BOOST YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM!
Immune Building Elixir
Tis the season to the cold and flu! I came down with a cold this weekend and felt the need to create an Elixir to boost my immune system.
Elixir = a medicinal concoction, such as a beverage.
The immune system is a group of organs, tissues and cells that work to prevent us from getting sick and defends harmful pathogens, microbes etc.
There are certain foods that can help support your immune system and cleanse/remove toxins from the body. This recipe is a concoction of some of these foods which can be made an anytime for an immune system boost - not just when your sick.
Immune Boosting Ingredients:
Lemon
Ginger
Filtered Water
Manuka Honey
Apple Cider Vinegar
Activated Charcoal
Cayenne + Turmeric
Lemon
Lemons are a great source of Vitamin C. The antioxidant effect of vitamin C protects our cells and produces white blood cells. Especially the WBC's of the lymphatic system that cleanse your cells and tissues of toxins.
Our body doesn't produce vitamin C, which is why it’s important to consume it from the foods you eat.
Suggested use: drinking lemon water or adding it to your meals is a great way to ensure you are intaking Vitamin C to boost your immune system.
Ginger
Ginger has endless benefits! But for the immune system.. ginger has been found to activate T-cells, these cells are necessary for killing viruses and a proper functioning immune system. It's anti-microbial which has the ability to kill bacteria internally and externally.
Suggested use: add a few slices of fresh raw ginger to your water, drink it throughout the day to support your immune system and digestion.
I add a few slits into the ginger slices to allow the active ingredients to be released into the water more easily, like pictured below.
Cayenne
You've probably heard of Cayenne Pepper's powerful effects! The spiciness from cayenne peppers increasing the activity of your immune system by raising your body’s temperature.
Cayenne contains capsaicin, which have the ability to destroy bacteria and viruses before they make you sick!
High in beta carotene and antioxidants that help build healthy mucus membrane tissue which when is stronger will defend against viruses and bacteria.
Suggested use: Add a pinch to your water or onto your daily meals!
Turmeric
Turmeric is an amazing anti-inflammatory and antioxidant!
Curcumin is the main ingredient in Tumeric which contains the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Curcumin can support your immune system by helping your body to defend itself against free radicals and function at its best possible ability!
Suggested use: Add a pinch to your water or onto your daily meals!
Manuka Honey
Manuka Honey is a type of honey which only comes from New Zealand. Manuka has been used for centuries for treating colds, the flu, viruses and even externally on wounds. It is extremely anti microbial and anti bacterial.
To me it is one of the most powerful superfoods on the planet! Compared to other honeys Manuka Honey has 4 times the nutritional value and contains a higher amount of methylgloxal, a compound responsible for its antibacterial activity.
Suggested use: When I'm ill or starting to feel a cold coming on I take 1 teaspoon of Manuka Honey a few times a day and let it sit in my mouth and slowly dissolve.
Apple Cider Vinegar
ACV contains a high amount of malic acid, which is a strong antiviral. Apple cider vinegar feeds the good bacteria in our gut. A healthy gut boosts the immune system!
Suggested use: 1 -2 tablespoons diluted in water drank in morning or a few times a day. I mix in ACV with my salad dressings for a healthy option.
Activated Charcoal
Activated Charcoal is a pretty amazing substance!
It works like a magnet by attracting/binding to toxins and chemicals in the blood stream and removing them out of the system. Removing harmful toxins which can aggravate the immune system is critical to keeping your system healthy.
When using activated charcoal for detox always start with a small amount and use a Food Grade* source.
Suggested use: about 1/8 tsp or a pinch diluted into water. Activated charcoal can also be used to whiten your teeth and as a face mask to remove toxins and impurities from the skin.
How to Make:
1. Juice 3-4 lemons until you have about 1/4 cup. Add the Apple Cider Vinegar, 1 cup filtered water and 2-3 slices of fresh raw ginger (skin peeled).
2. Add 1 -2 tsp of Manuka Honey (also for sweetness) and shake until the honey is fully dissolved.
3. Finally add in the cayenne pepper, turmeric and activated charcoal.
You my friend have yourself a homemade immune and vitamin boosting elixir!
Tag me @missemmatroupe in your photo Immune Boosting creations on Instagram!