
Winter’s here, and with it comes cold and flu season. But before you grab the Mucinex or over-the-counter meds, consider turning to nature’s own remedies to boost your immunity and help you heal faster. People have been using herbs for centuries to keep our bodies in balance, and restore vitality. So, let’s ditch the fake drugs and sip on these three powerful herbal teas to help you get through the cold season with ease.
Elderberry, Ginger, and Schisandra Berry Tea
Purpose: Boost immunity, expel wind-heat, and promote vitality.
Why it works: Elderberry is a go-to herb for fighting colds and flu. It’s known for its antiviral properties and immune-boosting effects. Ginger is a warming herb that promotes circulation and helps expel cold from the body. Schisandra berries are a powerful adaptogen that help the body fight stress while boosting overall energy and immunity.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon dried elderberries (or elderberry syrup) - Find it here.
- 1-2 slices fresh ginger root
- 1 tablespoon dried schisandra berries (or schisandra powder)
- 3 cups of water
- Optional: Sweetener like agave syrup
Instructions:
- Bring the water to a boil.
- Add the elderberries, ginger, and schisandra berries.
- Reduce the heat and let the herbs simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Strain and pour into a cup. Sweeten to taste.
Chrysanthemum, Licorice Root, and Astragalus Tea
Purpose: Clear heat, tonify the immune system, and support overall vitality.
Why it works: Chrysanthemum is great for cooling the body and clearing heat. Licorice root harmonizes the blend and supports digestion, while astragalus is a powerful immune tonic that strengthens the body’s defense system.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon dried chrysanthemum flowers
- 1-2 slices dried astragalus root
- 1 small piece dried licorice root (or 1 teaspoon powder)
- 3 cups of water
- Optional: Sweetener like agave syrup
Instructions:
- Boil the water and add the chrysanthemum, astragalus, and licorice root.
- Reduce to a simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Strain and pour into a cup. Sweeten as desired.
Ginger, Cinnamon, and Goji Berry Tea
Purpose: Warm the body, support digestion, and enhance immunity.
Why it works: Ginger is a warming herb that stimulates circulation and helps expel cold. Cinnamon strengthens the Yang and helps balance the body’s energy, while goji berries nourish the Yin and support the immune system.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon dried goji berries
- 1-2 slices fresh ginger root
- 1 small cinnamon stick
- 3 cups of water
- Optional: Add in agave syrup as a sweetner
Instructions:
- Bring water to a boil.
- Add the ginger, cinnamon, and goji berries.
- Simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Strain and pour into a cup. Sweeten to taste.
Why Go Herbal?
The goal is to maintain balance. Whether you’re dealing with cold symptoms that come with chills, sore throats, or congestion, these herbal infusions work with your body’s natural systems to clear blockages, expel pathogens, and support your immune function. Unlike over-the-counter medications that often just mask symptoms, herbal teas nourish your body and help restore balance, naturally without the crazy side effects.