Got a sniffle that just won’t quit? Instead of reaching for the DayQuil, try one of these natural tonics made from immune-boosting ingredients (all available at Whole Foods).
Mushroom chaga chai
Chaga mushrooms can help with respiratory issues says registered dietician Stephanie Middleberg.
Boil 1 cup milk and 3 cups water. Add 1 tablespoon ground chaga mushroom, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 tsp. ginger, ½ tsp. cardamom, ½ tsp. smashed whole star anise and a pinch of black pepper. Cover, simmer for 20 minutes. Strain into a mug; add 1 tsp. honey.
Sea buckthorn shot
Alamy Stock Photo“It contains more than 60 antioxidants,” registered dietician Marissa Lippert says of the sea buckthorn berry, which has long been popular in Scandinavia.
Combine 3 ounces carrot juice, 2 ozs. orange juice, ½ oz. lime juice, ½ oz. ginger juice, ¼ tsp. bee pollen, ¼ tsp. elderflower syrup and 1 tsp. sea buckthorn omega-7 oil in a closed container. Shake well.
Red alert smoothie
Alamy Stock Photo“Beets are rich in vitamin C, as well as iron, fiber, folate and potassium,” says Middleberg.
Place 1 cup coconut water, 1 peeled medium beet, 1 carrot, 1 orange, ½ apple, ½-inch peeled fresh ginger and 2 ice cubes in a blender. Blend until smooth.
*All tonics serve 1.
