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Don’t wait until you’re feeling under the weather to start supporting your immune system! Now is the time to turn to our herbal allies and let nature give us that extra boost. This tea is made with homegrown and foraged herbs, known for supporting the body’s natural defenses. It’s perfect for the cold and flu season, but also enjoyable year-round.
As it warms the body, this tea also provides a soothing effect, helping to alleviate the stress that often accompanies cold weather. That’s why I love this tea so much: it offers comfort and support, making it a wonderful addition to our seasonal routines. immune boosting tea
When I think of winter, I conjure up cozy memories like sitting by the fireplace and baking sourdough bread. Unfortunately, I also remember years past of colds and cases of the flu. That’s why for the last several years I have adopted a winter ritual of sipping on this delicious immune support tea that will be my go-to throughout the winter months to help me in staving off colds and flu… It’s super high in vitamin C and gives my body an immune boosting lift to help me get through the winter as healthy as can be. Now, rarely do I get sick. I’d like to think this tea helps with that. immune boosting tea
I love the ritual of creating herbal tea blends with wild herbs or those that I grew myself. It’s a process that involves the purposeful seeking out and harvesting of medicinal plants, the way our ancestors did and drying them for future use, often putting them in labeled jars on the apothecary shelf.
There’s just something so satisfying in the whole process. Knowing that I am caring for my own health with plants provided by the earth is a very powerful kind of medicine, and one I am thankful for. This is how I spend my Autumn days as the season turns. The colors of the craft match the golden and sepia hues of the land. It’s meditative. It’s magical. Not only that, but it’s nourishing in body and soul.
Weaving together the cycles of nature with my work is a tonic for the soul. Won’t you join me in crafting an immune boosting tea for winter wellness?
The herbs used in this immune boosting tea
Rose Hips
Rose hips are not only tasty, when prepared properly, but they also bring a needed dose of vitamin C to the table during the winter months. In fact, they contain a whopping 2000 milligrams of vitamin C per 100 grams of fruit. That’s 40 times more vitamin C than lemons!
Elderberries
Elderberry has been used traditionally for hundreds if not thousands of years as a medicine to strengthen the immune system and treat colds, flu, cough, and sinus infections.
Lately, elderberry has received more attention because of its potent antioxidant properties. Our ancestors used the flower bud, bark, and berry of the elderberry plant to make medicines that improved overall health and wellbeing. Here are of few of the health benefits of elderberry:
- High in vitamin C – vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps protect your cells against the effects of free radicals
- A good source of phenolic acids – Antioxidants potentially help reduce damage from oxidative stress in the body
- A good source of flavanols. Elderberry contains the antioxidant flavanols which possibly provide a wide range of health benefits, including antioxidant, anticancer, antibacterial and cardio protective effects.
- Rich in anthocyanins – Strong antioxidants with anti-inflammatory effects.
Echinacea
Echinacea has been used as a medicinal herb for centuries, and recently that knowledge has been confirmed by scientific research. Research has shown that it can cut a cold’s duration by as much as a day and a half. Other studies showed that it could reduce your chances of getting a cold in the first place, by 58 percent.
This natural medicinal herb was used by Native Americans long before European settlers arrived. Echinacea was used to treat toothaches, coughs, colds, sore throats, snakebites and as a painkiller. It was also chewed ritually during ceremonies and considered one of the sacred Life Medicines of the Navajo tribe.
It is also interesting to note that when Lewis and Clark learned about Echinacea during their expedition in 1805, they shipped the roots and seeds back to President Jefferson as one of their more important finds.
Ginger
Ginger is one of the best ingredients to strengthen the immune system, as it is rich with antioxidants, anti-inflammatory and detoxifying properties, giving good reason to add ginger root to your daily immune boosting tea blend.
Making the Tea
This recipe is meant to be a guideline. Feel free to substitute or add other herbs that you have on hand that are known to boost immunity such as mint, goldenseal, sage, or turmeric.
I also love to use peppermint and cinnamon in many of my herbal tea blends, as they are both antiviral and antiseptic—and also add delicious flavor to the beverage. Some healing herbs don’t taste very good and are easier to get down when their flavors are covered with these tastier ones.
INGREDIENTS
- 4 parts dried rosehips
- 2 parts dried elderberries
- 2 parts chopped echinacea root
- 1 part ginger root
INSTRUCTIONS
- Mix all the ingredients in the proportions listed, scaling the recipe up or down based on your needs.
- Store this immune boosting tea blend in an airtight container, such as a mason jar, and be sure to label it with the date.
- To prepare, steep 1-2 tablespoons of the dry tea in 8 to 12 ounces (0.45 kg) of boiling water.
- Strain and enjoy, with honey if desired. Drink daily as a preventative against cold and flu.
Concluding Thoughts
There’s no one single way to stay healthy all winter long. But there are plenty of things you can do each day to build your own immunity and reduce the chances of catching a cold or the flu. Good nutrition is a good starting place, exercise is another, and getting enough sleep is another still. Don’t wait until you’ve already gotten sick to start taking care of yourself—start building your immunity today with healthy habits like drinking this immune boosting tea that you can incorporate in your daily life.
Medical Disclaimer
Disclaimer:
The Outdoor Apothecary website is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. The information provided is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, it is the reader’s responsibility to ensure proper plant identification and usage.
Please be aware that some plants are poisonous or can have serious adverse health effects. We are not health professionals, medical doctors, or nutritionists. It is essential to consult with qualified professionals for verification of nutritional information, health benefits, and any potential risks associated with edible and medicinal plants mentioned on this website.
I’m so glad I found you. I read your mullein recipes and since I collected some this year, I will be trying them. I thought I would share that candles can be made with mullein…and they looked very cool. It’s so fun to learn and share. Happy Holidays!