Each ingredient plays a specific role in supporting your body’s natural defenses:
Orange: A prime source of Vitamin C, which is essential for the production and function of white blood cells.
Ginger: Contains gingerol, a bioactive compound with powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that can help soothe a sore throat.
Garlic: Rich in allicin, which has been shown to enhance the immune system’s response to viruses and bacteria.
Onion: Contains quercetin and sulfur compounds that act as natural expectorants, helping to clear mucus from the respiratory tract.
Cinnamon: Adds warmth and contains cinnamaldehyde, which has antimicrobial properties and helps stabilize blood sugar.
Immune-Boosting “Fire and Fruit” Wellness Tea
This recipe balances the savory punch of the garlic and onion with the sweetness of the orange and the warmth of the cinnamon.
Ingredients
1 large Orange (sliced, with the peel on for extra oils).
1 medium Onion (red or yellow, sliced).
2-inch piece of Fresh Ginger (peeled and sliced).
2-3 cloves of Garlic (crushed to release the allicin).
1-2 Cinnamon sticks.
3 cups of Water.
Optional: A tablespoon of raw honey to balance the flavors.
Instructions
Boil the Base: In a medium pot, combine the water, sliced ginger, garlic, and cinnamon sticks. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Add the Aromatics: Once boiling, add the sliced onion. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10–15 minutes.
Add the Citrus: Place the orange slices in the pot for the last 5 minutes of simmering. This prevents the Vitamin C from being over-processed while allowing the oils from the peel to infuse.
Strain and Serve: Use a fine-mesh strainer to pour the liquid into a mug.
Sweeten: If the taste is too intense, stir in a bit of honey once the tea has cooled slightly (high heat can destroy some of the honey’s beneficial enzymes).
How to Use It
Preventative: Drink half a cup daily during the winter months to keep your immune system alert.
Symptom Relief: If you feel a “tickle” in your throat or are feeling run-down, drink 1–2 cups throughout the day.
Storage: You can store the strained tea in a glass jar in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove rather than in a microwave.
