TEA
I could go on and on and on about tea. It is the BEST. Especially because it fights viruses and soothes sore throats - but also according to Prevention.com, a Harvard study shows that people who drank 5 cups of black tea for 2 weeks had more of the immune boosting protein interferon in their blood than those who didn’t.
Since tea doesn't necessarily have "recipes" other than infusing it with fruit and such. Here is a list of a few tea favorites that will help with many different types of illnesses!
Raspberry Leaf Tea:
Highly nutritious and especially beneficial for women as it helps balance hormones and is good for the skin. It is often consumed during pregnancy as it can strengthen the uterus and is a good source of Magnesium, Potassium, and B-Vitamins.
This is good hot or cold - and simply with water. Add stevia or natural sugars to sweeten.
Chamomile Tea:
Chamomile tea is one of the most consumed teas in the world behind regular black tea. Chamomile flowers have a naturally sweet taste with a hint of an apple flavor. Chamomile is a good herbal source of Magnesium, and is known as a soothing and relaxing herb.
It makes an excellent in the evening or in times of stress because of its mildly sedative and soothing properties. It is an excellent herb for children and can even be an effective remedy for pink eye.
Another one perfect simply with hot water.
Mint Tea:
My husband LOVES mint tea when he is sick. Peppermint tea soothes the digestive track and is helpful for heartburn, nausea and indigestion. Useful in early pregnancy to help alleviate nausea.
A lot of people like this with hot water - I am one who usually can only drink this is it is infused with fruit.
While it is especially helpful during illness, Peppermint is a delicious tea anytime and can be consumed alone or with other herbs to help increase their effectiveness.
Jasmine Green Tea: Can be used to treat depression and other health issues. Plus it can also be used for Aromatherapy, Stroke Prevention, Antioxidants & Cancer, and Lower cholesterol. On top of that - it is AMAZING. Yum. Perfect simple and with hot water
Chai Tea:
Chai tea is an ultimate favorite for me and can be good with Raspberry Leaf tea instead of black tea and with coconut milk instead of regular milk. There are many variations of chai tea recipes and with a little experimenting, you can find the one that you like best. Here is a basic recipe to give you some ideas.
Crock Pot Chai Tea Latte
An easy Chai Tea that can be pre-made in the crock pot for a warm drink on the go.
4 cups water
4 cups coconut milk (store bought or well-filtered homemade)
8 tea bags OR ½ cup loose leaf black tea or herbal tea
1-2 tsp stevia leaf
8 thin slices of fresh ginger root OR ½ tsp dried ginger root (optional)
6 cinnamon sticks
8-10 whole cloves or ¼-1/2 tsp clove powder
2 cardamon pods (optional but really good)
1 teaspoon of real vanilla extract
Optional: 1 Tablespoon chamomile flowers and ½ tsp dried fennel seeds
Instructions
Put water in crock pot and add herbs and spices (I really suggest using a cloth bag or reusable tea bag)
Cook on high for 2-2.5 hours or on low for up to 6 (I’ve kept on low overnight). Add milk or coconut milk and stir until heated.
Serve plain or topped with real whipped cream or the cream from a can of coconut milk. Can also be chilled and blended with ice and 2 TBSP coconut oil for an iced version!
Enjoy!
