Ginger is among the healthiest spices there is! It is rich with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that are beneficial in the treatment of many ailments and diseases. From helping with symptoms of nausea to improving digestion and brain function, ginger is a clear winner when it comes to foods that help us look after our health. Read more about the benefits of ginger here.
Ayurvedically, ginger is known to primarily influence the digestive and respiratory systems. It works on all tissues in the body and is indicated for conditions such as colds, flues, indigestion, arthritis, headaches and heart disease. Energetically, ginger is sweet and pungent in taste, heating in energy and has a sweet post-digestive effect on the body. In Ayurveda, ginger is praised as one of the best and the most sattvic of the spices.
I love ginger and eat it every day! I add it to my hot water in the mornings (along with lemon and honey), eat a piece of ginger with salt to stimulate digestion before lunch and use it in most of the dishes that I cook. Ginger is great for stimulating and improving digestion and it is also excellent for strengthening the immune system. As we move closer to the winter season, characterised by an increase of colds and flu, it is particularly important to take extra measures to keep our immunity strong. This Ginger Immunity Support Elixir is just the ticket to keep you healthy through the winter months!
You will need a food processor or a blender to prepare this recipe as well as a 300ml jar. If possible, use organic ginger and ensure that you only use raw organic and local honey. Not all salt is the same. It is important that you use rock salt, as indicated in the recipe; second best is sea salt and a big no-no to table salt. Once prepared store the elixir in the fringe for up to 2 weeks.
GINGER IMMUNITY SUPPORT ELIXIR
STIMULATES DIGESTION / IMPROVES IMMUNITY
GOOD FOR VATA AND KAPHA TYPES
PITTA TYPES SHOULD CONSUME IN MODERATION
200 g of Raw Root Ginger 200g (organic if possible)
4 Medium Sized Lemons
6 tablespoons of Organic Raw Honey
1 tsp White Rock Salt
1/2 tsp Black Pepper
Peel and roughly chop ginger root - no need to peel if you are using organic ginger. Add to a food processor or a blender. Squeeze the lemons into the to blender. Blend for a few minutes until liquified. Add honey, salt and pepper and blend again to mix everything together. Pour into a 300ml jar and store in the fridge.
To consume - Mix 1/4 to 1 tsp of elixir in a cup of warm water. A teaspoon of this elixir can also be added to smoothies, soups and mixed in tea.
A word of caution - because this elixir contains honey, make sure that the temperature of the water is below 60c, not boiling or too hot. The water should be comfortable to drink straight up - not burn your tongue. Cool the water down before adding the elixir. According to Ayurveda, honey should not be heated as it becomes toxic for the body at high temperature.
My teacher, Deepa Apte, recommends taking the elixir 15 minutes before food to stimulate digestion / 15 minutes after food to aid digestion and relieve the feeling of heaviness after food / in a glass of warm water first thing in the morning to aid weight loss / every four hours to relieve congested sinuses and chest congestion / during a cleanse / daily, as part of a healthy lifestyle.