Many of us feel blindsided when we finally come down with something during cold and flu season. While some people are naturally gifted with better immune systems than others, those of us who need a little help with fighting off respiratory illnesses can get a boost with a nutrient-rich diet and functional drinks. And this Elderberry Citrus Elixir is here to do just that.
Every ingredient in this functional beverage has been chosen to support immune function. While we don’t recommend drinking this every day like you would a daily supplement, you can enjoy it up to twice a week, or before social settings where the risk of infection is higher. For a convenient approach, consider brewing a larger batch of echinacea tea in advance and storing it in the fridge. This allows for quick preparation over the course of a day or two.
Key Health Benefits
- Echinacea stimulates the immune system, possesses antimicrobial properties, and aids in reducing inflammation.
- Elderberries are rich in antioxidants and possess antiviral properties, helping combat inflammation.
- Lemons and oranges provide vitamin C and antioxidants. Vitamin C may potentially reduce the duration and severity of illness symptoms and offers antioxidant benefits. The pith of the citrus fruits is nutrient-dense and contributes to the drink’s nutritional profile without imparting bitterness.
- Dates possess antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal characteristics.
- Cayenne pepper exhibits antimicrobial properties and may stimulate antibody production.
TIPS:
- If you’re able to find echinacea tea with elderberry added, it’s okay to skip the powder.
- Elderberry can interact with certain medications and should only be taken with the approval of your healthcare provider.
- Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) omissions and substitutions are listed in the recipe ingredients.
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Elderberry Citrus Elixir
- Recipe by: Dr. Cynthia Hope
- Serves: 2
- Meal: Beverage
- Serves: 2
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients
2 tsp teabags echinacea tea (or 2 tsp. loose)
1 1/2 cups boiled water
1 lemon
1 orange
1 date, pitted
2 tsp elderberry powder
Cayenne pepper, for garnish (AIP - sub ground ginger)
Directions
Brew echinacea tea in hot water. Cover and let sit for 6 minutes.
While tea is steeping, carefully remove outer peels of the orange and lemon, preserving as much of the white pith as possible.
Quarter both the orange and lemon and place in a high-speed blender.
Add date to blender with elderberry powder.
After the tea has steeped for 6 minutes, squeeze and remove the teabags, then add tea to the blender.
Blend until smooth, exercising caution as the mixture will be hot.
Strain solids from the mixture and divide liquid between two mugs.
Sprinkle cayenne pepper over teas, to taste. Serve warm.
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