This blend brings together herbs and spices traditionally used to support the body during times of seasonal stress.
Each ingredient is known in folk and herbal traditions for warming, circulatory and protective qualities that assist the body in doing what it naturally knows what to do during an illness.
Ingredients:
4 cups of water
1 whole orange - sliced
2-3 inch piece of sliced ginger
4 whole anise pods
3-4 whole cloves
1/2 cinnamon stick or 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
raw honey - optional
Directions:
Add above ingredients to a pan. Bring to a boil. Simmer on low for 10-15 minutes.
Remove from heat. Allow mixture to steep for 10- 15 minutes. The longer it steeps, the more potent the tea will be.
I like to use a soup ladle to fill my cup up with the warm tea. If desired add a little honey and stir.
Some like to strain the ingredients and then refrigerate the liquid until the next serving, others prefer to leave the ingredients in the liquid and refrigerate.
This deliciousness does not have to be enjoyed only during an illness. Make a batch anytime during the cold months. 💚
Orange
Energetics: warming, uplifting, gently drying.
Medicinal properties: anti-inflammatory, immune support. Supports circulation and lymphatic movement. Helps loosen congestion and heaviness. Brightens mood during illness.
Uses: orange peel and the whole fruit have long been used to gently move stagnation in the chest and support digestion during colds. Soothes sore throats,
Star Anise
Energetics: warming, aromatic
Medicinal properties:
antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, carminative, antiseptic, expectorant, stimulant, analgesic, diuretic, antioxidant
Uses: coughs, colds, sore throat, chest colds, bronchitis, pneumonia, flu, digestive issues, nausea, urinary tract infections, strep throat, ear infections, cancers.
Shikimic acid - is extracted from Star Anise; Illicium verum. Shikimic acid is one of the main ingredients in the antiviral drug Tamiflu. Resource Resource
Make sure that you are using Chinese star anise and not Japanese star anise. The Japanese version is inedible and actually poisonous if consumed by mouth.
Click here for more info on star anise.
Cloves
Energetics: hot, penetrating
Medicinal properties: anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-bacterial, antioxidant, anti-viral.
Uses: warming circulatory stimulant. Supports immune activity. Helps discourage unwanted microbial overgrowth. Respiratory infections, sore throat, congestion.
Deeply grounding, cloves brings to formula into the body.
Ginger
Energetics: hot, moving.
Medicinal properties: anti-inflammatory, anti-nausea, digestive aid, pain reliever, antiviral, antimicrobial,
Uses: encourages sweating, a fever support action. Promotes circulation, soothes sore throats, body aches, nausea.
Ginger is often considered the engine of warming formulas.
Cinnamon
Energetics: warming, sweet, dispersing.
Medicinal properties: anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral.
Uses: supports circulation and peripheral warmth. Helps the body move cold stagnation. Comforting to the nervous system during illnesses. Respiratory support.
Cinnamon brings harmony. Helping the herbs work together rather than pushing too hard.
* As always, be sure to check ingredients for drug interactions and side effects before using medicinally.
* For those with hemochromatosis, medical guidelines report drinking orange juice with meals boosts iron absorption, which can worsen iron overload.