Flu Season Essentials!
It’s that time of year again and we know it all too well…it’s flu season! I don’t know about you, but everyone around me has been getting sick lately and I am on full alert and in full immune boosting mode! With so many incredible foods and spices that promote immune health, I thought it would be fun to share a few essentials and include a recipe to keep you healthy through the season.
Ginger
According to ayurveda, ginger warms the body and helps to break down the accumulation of toxins in the organs, particularly in the lungs and sinuses. Ginger helps to cleanse the lymphatic system, which is our body’s sewage system. By opening up these lymphatic channels and keeping things clean, ginger prevents the accumulation of the toxins that make you susceptible to infections, especially in the respiratory system. It doesn’t take long to see the benefits of ginger when you have a sore throat and a cold. Ginger is a must-have food during flu season.
Lemon
This fruit contains lots of antioxidants and vitamin C, which can improve the immune system, and it also balances the levels of alkali and acids in the body. As such, incorporating lemon into your diet regularly will make your body less susceptible to illnesses.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is known to boost the immune system and will help ward off colds and flu thanks to its anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties and antioxidant activities.
Cloves
Although most spices are excellent sources of antioxidants, cloves rank as the richest source of them all. The abundant health benefits of cloves have been well known for centuries. Cloves have antiseptic and germicidal properties that help fight infections, relieve digestive problems and arthritis pain.
Cardamom
Bet you didn’t know know that cardamon is considered the "Queen of Spices" with an impressive list of exceptional wellness perks! Ayurvedic medicine has recognized the merits of the spice for over 5,000 years, prescribing it for everything from digestive disorders to infectious illness. .
Living in San Diego this time of year, we don’t really get much of a change in season. I’m pretty sure this week is the first week below 90 degrees since summer! Ok, maybe that’s a little dramatic, but you get the point. With it still being so warm out, this Immunity lemonade is the perfect thirst quenching solution to the flu season!
Immunity Lemonade
Ingredients:
3/4 cup fresh lemon juice
3 1/2 cups filtered water
1/4 coconut nectar
2 inches fresh ginger, unpeeled and coarsely chopped
4 whole cloves
1 cardamom pods
1 cinnamon stick
Instructions:
In a medium saucepan combine lemon juice, water, coconut nectar, ginger, and spices. Bring to a simmer, stir until nectar is dissolved, and remove from heat.
Cover and allow to steep for 15 minutes.
Strain through a fine mesh strainer into a pitcher. Add the remaining water. Refrigerate until chilled through. Serve over ice. Stay healthy & enjoy friends!
