TEA RECIPE "INVINCIBLE WINTER"

Are you feeling sneezy, cold, bloated, and overall low? This simple 4 ingredients tea recipe will put you back onto your feet in no time, support your digestion during the festive season, boost your immune system and supercharge your health in the long run.

Every time my throat starts to scratch, or my tummy aches, this is my go-to tea at home. I drink it for menstrual cramp relief, any digestive issues, to warm my body in winter, and to stimulate my immune system. Simple to make, it only requires 4 kitchen ingredients:

1- TURMERIC (Curcuma)

Turmeric is known as the "orange gold". One of the most potent anti-inflammatory botanical extracts, it has attracted many researchers' interest and is considered to have one of the greatest potentials in the treatment and prevention of diseases:

• Inflammatory & oxidative conditions (like cancer)

• anxiety & depression

• arthritis

• metabolic syndrome

• premature aging

• age-related chronic diseases (Alzheimer's disease)

Preventing inflammation in the body is one of the keys to longevity and health. Curcumin, one of the main chemical compounds contained in turmeric (giving it its gorgeous orange color), is packed with anti-inflammatory properties. For this reason, it is best to use fresh turmeric if possible. If unavailable in your area, the next best choice is organic-grade turmeric powder. There are different quality grades for turmeric. The cheapest, the lowest in curcumin. Organic grade guarantees a higher content in curcumin, which is the active component we absolutely want for full therapeutic benefits.

2- FRESH GRATED GINGER

Ginger needs no introduction. It's one of the star ingredients in Chinese traditional medicine, for its warming properties. Gingerol is the chemical compound that provides the most benefits:

• Powerful anti-inflammatory, antioxidant

• Lowers heart diseases risk factors

• Reduces cholesterol levels

• Helps with indigestion

• Relieves menstrual pain

• Supports healthy weight loss

• relieves nausea and morning sickness

• Helps osteoarthritis

• Prevents mental degenerative diseases (like Alzheimer's)

3- BLACK PEPPER

Black pepper helps warm the body and accelerate the absorption of beneficial plant compounds. This is why it is great with turmeric as a synergy: it will help the body to metabolize curcumin.

• Potent antioxidant & anti-inflammatory

• Improves brain functions

• Improves blood sugar control

• Lowers cholesterol

• Boosts the absorption of nutrients

• Helps with guts health

• Pain relief action

• Appetite reducer

4- FRESHLY SQUEEZED LEMON

• Contains a high amount of vitamin C

• Supports heart health

• Helps control weight

• Helps prevent kidney stones

• Protects against anemia

• Reduces cancer risks

• Improves digestive health

THE RECIPE

• 500ml of freshly boiled water (16,9 Oz)

• 1 generous root of fresh turmeric (best option), peel off or 2 teaspoons of organic-grade turmeric powder (next best option)

• 1 ginger root, grated

• 1 lemon or lime, freshly squeezed

• A generous dash of freshly ground black pepper (I like sometimes to use fancy peppers like Kampot pepper from Cambodia or Timut from Nepal)

• If you must have a sweet taste, add a few drops of liquid stevia. Do not add honey, as it is high on the glycemic index, and the purpose of this beverage is to keep low inflammation in the body (hence low insulin, low sugar).

Put water to a boil. Wash the turmeric and ginger roots with water, and peel the skin off. Grate the ginger, and cut the turmeric into thin slices. Be careful as it stains! Add the grated ginger, fresh lemon juice turmeric slices, and freshly ground pepper to the boiling water. Put the heat to a lower position and simmer for 15mn.

Although certainly not a must-do, this tea looks absolutely gorgeous in a transparent teapot!

Its deep orange color is so heart-warming and beautiful.

If you are in China, this is a great inexpensive TaoBao treat for your home!

Try these keywords in TaoBao: 玻璃茶壶蜡烛 bōlicháhú làzhú (literally: glass teapot + candle).

You can also find fresh turmeric on TaoBao: it is called 黄姜 huángjiāng (literally: yellow ginger. Different from 生姜 shēngjiāng which is the "normal" ginger).

Sip in the morning as a detox beverage, throughout the day, or in the evening to warm you up and ease digestion before sleep.

If you try this recipe, let me know how you liked it, and feel free to share your beautiful pictures with me! Instagram, Facebook, WeChat are all good options.

Stay strong, stay healthy.

Take charge of your wellness!

Merry Christmas everyone.

Lots of Love,

A