Herbal teas have been a popular home remedy for centuries, and for good reason. Alkaline herbal teas can be soothing and beneficial during cold and flu season. Here are a couple of reasons why:
- Warmth and hydration: The simple act of sipping a hot cup of tea can be soothing and comforting when you’re feeling under the weather. The warm liquid can help loosen mucus and congestion, and the steam can ease a sore throat. Additionally, staying hydrated is important when you’re sick, and herbal teas are a great way to do that without adding unnecessary sugar.
- Anti-inflammatory properties: Many herbs have natural anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce swelling and pain. This can be especially helpful for symptoms like a sore throat, headache, and muscle aches. Some good examples of anti-inflammatory herbs include ginger, turmeric, and chamomile.
Here are eight recipes for alkaline cold and flu herbal teas:
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Ginger-Lime Tea:
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon dried lime peel
- 1 teaspoon chamomile flowers (optional)
Instructions:
- Boil 2 cups of water.
- Add grated ginger and dried lime peel to the boiling water.
- Steep for 5-7 minutes.
- Strain the tea and enjoy.
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Wildmint-Eucalyptus Tea:
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon dried wildmint leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried eucalyptus leaves
- 1 teaspoon 100% agave syrup (optional for sweetness)
Instructions:
- Boil 2 cups of water.
- Add dried wildmint and eucalyptus leaves to the boiling water.
- Steep for 5-7 minutes.
- Strain the tea and 100% agave syrup if desired.
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Turmeric-Citrus Tea:
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 tablespoon fresh orange peel
- 1 teaspoon thyme leaves
Instructions:
- Boil 2 cups of water.
- Add ground turmeric, fresh orange peel, and thyme leaves to the boiling water.
- Steep for 5-7 minutes.
- Strain the tea and enjoy.
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Hibiscus-Elderberry Tea:
Ingredients:
- 2 teaspoons dried hibiscus petals
- 1 tablespoon dried elderberry
Instructions:
- Boil 2 cups of water.
- Add dried hibiscus petals, dried elderberry to the boiling water.
- Steep for 7-10 minutes.
- Strain the tea and sip slowly.
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Lemon-Balm Nettle Tea:
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon dried lemon balm
- 1 tablespoon dried lime leaves
- 1 teaspoon nettle leaf (optional)
Instructions:
- Boil 2 cups of water.
- Add dried lemon balm, dried lime leaves, and nettle leaf to the boiling water.
- Steep for 5-7 minutes.
- Strain the tea and enjoy.
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Simple and Classic:
Ingredients:
- 1 inch knob of fresh ginger, thinly sliced (no need to peel unless it’s not organic)
- 1 cup water
Optional:
- 100% agave nectar to taste
- Lemon or lime wedge
- Lime leaves
Instructions:
- Add the ginger and water to a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, depending on how strong you like your tea.
- Strain the tea into a mug.
- Add your desired optional ingredients to taste.
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Spicy and Soothing
Ingredients:
- 1 inch knob of fresh ginger, grated
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 hemp cup milk (any alkaline milk you like)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 100% agave syrup to taste
Instructions:
- Combine the ginger, water, hemp milk, turmeric, and cayenne pepper in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 5 minutes.
- Strain the tea into a mug.
- Add 100% agave syrup for taste.
- Enjoy the warm and spicy goodness!
Tips:
- For a milder tea, steep the ginger for a shorter time.
- For a stronger tea, steep the ginger for a longer time or even smash the slices before adding them to the water.
- You can also add other herbs like chamomile for additional flavour and benefits.
- Experiment with different sweeteners and spices to find your perfect combination.
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Spiced Elderberry Tea:
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon dried elderberries
- 1 cup water
- 3 cloves
- Honey (from natural bees) or Agave syrup to taste (optional)
Instructions:
- Add the elderberries, water and cloves to a saucepan.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Remove the cloves.
- Strain the tea into a mug.
- Add agave syrup to taste, if desired.
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