Monday, December 1, 2008

Food Focus: Herbal Immune Boosters

Ginger aids with digestion, Cayenne invigorates the immune system, Cinnamon increases circulation, and Turmeric is a potent immune booster and virus fighter. Garlic is a natural antibiotic which contains properties that help to boost the body’s levels of antioxidants, which work as a defense system against viruses.


Oil of Oregano is known to be a potent antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiparasitic oil that can reduce pain and inflammation and effectively fight off infections. Some of the specific benefits of Oil of Oregano are:
* Destroying organisms that contribute to skin infections and digestive problems.
* Strengthening the immune system.
* Increasing joint and muscle flexibility.
* Improving respiratory health.


Also, be sure to get vitamins through vegetables and fruit. We can find Vitamin C in steamed broccoli, boiled brussels sprouts, papaya, boiled asparagus, steamed swiss chard/collard greens, or grapefruit. Get Zinc through crimini mushrooms, boiled spinach, broccoli, collards, chard, pumpkin seeds, and sesame seeds.
Herbal Ginger Tea
Grate some ginger and add to hot water. Have a ginger and cinnamon tea or try ginger, lemon and a pinch of cayenne. For sweetness, use honey (preferable raw honey).

Yogi Tea
Try this instead of a daily coffee:(You can adjust the amounts)

5 to 6 cups water
1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns
10 to 20 cardamom pods
2 Tbls to 1 cup fresh ginger
3 cinnamon sticks
1 teaspoon black or Assam tea

Put all ingredients except for the black tea in a pot and simmer (for as little as 20 minutes and up to a whole day). Add the tea during the last few minutes of simmering... strain and add honey and milk of any kind to taste!

Carrot Ginger Soup
6 carrots
1 medium onion
1 teaspoon sea salt
4 cups water
6-inch piece fresh ginger, finely grated
Fresh parsley to garnish

Wash, peel and cut carrots and onion into chunks.
Place vegetables and salt in a pot.
Add water and bring to boil. Cover with a lid.
Simmer on low heat for 25 minutes.
Transfer soup into blender, adding water if necessary to achieve desired consistency.
When blending is done, squeeze juice from grated ginger and add to soup.
Garnish with parsley.

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