Having caffeinated tea the first thing in the morning disturbs the acid-alkaline balance, washes out good bacteria from your mouth to gut and disrupts your metabolism. Poor gut health results in weaker immune system. Thus, Instead of having caffeinated beverages on an empty stomach start your mornings with caffeine-free immune boosting tea blends that provides you with necessary vitamins, minerals and antioxidants and keeps you hydrated.
In this article, I share secret recipes of 5 amazing tea blends to boost immunity.
Five Amazing Immunity Boosting Tea
1. Ginger and Lemon Tea
Not many ingredients are required to make ginger lemon tea.
Being anti-inflammatory ginger reduces the risk of diabetes, heart diseases, and cancer. It helps to reduce weight and settles an upset stomach. Ginger is loaded with bioactive compounds such as gingerol with potent medicinal properties. It strengthens the immune system and helps to fight common cold and flu.
On the other hand, lemon is a citrus fruit. It is excellent source antioxidants such as vitamin C and flavonoids. Antioxidants fight free radicals and prevent the cells from oxidative damage. Regular consumption of lemon juice strengthens the immune system and prevent diseases. In addition, vitamin C rich foods increase the absorption of iron and prevent iron deficiency anaemia.
Lemon is intensely sore in taste thus you may add honey to the tea to make it sweet.
Adding honey to the tea is a healthy option as honey is antibacterial and soothes a sore throat.
How to make Ginger lemon tea
Ingredients required
1-teaspoon lemon juice
1-teaspoon ginger root grated
A half-teaspoon honey
Method
To a cup of boiling water, add ginger, and let it steep for 15 minutes. Strain and add lemon juice and honey.
Depending on the availability of ingredients, you may also add 1-2 cloves and 1-inch piece cinnamon bar along with the grated ginger root.
Cloves contain essential nutrients such are vitamin K and magnesium that are required to maintain the brain functions and strong bones. Cloves contain eugenol that is a natural antioxidant. It reduces oxidative stress and prevents chronic diseases.
Cinnamon is loaded with antioxidants that are polyphenols and are anti-inflammatory. Regular consumption of cinnamon is known to improve the sensitivity of insulin hormone and decrease the level of blood sugar. In addition, it has been found effective in improving the condition of patients suffering from neurodegenerative diseases. Cinnamon contains cinnamaldehyde that fights against various kinds of infection.
2. Black Pepper and Turmeric Tea
Black pepper and turmeric tea not only boosts immunity but also detoxes the system. It is also a good option for people living with arthritis to reduce joint pains.
The benefits of turmeric is owed to the presence of bioactive compound curcumin. Curcumin is anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. However, studies show that curcumin is poorly absorbed into the bloodstream. This is why we need to consume it along with black pepper. Black pepper contains piperine that enhances the curcumin absorption in the bloodstream.
In addition, black pepper improves digestion and stimulates appetite. It removes the mucus and other foreign materials from the throat and lungs and improves breathing.
How to Make Black Pepper and Turmeric Tea
Ingredients required:
Half-teaspoon turmeric powder
One-fourth teaspoon pepper
One-teaspoon honey
1-teaspoon lemon juice
Method
Place turmeric powder and black pepper powder in a cup. Pour boiling water in the cup. Add honey and lemon juice. Stir well, and your morning herbal tea is ready.
3. Basil leave or Tulsi Tea
The health benefits of holy Basil leave is known for ages. It is rich in vitamin C and A, zinc, iron, calcium, and chlorophyll. Consumption of basil leaves vitalizes and stimulates the body and protects against infection. It lowers the blood sugar and cholesterol, reduces inflammation, and protects the health of the stomach. Basil leaves are effective in treating conditions such as H1N1, flu, and the common cold. It has anti-aging, antidepressant, and anti-anxiety properties.
How to Make Basil Leave Tea
Ingredients required
One-fourth cup basil leaves
1-teaspoon lemon juice
One-teaspoon honey
Method
Boil a cup of water and basil leaves in a pan for 15 minutes. Strain the concoction. Add lemon juice and honey. Drink it warm.
4. Fenugreek Tea
Fenugreek tea is one of the best concoction to clear the mucus from the respiratory tract. Fenugreek seeds are recommended for diabetes patients to tackle insulin resistance and manage obesity. Daily consumption of fenugreek tea supplies well-oxygenated blood to kidneys and detoxifies the body. It reduces the level of cholesterol and prevents blocking and hardening of the artery. Fenugreek tea keeps acidity at bay and prevents bloating and constipation.
How to Make Fenugreek Tea
Ingredients required
1-teaspoon fenugreek seeds
1- Teaspoon lemon juice
Method
Pour fenugreek seeds and water in a pan and boil for 15 minutes, cover it, and then leave it for 2-3 minutes. Strain and add lemon juice to it. Fenugreek tea is a little bitter. You may add a teaspoon of honey to sweeten it. You may also add a pinch of black pepper and other herbs like basil leaves to it.
5. Luke Coutinho Immune Boosting Powder
Our fifth immune system boosting tea recipe is recommended and suggested by famous nutritionist ‘Luke Coutinho’ and is my favourite one.
How to Make ‘Luke Coutinho’ Immunity boosting Powder
Ingredients required
7-teaspoon organic turmeric powder
7-teaspoon fennel seeds
4-teaspoon coriander seeds
4-teaspoon cumin seeds
2-teaspoon dry ginger powder
2-teaspoon whole black pepper
Half-teaspoon cinnamon powder
3-teaspoon cardamom pods
Method
Lightly roast all the ingredients except turmeric powder and dry ginger powder at slow flame until you get a sweet aroma. Make sure not to burn spices. Let the spices cool down and then grind them into a powder in a grinder. Now add dry ginger powder and turmeric powder. Mix all the ingredients with the spoon. Make sure the spoon is dry. Now store immunity-boosting powder in an airtight and clean steel or glass jar.
Make tea using ‘Luke Coutinho immunity boosting powder’. To make tea add a half teaspoon immunity boosting powder to a cup of warm water and sip it.
This immunity-boosting tea is a versatile and delicious immune booster and is safe even for the kids.
Replace your cup of caffeine with immunity-boosting tea to improve digestion and reduce body inflammation. Regular consumption of herbal tea relieves stress and anxiety, lowers blood pressure, and improves skin health.