With a nip in the air and rising levels of pollution, we all could use some warming and immunity boosting recipes to whip up at home. According to the science of Ayurveda, if your diet and daily routine are not adjusted as per the change in seasons, the amas (toxins) in your body will prevent your immune system from improving and becoming stronger.
Beej-Bhumi, which translates into “seed and land”, is an Ayurvedic theory of immunity where the body is seen as a fertile land and the impurities act like a growing seed. To reduce these toxins, Ayurveda suggests herbal teas that are decoctions of various herbs and spices.
Read on as we reveal the ideal Ayurvedic drinks to boost your immune system and keep you warm, safe and cozy for a healthier winter.
Ginger Tea
While the heat from ginger protects you from infections, the honey in this recipe soothes your throat. We suggest you add a pinch of cinnamon for a comforting taste and to alleviate symptoms of indigestion.
Ingredients:
1 tsp Ginger Root
½ tsp. Honey
2 Cloves
1 pinch Cinnamon
1 strip of Orange Peel
Method: Add all ingredients in a saucepan with a cup of water and bring it to a boil. Allow it to simmer and let it sit for about 15 minutes. Strain the water into a cup and drink it while its warm.
Lemon & Pepper Tea
In Ayurveda, black pepper is a common remedy for a cough and sore throat. This tea is usually made with ground pepper and flavored with ingredients as per your liking. For a richer, more zesty flavor, we suggest you add some lemon to reap the benefits of Vitamin C, a good source to boost your immunity.
Ingredients:
Juice of 1 Lemon
½ tsp Turmeric Powder
¼ tsp Pepper
½ tsp Honey
Method: Add all ingredients in a cup. Pour boiling water and stir well.
Ashwagandha Tea
Ashwagandha being an ancient medicinal herb with multiple health benefits, is considered to be a magical ingredient for your immune system. Along with reducing anxiety and stress, it also works towards improving your health.
Ingredients:
3-4 small pieces of dried Ashwagandha root
½ tsp Honey
Method: Boil the Ashwagandha root for 15 to 20 minutes in water. Strain the water into a cup, add honey and stir well.
Tulsi Tea
Tulsi is renowned to have myriad health benefits and is considered to be one of the most potent and purifying herbs in the Ayurvedic family. Not only does it boost your immunity, it is also known to have multiple skin healing benefits.
Ingredients:
2-3 Tulsi Leaves
½ tsp Honey
½ tsp Lemon Juice
Method: Add the Tulsi leaves into a saucepan with water. Bring the water to a boil and then simmer down the heat to low for 15 minutes. Strain the water and add the rest of the ingredients. Stir well and drink while it’s warm.
Chamomile Tea:
Best known for its calming and soothing effects, the ability of Chamomile to induce a good night’s sleep makes it the perfect tea to sip on right before bed. May we suggest you also add Lavender for its stress relieving benefits.
Ingredients:
½ cup fresh Chamomile flowers
½ cup fresh Lavender flowers
Juice of 1 Lemon
½ tsp Honey
2-3 Mint leaves
Method: Add Chamomile and Lavender flowers with Mint leaves in boiled water and let it steep for 5 minutes. Strain the flowers and leaves from the cup and add honey and lemon juice. Stir well.
Kadha
The go-to recipe for strong immunity, this hugely effective Ayurvedic drink is renowned to heal you from within, whilst boosting your immunity. Many Indian households swear by this drink for its multiple benefits.
Ingredients:
2-3 Cloves
1 pinch of freshly crushed Black Pepper
1 pinch of Black Cardamom Powder
1 pinch of Cinnamon
5-6 Tulsi Leaves
2-3 small pieces of Ginger
½ tsp Honey
Method: Soak Tulsi leaves overnight in a cup of water. The next day, add the soaked Tulsi leaves and its water into a saucepan along with Cloves, Black Pepper, Black Cardamom, Ginger and Cinnamon. Add some more water and simmer on low heat for 10 minutes for all ingredients to steep together. Strain the water and add honey. Stir well and drink while it’s warm.
Also Read – Ayurvedic & Wellness Beauty Ritual during winter
While you sip on these herbal teas for an internal detox, eat a high quality Chywanprash daily which is a miraculous antidote for immunity , may we suggest you also include the Forest Essentials Hand Pounded Fruit Scrub followed by the Forest Essentials Tejasvi Brightening Emulsion for an external detox and a beautiful glow.
While the Fruit Scrub exfoliates your skin by removing dead skin cells, the Tejasvi Emulsion regulates collagen production and leaves the skin soft, plump and rejuvenated. This is the perfect combination for an internal as well as an external winter detox and for healthy and smooth skin.
Visit our site www.forestessentialsindia.com to discover the best of luxurious Ayurveda, to boost your skin’s health.