Five simple(and potent!) homemade immune boosters
So…how is everyone feeling? Since when has a simple ‘how are you’ been such a loaded question? Forever, really. But for us, never quite so much as now. Through these ever-evolving days defined by COVID-19, we just keep on riding the waves of processing the uncertainty, the mixed messaged, the range of interpretations and perspectives about everything.
For me, what’s helped has been focusing on the small things, cherishing the extra time with Chef F, and doing what it takes to trust myself to attend to the things that must be done. Kids’ bedtime meditations together have been a favorite part of my day, alongside the usual mood-boosters like daily exercise however I can get it, creative opportunities for real connection with the ones who matter, music, and making wholesome food.
We are so fortunate to be able to do our part by cloistering in. But—and I know I keep repeating it, but what isn’t repeating these days—the underlying emotions are unsettling, not least the guilty sense of privilege alongside fear that manifests at least in dreams. Sometimes nothing seems to work when it comes to finding calm. So, for moments like those, here’s a remedy you might want to try: make potions!
Remember making potions as a kid by basically throwing everything from the medicine cabinet into the bathroom sink? This is fun like that, too, only it reaps seriously potent benefits. If you haven’t already, try out these simple, fun five recipes I made for Organic India. I’ve raved about getting to create with their products before, for so many reasons, one big one being that this local company has earned the “Best World Overall” B Corp designation, meaning it places in the top ten percent of all companies recognized for their social and environmental performance, labor practices, environmental sustainability, and community contribution. Another big reason, especially lately, has been the incredible immune-boosting benefits of their amazing products.
These recipes all use Organic India’s Immune Lift, a blend of fermented adaptogens Amla and Tulsi that support immunity and the body’s natural stress response. This is a great product, but if it’s not accessible, these recipes still pack in whopping health benefits without.
Before I sign out, but not necessarily before you do, I have to go off on a tangent. I probably shouldn’t share so often, for the sake of my own sense of self-worth, but in those moments where I’m faltering mentally, I tend to go to a place of such self-doubt. In that place, my first instinct is to masochistically reach out to contacts that are unhealthy for me. I caught myself toying with the idea of emailing someone like that the other day, when I caught myself and said out loud, “No, don’t do that.” “Don’t do What?” asked Chef F. “Um, say hi to someone who was mean to me,” I responded. “Ha!” was his immediate reply. “Yeah, don’t do that! That’s like walking into a pole, or chewing a brick!” That analogy and reaction…it was precious and the best therapy I could have asked for, actually. I’m not forgetting that one.
We are all doing the best we can. If connecting a lot on social media feels right, keep on connecting. If you’re hungry for connection and information but find the platforms quickly turn toxic, find other channels, or set new limits. If baking the bread, or reading the books is what does it for you, do read and bake on! If you don’t have time for those pastimes, don’t sweat it. Let it go. That’s what I’m telling myself. It’s going to be OK. xo
Honey Garlic Bomb
Fend off germs with a surprisingly tasty health “bomb” of garlic, honey, and ORGANIC INDIA Immune Lift Fermented Adaptogens! This simple recipe will awaken your senses and bolster your immune system. The sweet and pungent combination sounds, smells, and tastes potent--that’s because it is.
2 Tablespoons honey (any variety, but choose Manuka honey for an especially potent boost)
½ Teaspoon ORGANIC INDIA Immune Lift Fermented Adaptogens
1 garlic clove, crushed (let sit for 5 min for most potency)
Dash cayenne pepper (optional)
In a small jar, add 1 clove crushed garlic, 2 Tablespoons honey, and 1 Teaspoon ORGANIC INDIA Immune Lift, and stir together vigorously to combine.
Eat quickly followed by plenty of water. Alternatively, mix paste into fresh juice or warm water.
Non-alcoholic Hot Toddy
Boost your body’s natural defenses with this lovely slow sipper! Spicy ginger, tangy lemon, and luscious honey smoothly blend with ORGANIC INDIA Immune Lift Fermented Adaptogens in this relaxing warm drink. The best part? As much as it soothes, the delicious combo works wonders for keeping colds at bay.
1 Cup water
1- inch piece fresh ginger, scrubbed and thinly sliced1 ORGANIC INDIA Lemon Ginger Tea Infusion bag (optional, for enhanced flavor)
2 Teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1 Tablespoon honey
½ to 1 Teaspoon ORGANIC INDIA Immune Lift Fermented Adaptogens
½ Teaspoon ORGANIC INDIA Ceylon Cinnamon (2 capsules, optional)
In a small saucepan, bring water and fresh ginger to a near boil. Reduce heat and maintain a gentle simmer. Add ORGANIC INDIA Lemon Ginger Tea Infusion, if using, and continue to simmer for 5 minutes. After five minutes, remove the tea bag and pour through a sieve to catch all the ginger.
While the tea is simmering, add remaining ingredients to a mug. Top with freshly brewed tea. Stir well and enjoy!
Simple immune-boosting salad dressing
No need for store-bought salad dressing, ever. This clean, easy recipe comes together in mere minutes, and packs in a wealth of health benefits with every drizzle. Simply combine olive oil, coconut aminos, apple cider vinegar with ORGANIC INDIA Immune Lift Fermented Adaptogens in a jar. All that’s left to do is shake, shake, shake, and season to taste.
1 Tablespoon coconut aminos
2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 Tablespoon ORGANIC INDIA Immune Lift
¼ Cup olive oil
Sea salt and fresh black pepper to taste
In a small to medium jar with a lid, combine all ingredients. Tightly seal and shake vigorously. Serve and enjoy!
Apple cider vinegar shot
Best way to start the day? Try pairing a wholesome breakfast with a tangy shot of apple cider vinegar! Naturally containing vitamins B1, B2, B6, folic acid, potassium, biotin and magnesium, apple cider vinegar is touted for numerous health benefits, not least supporting a healthy immune system. Diluting with warm water and adding a touch of honey counterbalances the acidity and makes those wellness perks all the more pleasant-tasting.
2 Tablespoons warm water
1 Teaspoon honey
Pinch of cayenne
½ Teaspoon ORGANIC INDIA Immune lift
1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice
In a small mason jar or glass, stir honey, cayenne, and ORGANIC INDIA Immune Lift thoroughly into warm water to combine. Add apple cider vinegar and fresh lemon juice. Enjoy!
Fire cider
Makes approximately 2 cups
Ready to give your natural defenses a fresh, fiery edge? This immune-boosting health tonic is as powerful as it sounds when it comes to providing wellness benefits. Blending some of nature’s best cold and flu fighters, this potent concoction is a simple way to make your health top priority.
¼ Cup freshly peeled, thinly sliced ginger root
¼ Cup freshly peeled, thinly sliced turmeric root
½ Cup garlic, peeled and diced
2 cinnamon sticks
2 Teaspoons ORGANIC INDIA Turmeric, optional (8 capsules)
2 Teaspoons ORGANIC INDIA Ceylon Cinnamon, optional (8 capsules)
1 Teaspoon black peppercorns
Pinch ground cayenne
¼ Cup ORGANIC INDIA Immune Lift
1 orange, sliced into approximately 1 ½ inch pieces
1 lemon, sliced into approximately 1-inch pieces
2 Cups raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar (more as needed)
¼ Cup honey, or to taste
Place ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, garlic, pepper, ORGANIC INDIA Immune Lift, orange and lemon slices in a clean 1-quart jar or similar.
Add apple cider vinegar to the jar, until all ingredients are fully covered and liquid reaches the top of the jar. Seal with lid and shake.