Boost Your Immunity with this Simple Ginger Tea

We have just had our first couple of confirmed cases of Coronavirus here in New York City, and while two cases in a city of more than 8.5 million does not seem like cause for panic, it’s hard not to feel concerned when you think about how closely you come into contact with people daily (you know what I mean if you have ever been on a rush-hour subway!), and how frequently you touch common surfaces like door handles, railings, shopping carts, elevator buttons, etc., etc.

There are many common-sense precautions you can take, such as washing your hands frequently and being very mindful about NOT touching your face (something we all tend to do countless times in the course of a day). In addition, what we put into our bodies is so important, and while there is no absolute way to prevent getting sick, we can take care to stay hydrated and well-nourished (think unprocessed, whole foods and avoidance of simple sugars, which according to studies can suppress your immune system for hours after eating).

I drink this simple ginger tea every day, and it’s a delicious way to hydrate and get some excellent immune-boosting nutrients into your routine. You likely have most of these ingredients at home, and you can make this in the few minutes it takes to heat the water. The tea contains ginger, which is loaded with vitamins and has been shown to have antiviral properties. It is also an excellent anti-inflammatory, and inflammation is the culprit in many chronic diseases and conditions of aging, so it’s something we should all be paying attention to as we get older. Additionally, it contains lemon, which is high in Vitamin C (also important for collagen production as a bonus fact!) and a natural antioxidant; raw honey, which contains phytonutrients with anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties (and can sooth a sore throat if you do get sick); and an option to add cinnamon, also loaded with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. I also sometimes sprinkle in cayenne pepper (when I skip the cinnamon), which has many wonderful medicinal properties, and can act as a natural decongestant, among other things, if you do get sick.

Finally, staying hydrated is incredibly important, and can help your body naturally detoxify and eliminate some of the bad stuff that causes us to become sick in the first place. I struggle to drink enough water, and some days it’s a real effort (because coffee doesn’t count!). While a simple tea won’t cure all that ails you, it’s a nice way to boost your immunity and hydrate, and can serve as an easy ritual to help you wind down at the end of a busy day. And as an added bonus, the nutrients and anti-inflammatory, antioxidant properties are an important part of keeping us healthy as we move into midlife and beyond. Enjoy!

Simple Ginger Tea

-1 cup warm water

-juice of 1/2 a lemon

-knob of fresh ginger (about 1 inch), peeled and cut into 1/4 inch cubes

-drizzle of raw honey (to taste)

*Optional: sprinkle of cayenne pepper or a sprinkle of cinnamon (or add a cinnamon stick to water as it heats)

Directions:

While you heat the water (I like it warm so I don’t fully boil), peel the ginger (I usually just cut away the skin but you can use a potato peeler) and cut into small cubes. Add to mug and pour in warm water. You can let it steep for a few minutes if you like. Squeeze in the lemon, drizzle in the honey and you have yourself a delicious cup of wellness!