You’ve heard that prevention is the best medicine. Well, it really is true. Herbs work best for you if used in a preventive manner. It’s not just a question of, “What herb is good for a cold?” or “What do I take to get rid of my cough?” Prevention is a key piece that goes into making herbs work.
So let’s build our immunity with some mulled cider! Add this immunity drink recipe to your home wellness toolkit, and you’ll be on your way to building your immune system and preventing winter colds and flus.
Astragalus for Immune System
This immunity drink recipe features astragalus root (Astragalus membranaceus). Native to China, Mongolia, and Korea, this herb has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years. Drinks made with astragalus are warming and have a mild, sweet flavor.
Astragalus offers deep immune system support. It is considered an overall restorative tonic that helps to strengthen digestion and build immunity. Astragalus root slices can be purchased from Mountain Rose Herbs.
Studies have found astragalus to have immune-modulating activity, and it has a long history of use for reducing the incidence of cold, flu, and other viral infections. Astragalus polysaccharides have been found to increase beneficial gut flora while decreasing harmful gut bacteria.
Did you know 70% of your immunity is housed in your gut? Eating and drinking herbs is something you can do everyday to support your gut and your immunity.
Immunity-Building Herb and Spices
The herbs in your spice rack work on many levels to support immunity by building gut health and supplying you with vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients. Here’s what you’ll find in our immunity drink recipe:
- Cinnamon: Cinnamon helps you digest your foods, especially fats, cold foods, and dairy such as milk, yogurt, and ice cream. It also clears stagnation in the respiratory tract and dissolves mucus and congestion.
- Allspice: This great digestive spice helps your body breakdown heavy foods and process what you consume into healthy cells. Allspice is also high in vitamins and minerals like calcium, iron, and manganese.
- Clove: Cloves are highly antibacterial and expel bacteria-laden mucus that leads to sinus infections, coughs, and bronchial infections. This carminative spice can also relieve constipation, indigestion, and nausea.
- Nutmeg: A superb digestive aid, nutmeg helps you to absorb the nutrients from your food. Nutmeg especially shines in helping to digest the rich and dairy-filled foods that are common during holiday feasting.
- Orange peel: Among its many health benefits, orange peel chases away mucus and congestion. The pectin in citrus peels also feeds our beneficial gut bacteria, which supports the digestive and immune systems.
Ready to dive into turning your spice rack into an effective home apothecary? Check out Herbal Kitchen Remedy Solutions
Immunity-Building Mulled Cider
Ingredients
- 4 quarts apple cider
- 5 cinnamon sticks
- 5 astragalus sticks
- 2 tbsp allspice berries
- 1 tsp powdered clove
- 1 tsp powdered nutmeg
- Peel from 1 orange
Instructions
- Pour the cider into a large pot over low heat.
- Put the herbs into a piece of muslin. You can purchase empty, premade muslin pouches, or just make your own, tying the fabric closed with a piece of string.
- Put the bag full of herbs into the apple cider and let them infuse for one hour before drinking.
- Keep the cider warm on the lowest stove setting and leave the bag of herbs in the pot until the cider is finished.
I would love to hear from you! Do you use herbs as preventive medicine? Are you making this immunity drink recipe? Please share in the comments below.
Thanks Kami, how much does it make? Can be saved in the refrigerator for later use?
Hi – It makes 4 quarts. You can cut the recipe in half or quarters, if that suits your needs best.
Sounds great. I’ll try it today. I make astragalus chi nearly every morning. This will be a nice change. Thanks for the recipe.