immune elixir
Like much of the world, my house got COVID back in January and I’m not sure about you — but I would LOVE to take all measures to ensure we keep our immune systems as boosted as we can, especially as our immunities fades. This recipe is from Christa Orecchio of The Whole Journey and is what she refers to as “Nature’s Flu Shot” — it’s seriously a great one to add into the weekly wellness routine. I just noted a couple small adjustments, such as incorporating fresh ginger and Manuka honey (a couple of my FAVES).
INGREDIENTS
✧ 3 lemons, juiced
✧ 1 1/2 c pineapple, juiced
✧ 1 organic garlic clove minced
✧ 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
✧ 1 tsp fresh grated ginger
✧ 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
✧ 1 tsp raw Manuka honey
OPTIONAL
✧ Black pepper if you can tolerate it, as it enhances the bioavailability of an anti-inflammatory compound in turmeric, called curcumin
NOTES
꩜ Shop organic (spices included) & in season whenever possible, plus make sure to fully clean all residue off produce with baking soda prior to cooking.
INSTRUCTIONS
Simply juice fruits, shake in a mason jar with remaining ingredients and enjoy 1/2 a cup a day (or 3 times a day if you’re starting to get sick) — cheers to your good health!
Some functional food for thought —
TURMERIC
This potent anti-inflammatory spice protects the body from free radicals and cools down inflammation throughout the body. The active component in turmeric is called curcumin and it boosts brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) — a protein that is essential for brain function. Chronic inflammation contributes to many common health conditions and curcumin has also been seen to suppress many molecules known to play major roles in inflammation. The key is to enhancing curcumin’s bioavailability — see note on black pepper above.
GARLIC
Garlic is one of the most medicinal edible healing plants, plus versatile and delicious! Naturally low in calories and rich in vitamin C, B6 and manganese, garlic also contains trace amounts of various other nutrients. Diets routinely containing raw and cooked garlic boost immunity, lowering risks of many cancers, as well as combatting sickness, including the common cold. It’s anti-inflammatory, cholesterol lowering and can reduce blood pressure, as well as improve overall cardiovascular health, including lowering the risk of heart disease. Garlic contains antioxidants that support the body’s protective mechanisms against oxidative damage from free radicals contributing to the aging process, which may help prevent Alzheimer’s and Dementia! Its antioxidant, antibacterial and antimicrobial rich makeup supports your beauty routine by killing acne-causing bacteria on the skin from the inside out. Those same antibacterial properties in fresh garlic can even kill the bacteria that lead to food poisoning, including salmonella and E.coli.
GINGER
The active component in ginger is gingerol, a substance with powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities from supporting digestion to helping with nausea. Just 1–1.5 grams of ginger can help prevent many types of nausea. Ginger also has been seen support digestion, easing stomach discomfort. Some studies even show ginger may help support weight management, lowering cholesterol, fighting infections and preventing some cancers. There are additional studies showing ginger to be effective at improving brain function, protecting against Alzheimers, reducing symptoms of osteoarthritis (particularly that of the knee), lowering blood sugar levels and improve various heart disease risk factors in people with type 2 diabetes. All in all, ginger truly is a super food!
MANUKA HONEY
Let’s talk a little about this super healer honey! All honey is known for its antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, but Manuka honey is believed to be stronger a fighting bacteria. On top of this, Manuka honey is darker, thicker and creamier than regular honey, so at least from my standpoint, feels significantly more luxurious. Admittedly, Manuka honey is less readily available than other types of honey, so it is more expensive. Luckily, because Manuka honey is thicker, less is needed, so it should theoretically last longer than our average jars of honey.
As with everything I make, I love to know the ingredients will fuel not only a beautiful plate, but a beautiful feeling inside. Steeped in the culture of being raised in Japanese and Italian homes, I understand the magnitude of importance food holds. I also believe in the philosophy of eating to live versus living to eat. It really is not about deprivation, it’s about remaining mindful and raising the vibration — no matter how incredible something taste’s, it’s also about how it “tastes” to our minds, bodies and souls that will keep the true “deliciousness” with us long past the moment of actual consumption. Pillars I continue to remind myself:
1. The quality of ingredients matter.
2. Less is always more.
3. Think loving thoughts while cooking and the food will taste better! #truth
4. Remain present while enjoying the intimate act of eating, it’s a game changer.
With love & gratitude, cheers to your good health!
medical disclaimer: all information is intended for general information purposes only and should not be considered as personal medical advice. individuals should always consult their healthcare provider before administering any of the suggestions made on thebalancedcalm.com to ensure they are appropriate for their specific circumstance.
