As the Days Get Chillier, Boost Your Immune System with This Drink

Gourmandize Staff, 09/04/2023

shares Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Pin it Share on WhatsApp Share on Google+

This cold-bustin' drink is the perfect thing for those chilly, rainy days that are soon to arrive.

Heavenly Elderberry

Fall's cold weather and shorter days can mess with your immune system. Look around, and it seems like everyone is getting sick. Enter: elderberry.

The elder tree has been revered for hundreds of years for its health-promoting properties, not only from its flowers but its berries too. The flowers contain several flavanoids; powerful antioxidants which protect your body from various diseases and cancers, while the berries are bursting with vitamin C, B, iron, and more antioxidants. So they're perfect for strengthening the immune system and preparing us for colder times.

Ginger and honey are among the strongest natural "germ killers," while cinnamon helps stimulate your metabolism (and keep you lean).

Here's the recipe:

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups water
1 tbsp dried elderberry flowers
1 tbsp of elderberries (you can also use 1 cup of elderberry juice)
1 cinnamon stick
1 tsp fresh ginger
Honey for sweetening
Sparkling water (to taste)

Instructions

Grate the ginger and place in a pot, along with the elderberry blossoms, elderberries and cinnamon stick.
Add hot water, and simmer for 15 minutes.
Pour the tea through a strainer, to filter out any solid bits.
Sweeten with honey, then return the cinnamon stick to the tea and let it rest for another 15 minutes.
Top off with sparkling water (optional).
Enjoy!

Like this article? Check out these 8 Natural Ways to Make Your Home Fresh and Fagrant.

Chef Tips and Tricks

VIDEO: Fresh Mango Salad

Dive into summer with this fresh, light and healthy mango salad!

INGREDIENTS

Peanuts
Carrot
Mango
Rocket
2 limes
Olive oil
Soy sauce
Red onion, minced
Salt
Pepper

METHOD

Lightly sautée the peanuts until golden.
Take the carrots and cut into thin slices.
Peel the mango and slice into thin strips.
Squeeze the juice from 2 limes into a bowl, and add olive oil, soy sauce, minced onion, salt and pepper.
In a bowl, toss together the mango, carrot, rocket, and lime-soy dressing.
Enjoy!