immune boosting

What’s In My Cup? Tea to Kick That Cold

Lifestyle, What's In My Cup?

Elderberry syrup is one of my most favorite things, I’ve loved it since I worked at Medithrive in San Francisco. We carried an amazing medicated elderberry syrup that fought colds and got rid of body aches almost completely. Since then I’ve been so interested in the other ways that elderberries can be used. This cup of tea is adapted from the Wellness Mama‘s recipe for immune boosting tea using my own favorite blend of herbs.  I personally felt a cold coming on yesterday and this blend is just what I needed to warm up my immune system and kick it into gear before Cowbae’s mom’s epic party coming up this weekend.

Simply Mix Together:

2 TB dried elderberries

1/2 tsp turmeric

1/4 tsp dried ginger root

2 tsp dried echinacea

pinch of black pepper

1 tsp local honey

Combine 16 ounces of water, elderberries, turmeric and ginger root into a medium sized saucepan and simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Take the saucepan off of the heat and stir the echinacea leaves and black pepper into the pot. Let steep/cool for 10 minutes. Strain into 2 mugs and quickly stir in honey, 1/2-1 tsp depending on our preference. Draw the aromas of your cup into your senses and imagine yourself building a strong white light of energy around yourself. Use whatever healing light that you prefer, I like to imagine it sparkling and white. Drink your brew and emanate your protective, healing light and focus on the mantra: Healing is a power within me. 

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Herb Spotlight: Lemon Grass for Digestive Health

Herb Spotlight

There are some delicious Thai dishes that feature lemon grass and I’m pretty sure that I’ve had tea that starred the herb as well. But I’ll be frank, I hadn’t worked much with the herb before researching this post. Turns out that this herb is almost as beneficial for the human body as turmeric is! There are countless vitamins, minerals and antioxidants packed into this little plant to make it more than worthwhile to add into the weekly or even monthly regimen.

Breakdown of Lemon Grass:

Scientific Name: Cymbopogon citratus [aka: sweet root]

Magickal Stats: Elementally air, ruled by Mercury

Improves Function Of: 

  • Digestive System
  • Sebaceous Glands
  • Detoxification
  • Immune System
  • Nervous System

Aides in Relieving Symptoms of:

  • Headache & Muscle Pain
  • Stomachache, digestive spasms & abdominal pain
  • High cholesterol
  • Nervousness, vertigo & convulsions

Assists Spiritually With:

  • Purify energy & thoughts
  • Discovering the truth
  • Aides the memory
  • Access creativity & study habits

How Does It Work? There are countless healing properties in the makeup of Lemon Grass. First off it contains terpenes nerol, citronellol, myrcene, dipentene, geraniol and methyl heptenone which make it anti fungal, anti septic and an insecticide. It also contains valuable antioxidants, phenolic compounds and flavonoids that donate the countless benefits of lemon grass. Also, this herb contains Vitamin A-C along with folates for added health benefits. Lastly there are a lot of minerals in the herb including but not limited to magnesium, calcium, potassium, copper, zinc and iron. With all of these beneficial ingredients in the makeup, lemon grass is surely worth a second look for a cup of tea or an aromatherapy tool.

What Do I Do With It? Many beauty products are made with lemon grass because it can regulate the sebaceous glands to make hair and skin lustrous. Manufacture a water or vinegar wash for the body, face or hair to balance oils and wash away free radicals. Inhale the essential oil for muscle relieving and uplifting effects. Make a tea or add lemon grass to a rice or noodle dish to truly eat your medicine. Similarly, you can make an oil or alcohol decoction to use as a daily dropper supplement.

What’s In My Cup?

What's In My Cup?

Today’s blend is inspired by my boyfriend as I blended it specifically for him. This one embodies earthy flavors and focuses on detoxing and fortifying the immune system. This can be an evening or daytime cup but is low on energy rising herbs. This blend will nourish the liver and help the body to process other vital nutrients, it will also aid in digestion.

Brew up a cup if it has been a snowy Spring season like it has here in Flagstaff to avoid getting a cold. Or just throw these herbs together to start your day by awakening your immune system.

This specific blend will aid in the following:

  • Immune System Boosting
  • Digestive Aid
  • Relaxation

Simply Mix Together:

1 TB Chamomile

1/2 TB Dandelion Root

1/4 TB Lemon Balm

1/2 TB Purple Echinacea

I have a tea ball but you can put this mixture into a one time use tea bag also. In hot water steep for about 8-15 minutes depending on personal preference.

Hold your cup and meditate on the following mantra: Be easy, Go slowly.