Monday, May 14, 2012
0 Recipe #304: Corey's "Respiratory Remedy" Tea
I wasn't feeling so hot yesterday. Had sore throat, a few coughs here and there, etc. However, last night I brewed the below tea recipe, drank several cups of it, and then slept a lot, and now I'm feeling a lot better, (knock on wood). So, I thought I'd share my recipe for this remedy, for future use, to help you get over a sore throat or the start of something more.
All the ingredients in this tea recipe have medicinal properties: Green tea has lots of antioxidants (and a lot less caffeine than other types of tea). Ginger is good for respiratory and digestive health as it stimulates the respiratory system and settles the stomach. Chinese star anise improves digestion and actively combats flu symptoms (i.e., for both seasonal influenza and other strains, like swine flu, etc., as well).* Lemon juice has multiple health benefits: Its antibacterial properties help fight infection in the throat and get rid of chest congestion; its high levels of potassium can help provide relief from dizziness, nausea, and fever; and its vitamin C content boosts immunity by increasing the body's white blood cell count, antibodies, and interferon (i.e., interferon coats cell surfaces to ward off viruses and fight infection). Honey aids in respiratory health and helps boost immunity and energy. And finally, drinking lots of hot liquids will help soothe your throat and rid your body of impurities.Corey's "Respiratory Remedy" Tea
Ingredients:
1 Tbsp. whole Chinese star anise pods
1 Tbsp. fresh ginger root, diced (about a 1" piece)
1 green tea bag
a few squeezes of lemon juice
honey, to taste (optional)
Directions: Put a kettle of cold water on the stove and boil until it whistles. (Cold water boils faster than hot.) While you're waiting for the water to boil, place Chinese star anise pods and diced ginger into a large tea ball and set aside. When kettle whistles, remove from heat and pour hot water into a standard size tea mug. Add honey immediately, if using, and swirl a few times to dissolve and evenly distribute. Next, quickly place tea ball and the green tea bag into the cup, and then step for several minutes. Before serving, add a few squeezes of fresh lemon juice to the cup. Serve and enjoy, and then hopefully feel better!
Yield: 1 c. tea.
Important Notes: Disclaimer: Before buying &/or using Chinese star anise, please read the intro of this post. It contains some very important health and safety information regarding this spice that you'll definitely want to read before consuming it.
Advisory: Chinese star anise can be purchased at an international/Asian supermarket or bought online. Some regular supermarkets carry it as well. Just make sure you don't buy Japanese star anise, which is poisonous and only meant for ornamental purposes.
*The shikimic acid contained in Chinese star anise is one of the primary ingredients in Tamiflu, most commonly known as the drug used to fight avian influenza (bird flu). Please note that Chinese star anise should not be used as a replacement for Tamiflu, but rather as a supplement to existing (preventative) health measures. Tamiflu contains a laboratory-synthesized form of shikimic acid extract -- i.e., an active ingredient called oseltamivir -- as well as various other ingredients. So, in other words, it's not just a bunch of ground-up Chinese star anise. ;) The chemical composition of the original source material has been significantly altered in the process.
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