A Warm Winter Tonic for Respiratory Health
Winter and pollen season can do a number on throat and sinuses. Irritated and inflamed bronchial tissues are more susceptible to viral and bacterial infection. We often wait until we're sick to start treating a cold, triggered asthma, bronchitis, or the flu. A much better approach is to incorporate some preventative wellness care on a daily basis. While it adds a bit of work to your already busy day, the returns in time gained from stable health during the cold season is well worth a ten-minute morning ritual.
A warm tonic comprised of heat-inducing, anti-inflammatory roots and soothing herbs can prevent hiccups in your respiratory health. The only element in this tonic to keep an eye on in terms of frequency, is the chili peppers. For those with sensitive stomachs, this can be minimized, or used weekly instead of daily. Part of the magic of this elixir is the aspect of warming the body. The heat will stimulate and cleanse the mucous membranes, and the resultant drainage can help rid the body of viruses and germs. The addition of the apple cider vinegar can help to create an inhospitable environment for bacteria and viruses to thrive.
Each ingredient is chosen for its heat-inducing, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and anti-bacterial properties, combined with soothing herbs to help calm inflamed membranes.
Most of the ingredients are readily available. The fresh tumeric can be found at organic grocery stores and Asian markets. Remember to always look for organic, certified organic, or wildcrafted ingredients. If you don't have all of the ingredients to start, use what is available, as there are benefits to each and every one. Try to keep it warm throughout the day, as a warm drink is the preferable option in the cold months.
Active Ingredients:
Chili peppers contain an active compound called capcaisin which can soothe the respiratory system: The natural compounds relax respiratory passage, and aid in the reducion of lung problems like cold, cough and asthma. Moderation is key with this ingredient. C
hili peppers have high concentrations of Vitamins A and C, which function as powerful immune boosters. Vitamin A is and essential support for healthy mucous tissue, found in your respiratory passages, urinary tract and intestinal tract. "These systems are the body’s primary defence again outside infections and germs, so supporting their strength and integrity with a basic building block of health, such as Vitamin A, is a great way to avoid becoming ill" T
he heat your body experience when you incorporate chili into your diet helps to clear congestion, which in turn moves germs and irritants out of your body. Consuming capsaicin also increases your body temperature. This is called thermogenesis, which stimulates your metabolism. "https://chasingchilli.com.au/health-benefits-of-chilli-peppers/"
Turmeric contains an bio-active called curcumin. It has been proven in medical studies to reduce inflammation in the lungs in the presence of cancer, asthma, bronchitis, and other lung-related diseases. It is one of the most powerful medicinals that nature has to offer. "https://www.naturalnews.com/023287_turmeric_curcumin_disease.html"
Ginger Contains Gingerol, a Substance With Powerful Medicinal Properties. It is anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. It can also help with nausea, reduce muscle pain and soreness, lower blood sugar, and fight infections "https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-proven-benefits-of-ginger#section1"
Garlic has a compound in it called Allacin, which has been documented to reduce the frequency of colds by 63%, the average length of colds by up to70%. It also boosts the function of the immune system "https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-proven-health-benefits-of-garlic"
Cinnamon contains powerful antioxidants; polyphenols, phenolic acid and flavonoids, which cause it to be ranked as one of the top medicinals in the plant world, even over oregano, and garlic. Similar antioxidants are also found in superfood, such as dark chocolate, and berries. Cinnamon is helpful in fighting allergy symptoms and asthma because it reduces inflammation and fights histamine reactions in the body. It also helps add a delicious flavor to your tonic, so that it's easy going down! "https://draxe.com/health-benefits-cinnamon/"
Apple cider vinegar should be a part of your daily health rituals. It has been used for thousands of years as a folk remedy. Modern science tells us that it changes the PH balance in the body to create a higher alkalinity. There is a preferable ph level which helps ward of disease and illness. Much of modern, processed foods create a very acidic environment, which invites disease. Adding some apple cider vinegar to your daily tonic is an easy way to incorporate it into your wellness routine.
Fresh squeezed lemon or lime juice should be a daily part of a healthy diet. It has many beneficial properties, including, but not limited to, a high level of vitamin C, which boost the immune system, concentrated antioxidants, which help fend of invasive allergens, or germs, antiseptic properties, which can break up built-up mucus, or prevent it from buidling up, and contains citric acide, whihc cleanses, and strengthen, lung tissue. Beware of lemon essential oil as a substitute, as it can trigger histamine reactions in some people, especilly those with compromised immune systems, and/or GI issues, such as celiac disease. "http://www.drmayankshukla.com/lemon-juice-asthma-home-remedy"
Raw honey is another powerful anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal ingredient that has been used for thousands of years for its medicinal properties. It is nature's cough syrup, coating the sensitive tissue of the throat, and soothing nerve endings. It is the perfect base for a homemade cold and cough remedies. It also aids in providing a sweet, delicious flavor to your tonic. Try to source organic or wildflower honey local to your area. If you are vegan, or allergic to honey, raw agave nectar can be substituted although it does not contain many of the healing properties of honey.
Star Anise is a little-used plant which has some magical properties to assist with respiratory health. It has an active called called shikimic acid, which becomes a powerful anti-viral once it reaches the liver. This active is actually used in the popular OTC medicine Tamiflu.
Always make sure you purchase the Chinese variety, as the Japanese star anise is toxic.
Star Anise is also a powerful anti-fungal,
and digestive aid, and can help soothe
inflamed respiratory tissue. It's sweet
flavor will add some appeal to your tonic!
http://www.yourhealthremedy.com/medicinal-plants/health-benefits-and-medicinal-uses-of-star-anise-illicium-verum/
Directions:
To make your Winter Tonic, first start your filtered, reverse osmosis, or spring water boiling on the stove. The suggested amount per day is a liter, (think small milk bottle). A repurposed, cleaned empty glass jug from milk, or juice is perfect for the job.
Next, chop or slice your ingredients. It is not necessary to mince them, as you will strain them at a later point.
The suggested amounts, may vary, but here is a basic guideline:
5-6 slices ginger
5-6 slices turmeric
1 cinnamon stick (or 1/2-1 tsp ground cinnamon)
5-8 cloves of garlic, halved
2 TBLSP of apple cider vinegar
3 TBLSP or more of honey
1 star anise (can be found at Asian or Mexican groceries)
1/2 lemon or lime, cut into small chunks
Place your roots, herbs, and citrus chunks into a wide-mouthed glass water, and pour boiling water over them. Add the honey or agave, the apple cider vinegar, and then cap tightly. Shake the bottle to make sure the honey is blended in. Wrap a towel around the bottle so that it stays warm throughout the day. Place a small strainer on top of your favorite mug, and pour the tonic over the strainer. Add any ingredients that pour into the strainer back into the bottle.
I suggest that you make one bottle a day until your symptoms have decreased, and then use the alternative tea-ball method twice a day until flu and cold season has ended.
Alternative tea-ball method:
As a daily tea, this tonic can boost your immune system, keep mucous membranes soothed, and respiratory pathways clear. To make it, pour the honey and the apple cider vinegar into the cup, then add boiling water and stir until the honey is mixed in. Then fill a tea ball, (or use a bottle which comes with a strainer) with the herbs, plants, and citrus. and drop it into the cup.
Enjoy your tonic! It's warming, and soothing, and your body will appreciate it!
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