3 Magical Winter Elixirs

With all the COLD weather out there…it’s prime season for the sickies to start appearing :). Below are three magical winter elixirs that I rely on to get through the winter. Remedies to boost the immune system, wash away the sniffles and keep the flu at bay. Best of all, all off these concoctions are 100% natural and a 100% delicious :).  HAPPY WINTER, FRIENDS!

3 Magical Winter Elixirs :)

1. AN EVERYDAY TONIC

First, to keep the germies at bay throughout the winter, I enjoy sipping on hot water with lemon and honey—at least 1-2 cups daily :). Honey is heating, so it’s best not to overdue it. But if you run cold in the winter, this elixir will surely keep you toasty. I’ve used this remedy for over 15 years and it's definitely my first and often my last go-to elixir that I use throughout the winter months.

LEMON + HONEY TONIC

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup hot water

• 1-2 teaspoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed (or to taste)

• 1 teaspoon honey

DIRECTIONS

1. Place ingredients in your favorite mug and then stir with a spoon.

2. Sip on it first thing in the AM and last thing before you go to bed.

2. A DELICIOUS WELLNESS SHOT! 

Next, this is one of my all time favorite concoctions that I learned from my mom’s older sister back when I was just in high school. She’s a master in the kitchen and this homemade herbal remedy has definitely helped wash away more sniffles and sore throats than I would like to remember :). It’s most effective when you take it at the onset of not feeling good. If you wait until you’re fully sick, it’ll still have an effect, but will obviously not yield the same results. 

The best part is all you need are a handful of ingredients that you can stock in your kitchen all winter long. Fresh ginger, honey, lemon juice and turmeric powder. Pretty simple, yet amazingly powerful. Depending on the ginger, it can be a little spicy, but your sniffles and sore throat will literally thank you for the love.

LEMON GINGER HONEY TURMERIC SHOT

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 Tablespoon freshly ginger juice (the easiest way to get this is to shred about 1 tablespoon of ginger and then squeeze the juice out of it into a little beaker).

• 1 Tablespoon fresh squeezed lemon juice

• 1 tsp honey

• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder

DIRECTIONS

1. Place ingredients in a measuring cup or small bowl and stir until fully combined.

2. Then you swig this little shot down :)….to boost your immune system and/or to start feeling better!

3. A HEARTY, WARMING, GET-WELL ELIXIR

Raab is a traditional, hot, Indian beverage that is made for times when you’ve caught the sickies. It's spicy, sweet and nourishing….and is like nectar for sore throats, congestion and stomachs that don’t feel like processing anything. Because of it’s power house line up ingredients, this beverage is quite hearty and works great as a meal replacement. Especially when you just aren’t up for eating anything, but want to be soothed, nourished and strengthened. 

RAAB- a traditional, Indian, winter elixir

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 tablespoons ghee

• 1/2 teaspoon ajwain (carom) seed

• 1 teaspoon ginger powder

• 1/4 cup jaggery, grated (or to taste)

• 1/4 cup millet flour

• cardamon

• sliced almonds

• 2 cups water

DIRECTIONS

1. In a small pot heat water, then add jaggery. Stir until jaggery has melted. Then set aside. 

2. On medium heat melt ghee in a medium sauce pot.

3. Once heated add ajwain, ginger powder and millet flour. Saute 2-3 minutes until fragrant. It will become light brown/pink—do not make it too dark.

4. Add jaggery + water mixture to pot. Whisk until fully mixed and then bring to a boil. If it’s too thick for your liking add a little additional water. And if it’s not sweet enough add a bit more jaggery to your liking. 

5. Last, add cardamon and sliced almonds and mix thoroughly.

6. Serve hot. Please note, this elixir stays VERY hot, so best to drink with a spoon like soup. Or wait for it cool slightly before drinking.

7. ENJOY!

So remember before you start hearing/seeing the sniffles around the office place, start drinking a daily dose of the LEMON+HONEY TONIC. Then once winter strikes, take a LEMON GINGER HONEY TURMERIC SHOT 2-3x a week as a preventative measure and then daily when you begin to feel the sickies begin to creep in. And then if you do get sick, RAAB is a powerful elixir to keep you strong and nourished while fighting the cold/flu season head on!

I'd love to hear if you have any home remedies you rely on through the winter...so leave a comment below! 

Wishing you a winter filled with warmth, snuggles and good health!

Kajal

MAGICAL. WINTER. EXLIRS.