At the first signs that a cold has entered our house, I quickly do a symptom check and ask the ill family member what’s going on. My son “Bruh’s” me and proceeds to list his symptoms ending with “I’m fine”. My husband doesn’t say what my son does, but I know he’s thinking it. 😉 My daughter is the one willing to give me the full run down and ask for advice on how to start getting better. But when any of them ask for “THE POTION” I know they are feeling pretty crappy.
For years, I have made a herbal bacteria-fighting, immune-boosting remedy my kids have affectionately named “The Potion.” They don’t love drinking it due to its sour, garlicky nature. I personally don’t mind it. I love how it soothes the throat, clearing all the mucus away.
The immune-boosting tea is super hydrating and provides important vitamins and minerals needed to fight colds. It’s particularly high in zinc, vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, and B vitamins.
This tea comes together in about 10 minutes. We start with 1 cup filtered water and 1-2 tablespoons of Garlic. Gently simmer – Do Not Boil! – for 10 minutes.
- Garlic is an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral root vegetable. It has been used for centuries as a healing agent. Everything from respiratory illness to parasite infections. Garlic has had a place in the medicine cabinet. The NIH has done studies proving Garlic’s effectiveness in treating and preventing various health problems. Garlic is a great immune booster and a virus, bacteria, and fungal killer. It has zinc, potassium, and magnesium.
Once the garlic has steeped for about 10 minutes, remove from heat and add all other ingredients.
- Raw Unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-hypertensive, and anti-hyperlipidemic properties. Contrary to what many health sites tell you, ACV is very beneficial in boosting the immune system via gut health. It is also very helpful in shortening colds. AVC has been used for centuries as an energy-boosting drink and a healing agent. When diluted in warm water, it can be throat-soothing. It helps to remove mucus and phlegm from the throat and kills bacteria in the throat. It’s loaded with B vitamins, polyphenols, Vitamin C, and acetric acid. Acetric acid helps the body absorb minerals.
- Raw unfiltered honey is an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal. It has been used for centuries for a variety of health benefits and medical uses. It’s excellent at soothing sore throats, coughs, and upper respiratory infections. It helps with allergies, digestive discomfort, and inflammation in the body. It has magnesium, potassium, zinc, amino acids, and B vitamins.
- However, it is not recommended for children under a year old due to the bacteria clostridium that can be found in all honey filtered and raw.
- Lemon Juice is anti-bacterial. It aids in digestive issues, helps to prevent kidney stones, and soothes sore throats and congestion. Lemon Juice is effective in killing antibiotic-resistant bacteria known to cause pneumonia. It inhibits the growth of salmonella, staphylococcus, and candida. It’s rich in Vitamin C, B6, and potassium.
- Himalayan Pink salt has 84 minerals and micro-nutrients compared to striped table salt. Table salt is ultra-processed, removing important minerals. Iodine is added back into the salt. Removing minerals is bad, but the thing I dislike the most is the added anti-caking agents. These agents are not good for our health.
DO NOT heat the other ingredients. Drink immediately while warm. If you must reheat the tea, do so on very low heat, in the pan, not in the microwave.
Heating or microwaving honey, lemon juice, and apple cider vinegar can destroy the healing properties, break down vitamins and minerals, and create a less potent tea.
The garlic can be strained out if you can’t stand to drink the chunks. You can add ginger, cinnamon, or cayenne pepper for added health benefits. The spices are anti-inflammatory. Cayenne pepper can help clear the nasal passages, making it easier to breathe.
Immune Tea Recipe
Super Immune Boosting Tea
The immune-boosting tea is super hydrating and provides important vitamins and minerals needed to fight colds. It’s particularly high in zinc, vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, and B vitamins. I love how it soothes the throat, clearing the mucus away
Ingredients
- 1 cup filtered water
- 1-2 Tbl minced garlic
- 1/3 c lemon juice
- 1/3 c raw Apple Cinder Vinegar
- 1/3 c raw Honey
- Optional add-ins
- ¼ tsp Himalayan pink salt
- ¼ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- ¼ tsp ginger or 1 Tbl grated fresh ginger
Instructions
Gently simmer water and garlic on the stove for 10 min.
Remove from heat and add remaining ingredients.
Drink while warm.
Do not Microwave or Boil
Notes
DO NOT heat the other ingredients. Drink immediately while warm. If you must reheat the tea, do so on very low heat, in the pan, not in the microwave.
Heating or microwaving honey, lemon juice, and apple cider vinegar can destroy the healing properties, break down vitamins and minerals, and create a less potent tea.
The garlic can be strained out if you can't stand to drink the chunks. You can add ginger, cinnamon, or cayenne pepper for added health benefits. The spices are anti-inflammatory. Cayenne pepper can help clear the nasal passages, making it easier to breathe.
“A true warrior, like tea, shows his strength in hot water.” – Chinese Proverb
As always, Thanks for stopping by for some Salty Inspirations!
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