Feeling run down? Try these 3 immune-boosting tonics
Sigh, it’s that time of year – with colds, viruses, and infections running rampant. Although we’d all like to think of ourselves as perpetually un-sniffly pictures of health, that change…
Sigh, it’s that time of year – with colds, viruses, and infections running rampant. Although we’d all like to think of ourselves as perpetually un-sniffly pictures of health, that change of season clogged sinus feeling is almost inevitable.
Want to help your immune system hold down the fort better and reduce those sick days (or sick weekends!)? We’ve got you covered with our all natural immune-boosting concoctions…time to start brewing/blending these up!
Zesty Cinnamon Zinger
Cinnamon is an immune stimulator, has anti-inflammatory properties, and is full of antioxidants (plus it helps stabilise blood sugar levels!). Turmeric root also has major anti-inflammatory properties, while ginger has been used for centuries in ancient medicine for its healing properties. Alongside aiding digestion, ginger houses compounds called gingerols, which possess antioxidant, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral properties. Lemon juice is high in vitamin C, a key cold and flu fighter.
Ingredients
- 2cm knob of turmeric root, grated
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2cm knob of ginger, grated
- 200mL hot water
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 5 leaves fresh mint
- 1 tsp stevia powder/maple syrup/rice malt syrup
Method
- In a small saucepan, simmer the hot water, cinnamon stick, turmeric, and ginger for ten minutes
- Remove from heat, add lemon juice, sweetener of choice, and fresh mint. Enjoy hot!
Spiced Chai ImmuniTEA
Slightly sweet and spicy, this warming, creamy tonic gets its immune-enhancing properties from the adaptogens reishi and astragalus. Reishi mushroom helps to boost and modulate the immune system, whilst astragalus protects and supports the immune system. Coconut oil provides a healthy source of fat for good brain health, and aids the adaptogens in being absorbed into the body.
Ingredients
- 1 tsp chai tea mix or chai tea bag
- 1 tsp reishi powder
- 1 tsp astragalus powder
- 200mL boiling water
- 100mL almond or coconut milk
- 2 tsp coconut oil, melted
- 1 tsp stevia powder/maple syrup/rice malt syrup
Method
- In a small saucepan over low heat, boil the tea mix or tea bag in the water for 3-5 minutes or until fragrant
- Add the coconut oil, reishi powder, and astragalus powder to your favourite mug and mix the powders into the oil
- Add a few tablespoons of the chai at a time to the mug and mix together until the powder is dissolved. Return mixture to the saucepan, add sweetener and almond milk
- Heat for a couple of minutes before pouring into a mug and serving
No More Sniffles Smoothie
This zingy, fruity blend features some of our favourite flavourful immune system heroes: ginger, lemon, and cinnamon. Immune-boosting newcomer pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain, which can aid in preventing and alleviating sinus issues, helping you make it through winter without a never-ending runny nose!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup fresh pineapple, cubed
- 1 banana
- 1/2 cup frozen raspberries
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
- 300mL almond milk
- 1tsp vanilla essence
Method
- Add all ingredients to a high powered blender and blend until smooth
- Pour into a glass (or mason jar to take on the go) and serve!
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