We all feel run down from time to time. Generally, we'll ignore the first weary signs of exhaustion and just push on through until we are suffering from illness and in need of repair. Knowing this, when I woke this morning and was feeling less than awesome, I asked myself, "what does my body need?". The answer was a Ginger, Lemon & Turmeric Tea. Made up of natural detoxifiers, anti-inflammatories and super foods, this concoction is jam packed with immune system boosting agents.

GINGER LEMON & TURMERIC TEA: a daily detox, stress reliever and/or cold remedy.

INGREDIENTS: (yields 1 serving)

1 ½ cup hot water
½ lemon, juiced
½ tsp grated ginger
½ tsp turmeric powder (or grated fresh turmeric root)
a pinch of cayenne pepper
raw honey, to taste

While water is boiling, grate the ginger, and place in a small tea basket to keep the ginger from getting in the way while sipping the tea. Then add lemon, turmeric, cayenne, honey and ginger to mug and pour hot water in. Stir and enoy.

Turmeric will settle to the bottom, so ensure to continuously stir the tea to reap the full benefits of the turmeric.

HEALTH BENEFITS:

LEMON: a natural detoxifier, rich source of vitamin C, and contains limonene that promotes immunity and helps fight infection.

GINGER: antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and clears microcirculatory channels of the body which include the sinuses and throat. Also, ginger is a warming agent and promotes sweating, which is healthy when sick.

HEALTH BENEFITS:

TURMERIC: antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and considered to be highly cleansing of the body especially in the liver.

CAYENNE: anti-irritant helping ease sore throats and coughs, and circulatory stimulant which aids in the detoxification process.

RAW HONEY: antioxidants, and a rich source of minerals and B vitamins that help support the function of the heart, muscles and nervous system.

Today was a refreshing reminder that a simple morning routine could help promote feeling better on the daily, not just from time to time, and after it's too late.