Turmeric Ginger Lemonade

This time of year, I find myself drinking more healing teas and tonics than ever before.  The weather outside is inclement and my body craves warmth, comfort and balance.  A lot of people are scurrying around during the Holidays and indulging in foods, drinks, and merriment and it can take a toll on the body, if done out of balance.   Also, a lot of people are sick and exposing themselves to others.  By nourishing one’s body, mind and spirit thru certain ways, we can aid ourselves in boosting our immune systems, keep digestion in peak performance (important part of our immune system) and keeping ourselves healthier overall. 

This is a fabulous Ayurveda tea that does the trick for me every time!  This drink warms the entire body,  is a great cold preventative and immune boosting winter drink on its own.   It also benefits the digestive system.  I will drink it morning, afternoon and even in the evening.  So let’s take a look at all the ingredients briefly so that you understand WHY this liquid elixir is so damn good for you. 

* Lemon -  excellent source of vitamin C; contains antioxidant properties; which are important for bolstering the immune system; alkalizes the body; effective natural diuretic; rich source of other vitamins and minerals.

Turmeric Ginger Lemonade

• 1 Lemon – peeled and cut up into medium/small chunks
• 2 – 3 inches of fresh ginger root or 1 TB. Ginger powder
• 1 tsp. turmeric – up to 2 tsp.
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• 8 – 10 whole cloves or 1/2 tsp. clove powder
• 2 TB. raw honey or a few drops of stevia
• pinch of cayenne (to taste) – this is important – it is the catalyst!
• dash of fresh ground pepper
• 1/2 tsp. fennel seeds (optional) but highly recommend

Steep everything (except honey or stevia) in HOT simmering (below boiling) water (either in a tea pot or a sauce pan) for 10 or so minutes.  Stir or whisk well.  Strain into cup, sweeten to desired sweetness and sip/drink throughout day.  Add more water and spices and keep using this batch to utilize all the goodness from lemons and ginger.  *Tip: Stir the pot well before straining so that all the spice sediment is incorporated into the liquid – you WANT that beautiful stuff!  Same goes for the mug/cup you are drinking elixir from, swirl it periodically or you will have a SLUDGE at the bottom.  Don’t want that!    Feel free to add some other spices or herbs that you like such as astragulus, cardamon, reishi, etc.

Lemon, ginger slices, fennel seeds and cloves.

Liquid with the added turmeric, cayenne, cinnamon, and black pepper.

Finished tea – isn’t she a BEAUTY! Drink to your health and well being.

I am sitting here drinking a large mug of this lovely, healing tea as I am communing to you right now.  It warms the insides and nourishes my mind.  “Tea/ tonic time” is a special time for me.   I see it as nourishing my body, mind and spirit.  I take my awareness into how I am making the brew, what ingredients I use and most importantly, how I drink it.  It helps me refocus “what is most important” – ME!  I stop the mental chatter, the outside chatter (if I can), the daily grind and take the time out for ME.  When you take time out to appreciate, acknowledge, and nourish yourself – it has amazing healing abilities on levels we don’t actually see.  In doing so, I KNOW this within myself.  I FEEL it!  I SENSE it!  I INTUIT! 

With all the Holiday shopping, taking care of everything and everyone, do ONE THING for me.  TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF!   YOU are the most important!  So many people put themselves aside for others.  Who takes care of you?  YOU take care of you!    I would love to be in your kitchen right now whipping this little brew up and handing you a hot mug and say “Here you go.  Just for YOU.  Go take a break and enjoy some time for yourself and relax.”   Now, envision this scenario and it is YOU doing this for yourself.  You are special, amazing, loved and blessed.  Be kind and nurturing to yourself everyday – if it is only for 15 minutes – make the time.  It is invaluable on so many levels for YOU.   Even if you have a hard time doing this for yourself, hear  ME in your head saying your name and to go take care of yourself because you are deserving, worthy and loved.  It ALL starts WITHIN ourselves. 

On that note, have a beautiful, wonderful, safe and HAPPY Holidays!

Much love from me, Scott and the dogs!  ♥

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