Green or herbal teas can be great immune system helpers, but you can add this homemade immune boosting tea recipe to your routine for the best fighting edge.
When sick, you don’t always have to reach for over-the-counter cold medicine. Homemade cough remedies using medicinal herbs have been used for thousands of years to ease cold and flu symptoms and naturally support your immune system.
With the right ingredients, you can soothe your cold symptoms while also naturally boosting your immune system. You can add this homemade immune-boosting tea recipe to your routine for the best fighting edge.
Why I Love This Recipe
You may have already heard how herbal teas, such as green tea with lemon juice, lemon ginger tea, and ginger turmeric tea, can be one of many great helpers when you are trying to stay healthy.
Teas are a great place to get started when using medicinal herbs, and growing herbs for medicinal purposes in my old-fashioned cottage garden makes these teas more affordable.
I love this tea because each ingredient has a long list of health benefits and does double duty to aid in prevention, symptom relief or building up your immunity. Anytime I can make one quick thing and get a multitude of advantages from it – I’m in!
Additionally, you don’t have to be sick to enjoy its effects. It’s a great asset if you struggle with seasonal allergies, a chronic cough, lung congestion or are simply more prone to getting sick. (And try this easy home remedy for seasonal allergies!)
The bonus is that it only takes a few minutes to make. If you are already sick, the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen making an elaborate concoction.
If you have the desire to go even deeper and learn herbalism while stocking your herbal medicine cabinet for the coming cold and flu season, consider enrolling in my class, Herbal Medicine Cabinet: COLDS and FLUS.
When to Drink Immune Boosting Tea
This tea is excellent when you’re struggling with a cold or the flu. Although this tea is a wonderful warming touch in the winter, you can enjoy it year-round. (Source)
Drink it as soon as you start experiencing symptoms. It is very soothing for a sore throat and will open your nasal passages if you struggle with a stuffy nose. It will also calm a cough. (Source)
In addition, this tea is a great preventative measure. If you have a family member or co-worker who has come down with a cold and you don’t want to follow, start drinking this to boost your immune system quickly. (Source)
If you plan to travel, knowing you’ll have increased exposure to germs, drink this tea at least 24 hours before leaving to give your body an extra charge. For additional immune boosting support, you can supplement homemade elderberry gummies as well. (Source)
Health Benefits
The ingredients in this tea offer many benefits to the body, all of which come in handy whether you are sick or just trying to remain healthy.
It’s important to note that I am not a certified medical practitioner. This post is not intended to diagnose or treat but is for informational purposes only. Please contact your healthcare professional before introducing new herbal and natural remedies into your wellness routine.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Raw apple cider vinegar is rich in B and C vitamins, probiotics, and inulin that help boost the immune system. (Source) (Source) The antibacterial properties are effective in fighting against infectious germs and bacteria, as most germs can’t survive in the acidic environment it creates in the throat. (Source)
ACV also contains potassium, which works as an expectorant by thinning the mucus, as well as helping to boost your energy. (Source)
Honey
Raw honey contains anti-inflammatory properties that reduce swelling in the tissue to help soothe a sore throat, is an effective cough suppressant, and its antibacterial effects kill and slow the spread of microorganisms.
Additionally, honey provides various antioxidants, such as glucose oxidase, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), phenolic acids and flavonoids. (Source)
Ginger
Ginger is loaded with antioxidants, has antiviral and antibacterial properties, and contains magnesium, chromium and zinc. This powerhouse herb is known to help ease nausea, thin and stimulate the removal of mucus, and improve circulation. (Source) (Source)
Steam
Don’t underestimate the relief a little hot steam can give when you’re sick! Steam opens nasal passages when you have a stuffy nose, relieves sinus pressure, helps to smooth out mucus, and soothes nasal tissues to reduce inflammation.
Ingredients Needed
- Apple Cider Vinegar – Any apple cider vinegar you have on hand will work in this recipe. I prefer to use raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar with no additives or preservatives.
- Honey – Any raw honey you have will work. I recommend using raw, unfiltered, local honey. Homesteading Hack: Did you know that consuming local honey can help with seasonal allergies? (Source)
- Ginger – A little goes a long way! You can use powdered or fresh ginger, whichever you prefer. Homesteading Hack: Fresh ginger can be stored in an airtight bag in the refrigerator for months.
- Boiling Water – You want your water to boil to gain all of the benefits of this tea.
Supplies Needed
- Coffee/Tea Cup – Make sure it can hold 6-8 oz. of hot water.
- Tea Kettle – or another way to boil water. You can use an electric tea kettle, a pot on the stove or even a microwave. Whatever works best for you!
- Measuring Spoons – You will need a tablespoon and an ⅛ teaspoon. Homesteading Hack: If you don’t have a ⅛ teaspoon, you can use two pinches of ginger for an approximate measurement.
- Spoon – For stirring.
How to Make Immune Boosting Tea
- Start by setting 6-8 oz. of water to boil.
- Add 2 Tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, 1 Tablespoon of honey, and ⅛ teaspoon of powdered or freshly grated ginger directly into your cup.
- Pour 6-8 ounces of boiling water into your cup.
- Stir the tea with a spoon until all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
- Hold the cup of tea directly under your mouth and nose and take long deep breaths to help open your nasal passages.
- Sip the tea until gone.
- Repeat often!
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- How To Use Herb Medicine Safely At Home
- How To Boost Your Immune System Naturally – 7 Steps
- Homemade Elderberry Syrup – Immune Boosting Recipe
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Immune Boosting Tea
Ingredients
- 8 ounces water boiling
- 2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar raw, if possible
- 1 Tablespoon honey raw, if possible
- 1/8 teaspoon ginger fresh or ground
Instructions
- Start by setting 6-8 oz. of water to boil.
- Add 2 Tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, 1 Tablespoon of honey, and ⅛ teaspoon of powdered or freshly grated ginger directly into your cup.
- Pour 6-8 ounces of boiling water into your cup.
- Stir the tea with a spoon until all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
- Hold the cup of tea directly under your mouth and nose and take long deep breaths to help open your nasal passages.
- Sip the tea until gone.
- Repeat often!
Notes
- If you don’t have a ⅛ teaspoon, you can use two pinches of ginger for an approximate measurement.
- If you plan to travel, knowing you’ll have increased exposure to germs, drink this tea at least 24 hours before leaving to give your body an extra charge.
