Friday Fuel: Iced Ginger Immunity & Beauty Tonic

Thirsty? Next time swap the La Crois for a homemade ginger anti-inflammatory iced tea instead. Your skin and immune system will thank you for it later. This combination of fresh turmeric, ginger, burdock root, silica and manuka honey is refreshing, hydrating and chalked full of minerals and vitamins that promote healthy collagen production and aids in reducing inflammation. This iced tea contains “medicinal” ingredients:

Ginger root - known for its spicy flavor, Ginger has a very long history of use in various forms of traditional and alternative medicine. It’s been used to aid digestion, reduce nausea, and help fight the flu and common cold, to name a few of its purposes. It’s also known for its anti-inflammatory properties.

Turmeric root - known for the active component, curcumin, has many scientifically proven health benefits, such as the potential to improve heart health and prevent Alzheimer’s and cancer.

Burdock root - Burdock root is a vegetable that has been shown to contain multiple types of powerful antioxidants. Burdock root has also long been used to treat skin conditions like acne and eczema. The root’s anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties can help resolve skin issues when applied topically to the skin.

Manuka honey - honey consumption can have therapeutic benefits, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and prebiotic properties that help treat numerous ailments.

Silica - promotes healthy skin and nails by increasing the production of collagen. We are born with high amounts of silica and then lose it as we age. Silica helps with sun-damaged skin texture and plumpness.

I really love ginger turmeric tea - the flavors are so spicy and intense. This recipe is simple to make. Just brew the tea, strain and serve over ice. A great alternative to boring old water.

Ginger Anti-Inflammatory Iced Tea

Yields 1 tall glass

INGREDIENTS

• ½ tsp grated fresh ginger root
• ½ tsp grated fresh turmeric root
• 10 oz water
• 1 dropper full of liquid silica
• 1 tsp manuka honey
• 2 burdock root tea bags
• 2 cups ice

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Use a kettle, boil 6 oz water.
2. Using a cheese grater, grate the ginger and turmeric tea into a mug. Add the burdock root tea bags.
3. Pour hot water over tea bags and grated ginger and turmeric. Let sit for 5 minutes.
4. Using a fine-mesh strainer, strain out the ginger and turmeric by pouring the hot tea through the strainer into a tall drinking glass.
5. Add the liquid silica and the manuka honey. Stir until dissolved