginger helps with respiratory viruses (cough and sniffles) , turmeric is a straight-up immunity superhero (but specifically helps with clearing respiratory infections and boosting overall immunity), apple cider vinegar helps reduce mucus and balance your body’s pH levels, cayenne pepper also reduces mucus and boosts metabolism, and Manuka honey is antiviral, antibacterial and specifically helps with a sore throat. Mix these with hot water and boom….bye-bye cold.
Ingredients:
1 cup water
1/4 teaspoon grated ginger
1/4 teaspoon turmeric (either choose raw or powdered organic)
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Dash cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon Manuka honey
1/2 lemon (juiced)
Optional: garlic. We like adding garlic for its antibacterial properties, but the taste doesn’t appeal to everyone! If you’re either really sick or very bold, go for it! (½ a clove is more than enough)
Instructions:
1. Add the water, turmeric, apple cider vinegar, ginger, lemon or garlic if using, and cayenne pepper to a pot and bring to a boil. Lower heat to simmer for 10-12 minutes.
2. Strain and add the honey. If you’re feeling sniffly, breathe in the tonic at this point! The cayenne will work its magic.
Immune Boosting Herbal Tea:
This tea recipe calls for a variety of dried herbs, that you can find at your local health food store, or you can order online at Starwest Botanicals or Amazon
Astragalus has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. It has many purported health benefits, including immune-boosting, anti-aging and anti-inflammatory effects. Dried ginger for respiratory and digestive support. Dried Lemon Peel and Lemon Balm - contain high levels of vitamin C, and have anti-microbial and anti- viral properties. This tea is great for boosting the immune system and supporting the digestive system. (anti-gas, anti-bloat, anti-nausea)
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons dried astragalus
1 tablespoon dried ginger (for tea - order dried, "cut and sifted”)
1/8 teaspoon dried lemon peel
1 tablespoon dried lemon balm
Honey to taste
Directions:
1. Simmer the astragalus, ginger, and lemon peel in a quart of water for 20 minutes, covered.
2. Turn off heat and add the lemon balm; cover and steep for another 20 minutes. Strain and discard herbs.
3. Add a touch of honey per cup of hot tea. Tea will keep in the fridge for 24 hours; heat it up before drinking.