I avoid taking medicine, even when I’m sick. The idea of numbing pain that gives my brain some awareness of my physical state is unsettling to me. Not to mention the strain medicine places on the liver and other organs.
Although sickness is often unexpected, I always seek to equip my immune system and body with the right “tools” to function year-round.
In my culture, tea is a ceremonial, almost daily ritual. Since I drink tea just about every day, I developed an immune-boosting recipe that puts a twist on the trendy Golden Milk drink.
Here’s my tea recipe to make when you’re feeling sick or anytime to keep your immune system happy and strengthen your body’s defenses.
Turmeric, Ginger, Lemon Tea
½ lemon, peeled and sliced thin
¼ teaspoon turmeric
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon shredded or chopped fresh ginger
1 pinch ground black pepper
Honey to taste
In a mug of your choice, add each ingredient. Mix the ingredients well and vigorously. Pour hot water on top of the mixture and enjoy.
*Honey may be added once the hot water has cooled slightly to avoid killing its natural properties.
*Add a dash of Cayenne Pepper if desired, to aid digestion and boost metabolism.
Here are some quick facts about each ingredient and why I’ve chosen to include them in this tea…
Turmeric is naturally anti-inflammatory and has antioxidant properties. Black pepper is an essential ingredient to use when working with turmeric because it increases the body’s ability to absorb turmeric and aids digestion. Lemons offer Vitamin C. Cinnamon is also an antioxidant with antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties. Honey is a natural humectant and cough reliever containing vitamins and minerals like iron, zinc, and potassium.
Enjoy!
