I’ve been using this elixir for years whenever I feel a cold coming on as a soothing supportive drink, or just as a delicious warming drink in the winter/spring months. Now more than ever it’s so important to support the immune system! This is a great drink to add to your self-care routine or sip while you’re taking those conference calls.

SUPERFOOD HIGHLIGHTS

• Turmeric — Turmeric is a mutlifunctional spice that helps to reduce inflammation, acts as an antioxidant, and supports the liver and gallbladder as well as the digestive system.
• Ginger — Ginger is great for alleviating gastrointestinal issues, and can help to reduce nausea. Ginger is also known to have anti-inflammatory properties.
• Lemon — Lemons are high in vitamin C (which helps support the immune system and acts as an antioxidant), vitamin B6, potassium, folic acid, flavonoids and the phytochemicals. Lemon juice is also great for digestion.
• Raw Honey — Raw honey is honey that has not been pasteurized, clarified or filtered. Raw honey still contains all of its healthful phytochemicals that are lost during standard processing. Raw honey also contains propolis which helps to protect against bacteria, viruses and fungi (propolis is also normally lost during processing of regular honey). Honey contains antioxidants and is a great source of riboflavin, vitamin B6, iron and manganese.

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 Tbsp fresh grated turmeric OR 1/4 tsp ground turmeric
• 1/2 Tbsp fresh grated ginger OR 1/4 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 lemon juiced
• 1-2 tsp raw honey
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1.5 cups filtered water
• Tea pot or small sauce pan
• Your favorite mug!

DIRECTIONS

1. Bring water to a simmer/boil over medium-high to high heat. Once water is heated, remove the tea pot or sauce pan and turn off heat.
2. IF USING FRESH GINGER/TURMERIC: Mince the turmeric and ginger and put into a strainer over your mug. Pour the water over the ginger and turmeric into the mug. Then add honey, lemon and cayenne. Stir, sip and enjoy!
3. IF USING GROUND GINGER/TURMERIC: Place all ingredients into your mug and pour in the hot water. Stir, sip and enjoy!
4. Adjust honey, lemon and cayenne to your liking.

References

Resources Bauman, E. & Friedlander, J. (2015). Therapeutic Nutrition Part 1. Penngrove, CA: Bauman

College. Morris, J. (2015). Superfood Snacks. New York: Sterling Publishing Co., Inc. Murray, M., Pizzorno, J. & Pizzorno, L. (2005). The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods. New York, NY: Atria Books.