The temperatures are starting drop around here in Northern Utah and tonight was not only a cold one but I felt like I might be coming down with something. I have no symptoms but a feeling, so I whipped me up a cup of yummy herbal tea. I have tried a few "immune boosting" herbal teas and frankly, they were nasty. I love herbs but I'm not a big fan of drinking them as a tea, so I had to make me a tea blend that actually tasted good and I could get my children to drink. I love to take this when I feel something coming on or if there are "bugs" going around and when I am knee deep into a sickness.
The Herbs
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Elderberries - enhance the immune system, great for coughs, colds, respiratory problems and the flu.
Hibiscus Flowers - for flavor.
Nettle leaves - immune boosting properties, blood builder and purifier, rich in vitamins and minerals, whole body tonic.
Rosehips - high source of vitamin C and helps to fight infection, also adds flavor.
Fresh Ginger - moves blood, activates the brain and protects the immune system. (you could also use dried ginger just cut the amount in half)
Raw Honey (not an herb, I know, but a great ingredient) - I love to use raw honey to sweeten my teas because it not only makes them more palatable it adds its own set of healing benefits including; anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, immune boosting and soothing for sore throats.
Hibiscus Flowers - for flavor.
Nettle leaves - immune boosting properties, blood builder and purifier, rich in vitamins and minerals, whole body tonic.
Rosehips - high source of vitamin C and helps to fight infection, also adds flavor.
Fresh Ginger - moves blood, activates the brain and protects the immune system. (you could also use dried ginger just cut the amount in half)
Raw Honey (not an herb, I know, but a great ingredient) - I love to use raw honey to sweeten my teas because it not only makes them more palatable it adds its own set of healing benefits including; anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, immune boosting and soothing for sore throats.
The Recipe
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1 part elderberries
1 part hibiscus flowers
1 part nettles
1 part rosehips
1/4 part ginger root
Mix all the herbs together and keep stored in a container. I keep a quart jar of this mix ready to go, although tonight I am down to my last couple of teaspoons - good thing I just made an order from Bulk Herb Store because they are having a sale!
I make a quart of tea at a time (except for tonight:)) and sip it throughout the day. Sipping on your tea over an extended period of time is the best way to incorporate the medicinal properties into your system. Although tonight I had a tea thief sitting next to me so if I wanted any I had to drink it fast. Follow instructions for making an herbal tea here.
Sweeten with raw honey, then enjoy!
1 part hibiscus flowers
1 part nettles
1 part rosehips
1/4 part ginger root
Mix all the herbs together and keep stored in a container. I keep a quart jar of this mix ready to go, although tonight I am down to my last couple of teaspoons - good thing I just made an order from Bulk Herb Store because they are having a sale!
I make a quart of tea at a time (except for tonight:)) and sip it throughout the day. Sipping on your tea over an extended period of time is the best way to incorporate the medicinal properties into your system. Although tonight I had a tea thief sitting next to me so if I wanted any I had to drink it fast. Follow instructions for making an herbal tea here.
Sweeten with raw honey, then enjoy!
You can also use this blend to make a tincture, glycerite, or herbal capsules.
Where to Get These Ingredients
What herbs I can't grow and store myself I order from Bulk Herb Store or Mountain Rose Herbs. Bulk Herb Store also carries the raw honey or this can be purchased from a health food store or from a local bee keeper.
Shared On: Elderberry Herbal Link Up.
