WINTER WARMING ELIXIR

Exposure to extreme cold and less light in the winter months can dampen our energy and overall vital force. Our system goes into hibernation – effectively slowing down, which can have an impact on our immune, digestive , circulatory and nervous system – in essence our over-all health. Using plant medicines that warm the blood and increase blood flow can help charge these sluggish systems into action and help support deficiencies brought on by the cold.

Here is a heartwarming herbal tea recipe to help our over-all health during  these darker months.  It is both nutritive and warming to the body, and provides immune boosting properties helping to stimulate the digestive, nervous, and circulatory systems.

Herbal Ingredients
Liquorice – anti-inflammatory, helps absorb nutrients and  increase endorphins in the brain
Astragalus – supports the immune system, strengthens digestion, and supports the lymphatic system
Dandelion Root – improves liver function, is a bitter to aid in digestion, is high in calcium, vitamins A, C, E and potassium
Ginger – is a circulatory stimulant, digestive aid, and is warming to the body

Other Ingredients
1 Cinnamon bark
2 Cardamom Pods
Honey to taste
Vanilla almond milk to taste

Directions
Simmer 2 tbsp. of Licorice and Astragulus root, 1 tbsp. of Dandelion Root, 1 inch of fresh ginger in 8 cups of water for 1 hour. Add 1 cinnamon bark and 2 cardamon pods for the last 15 minutes of the tea brew.

In a high powered blender add 2 cups of warm tea to 2 cup of almond milk. Blend for 30 seconds. Add honey to taste. If you would like your elixir extra hot you can put back into a sauce pan to warm.

Extra Tea Brew can be kept in the refrigerator and used as needed.