Tonics That Help With Cold & Flu

“Rest and your energy will be restored.”
― Lailah Gifty Akita, Think Great: Be Great!

by Wendy Humphris, ROHP

Do you wonder what to do when you catch yourself feeling rundown?
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When you get the common cold or come down with the flu, the last thing you feel like doing is eat or drink anything. However, hydration is essential, and you need to try to get those vitamins in any way you can. An easy way to get your nutrients is with a tonic, which is a drink that not only provides hydration but essential nutrients that help soothe your sore throat and heal your body as well.

Honey and Lemon Tea
Our first tonic is extremely easy to make and uses just a few ingredients. I make it for myself often (because I love the boost it gives me) and it is entirely natural. You aren't putting any preservatives or chemicals into your body when you are ill or feeling depleted. When you have a cold or flu, one of the most prominent side effects is having a sore throat, often with congestion and a cough. This honey and lemon tea is an excellent tonic to help with that. All you need for the simple tonic tea is hot water with a little lemon, honey, and some ginger. Letting it steep overnight is best because the nutrients from these ingredients blend perfectly into the water, so all you have to do is heat it up the next morning.
 
How to make your tonic:
1 cup lemon or lemon balm tea
1 tablespoon honey
1 inch fresh grated ginger
 
Apple Cider Tonic
Apple cider vinegar is so good for you with and comes with a long list of health benefits. Apple cider vinegar is excellent for boosting your immune system and reducing inflammation in the body. You can drink this tonic when you have a cold or flu and to also prevent illnesses as well. In addition to the apple cider vinegar, you want to add other ingredients that will help with a cold or flu, such as spices like ginger and garlic, some turmeric, and a little honey to improve the taste and make it a little sweeter.

How to make your tonic:
1 cup water
1 tablespoon raw apple cider vinegar
Juice of 1 lemon
¼ teaspoon ground turmeric
1 tablespoon raw honey

Orange Honey Tonic
Our final tonic that is helpful when you are experiencing a cold or have come down with the flu is the orange honey tonic. This tonic has a beautiful golden orange color thanks to the turmeric powder in the tonic. You will also use some water, raw honey, apple cider vinegar, and a little bit of lemon zest in the drink. You can serve this cold or hot, though serving it with hot water similar to a tea often makes it a little easier to drink when you are ill and have a sore throat.

How to make your tonic:
1 cup warm water
Juice from 1 orange
1 tablespoon raw apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon raw honey
¼ teaspoon turmeric
¼ inch fresh grated ginger  

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