As children, whenever we would come down with a cold, my parents would quickly prepare us a lemon and honey tea. Call me crazy, but I used to think it was one of the hidden perks of having a cold (that, and the occasional day off school ;)). Fast forward to today and I’m still enjoying a variation of this immunity boosting tea only now, because it’s rich in antioxidants and natural healing properties that I drink regularly, for a whole host of reasons some of which include it’s anti-inflammatory effects, liver detoxification and improved digestion…

Health Benefits: 

• Ginger has been used in Asian, Arabic and Indian cultures as a herbal medicine since ancient times. Ginger is believed to have anti-inflammatory qualities that may relieve swelling and pain, it is also used to improve digestion. Ginger tea is also used to ease headaches and sore throats.
• Turmeric is also a herb that has been used in traditional medicine practices for centuries. Turmeric is well known for it’s anti-inflammatory properties as well as it’s ability to potentially ward of demential and cancer. In addition, preliminary studies have also shown that turmeric may help reduce the severity of bacterial and viral infections and hence, a perfect addition to this natural immunity tea. You can read more about the health benefits of turmeric here. 
• Cinnamon is yet another spice that is rich in anti-oxidants. Research shows that cinnamon is effective in  lowering blood sugar in type 1 or type 2 diabetes. In addition cinnamon has been used to treat muscle and stomach spasms, preventing nausea, vomiting, infections, the common cold, and loss of appetite.
• Lemons are rich in vitamin C, which help boost the immune system and assist the body in fighting colds and flu. In addition, they are also know to detoxify the liver and have been known to help control excess bile flow, decrease the amount of phlegm produced by the body. You can read more about the health benefits of lemon water here. 
• Manuka Honey is known for it’s antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Research suggests it’s effective against Helicobacter pylori (which causes most stomach ulcers); Escherichia coli (the most common cause of infected wounds) and Streptococcus pyogenes (which causes sore throats). It is also an antioxidant that can help to increase vitality and immunity.This activity is stable and doesn’t lose its potency when exposed to dilution, heat or light – another reason why this is the perfect addition to this immunity boosting tea. You can read more about the health benefits of manuka honey here. 

Immune Boosting Tea

A quick and simple immune boosting tea that will warm you up from the inside out.

Ingredients:

• 1L filtered water
• 2 inch fresh ginger root, peeled
• 2 inch turmeric root, peeled
• 1 tsp. cinnamon powder (optional)
• Juice of 1 lemon and lemon zest to serve
• 1 tsp. Manuka honey (optional)

Instructions:

1. Bring a saucepan of water to the boil. Add turmeric root, ginger root and cinnamon (optional). Reduce heat and allow to simmer for 10-15minutes.
2. Using a strainer. remove ginger and turmeric root. Pour into a mug, serve with fresh lemon juice and a touch of honey (optional).