Hot foods, soups and stews, and teas are a great starting point for boosting your immunity.
When I hear someone at home is feeling a cold coming on, the first thing I do is draw up a tea. I rummage through the kitchen for herbs with anti-microbial and decongestant activity. Herbal, non-caffeinated teas are also a great way to increase hydration and support your nasal mucosa, which is one of the first barriers to infections during cold and flu season.
Below are some recommendations for what to add to your Immune tea. It’s always okay to customize based on what you have available and find delicious!
Tea recipe:
1. Start with a pot – add 3 cups of hot water
2. Add the following:
- Lemon (2-3 slices)
- Rosemary (one teaspoon)
- Thyme (1/2 teaspoon)
- Oregano (1/2 teaspoon)
- Sage (3 leaves)
- Fennel seeds (1 teaspoon)
- Ginger root (1/2 inch sliced)
- Turmeric root (1/2 inch sliced)
- A dash of cayenne pepper
3. Cover pot with lid, and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat and let simmer 30 minutes.
5. Add 1 teaspoon of molasses or honey and stir
6. Strain and pour into a cup. Cover with a lid until ready for consumption.
7. Serve tea warm.
8. If you can tolerate the taste, the herbs remaining in the pot are safe to chew and consume for an extra boost.
**This recipe is intended for adults only.
**Honey is not safe for babies under the age of one.
**Caution: Sage, oregano, and thyme may decrease milk flow during breastfeeding when taken in large quantities.