Immune Boosting Tonic

Published on August 20, 2015 | By |

This tonic is an effective remedy for warding off colds and flu. Sip on it all throughout the day.

Astragalus is an herb used to strengthen vitality and bolster immune functioning. It triggers the creation of immune cells and increases their activity. It doesn’t impart much flavor and is available as dried tongue depressor shaped slices of root in the bulk herb section of health food stores.

Lemon juice alkalizes the body and loosens tension in chest and head that accompanies the flu and colds.

Honey has anti-bacterial properties and dries up mucous.

Cayenne pepper increases blood circulation. Blood flow is what takes the healing properties of the herbs to the cells, and it’s also what removes waste material.

Garlic is a powerful immune booster. It has anti-bacterial properties. Before penicillin, garlic was treatment of choice for infections like pneumonia, bronchitis and tuberculosis.

Ingredients

10-12 cups of water
4-6 pieces of dried astralagus root
6 to 8 1/8" slices of fresh ginger root (sub 3 to 4 dried)
Juice of 1 large lemon
2 garlic cloves (optional)
Raw honey to taste
Dash cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

1. Add all ingredients except for honey and cayenne to a pot, bring a boil and then simmer, covered, for 20-30 minutes.
2. Strain solids and ideally keep the tonic warm in a thermos so you do not have to continually reheat it. If you do need to reheat, use a low heat and warm it up only to the point of being comfortable to sip. Do not allow it to boil.
3. Add raw honey and a dash of cayenne pepper to each cup.