Recipe: Warming Tonic to support Immunity
When it comes to nurturing our immunity, we can always count on the healing powers of nature to support us. With the change of seasons, and the cooler Autumn days upon us, I thought it would be yummy to share a warm, immune-boosting tea tonic to snuggle up with.
The recipe I am sharing with you is the most delicious, flavour-packed tonic which feels like a hug in a cup. I have been lucky enough to have had this tea prepared for me, multiple times now, by my beautiful neighbour - a gardening magician and real life plant fairy. Made with luscious herbs, picked fresh from the garden, this tea might just inspire you to grow some herbs of your own if you aren’t doing so already
HERBAL TONIC TO SUPPORT IMMUNITY
1 slice lemon
2-3 slices raw ginger
1 handful lemon verbena leaves
1 handful vietnamese basil
1 handful lemongrass
1 black teabag (optional)
Little lick of manuka honey (optional)
1L boiling water
Play with the ingredients until it tastes just perfect for you
Place all ingredients into a teapot with 1L boiling water and brew to desired taste. I like to keep everything brewing and enjoy the way the flavours come alive more deeply with each cup. Treating yourself to a clear teapot will also add to the beautiful experience of seeing your gorgeous herbs as you enjoy your hug in a mug.
Enjoy warm or cool. Delicious and incredibly nurturing either way.
Health benefits of superstar herbs featured in this tea
Lemon verbena: Lemon verbena is known to be one of the strongest lemon-scented plants, adding to the joyous burst of citrus this tea brings. Used by herbalists all over the world for traditional uses including the treatment of colds and flus. Calming to the nervous system, this herb helps to ease overwhelm and promote calm and relaxation.
Actions of lemon verbena: Anti-Inflammatory, anti-microbial, antioxidant, digestive tonic, nervine
Lemongrass: For centuries, Lemongrass has been used extensively in Ayurvedic medicine to improve health by treating digestive problems, poor circulation, low concentration, fevers, varicose veins, menstrual cramps, nausea, weak connective tissues and to increase feelings of happiness. It makes a delicious addition to an immune boosting tea, offering an uplifting, lemon-like and citrus-bursting flavour to any herbal tea blend.
Actions of lemongrass: Anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-viral, immune-stimulant.
Vietnamese Basil: Also known as holy basil, or sacred basil, the stimulating effects of the oils within this plant make it perfect for cold, congested conditions. Initially stimulating, the nerving properties of this basil offers a reassuring sense of calm and grounding, bringing peace of mind, clarity and resilience. Promotes a quiet sense of joy.
Actions of Vietnamese basil: Adaptogen - nurtures mental, emotional and physical resilience - antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-viral, decongestant, immunomodulant, expectorant - good for treating cough - nerving, warming health tonic.
