Got a cold? Have the flu? Have indigestion or an upset stomach? Have the blues? Have nausea? Need a dose of Vitamin C? Need an immune system boost? Need to ease inflammation? Need to improve gut health? The ‘Kick It Tonic‘ may be your answer!! These are all different questions and yet are related in the sense they can possibly be answered with a healthy diet. I strongly believe in a healthy diet to prevent all of these. But sometimes stress creeps in and then the crud has an open door.
I don’t often get a cold but one year in Houston I did. I happened to be working at Whole Foods Market on Shepherd Drive. One of the nutritionists, Guillermo, suggested making a warm tonic of a small piece of ginger, one red apple, juice of one lemon, one red onion, and a tablespoon of honey. Guillermo said to place all of these ingredients in a pot with some water and to bring to a boil and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes. Let it cool, blend it all up, strain it, and then drink either cold or as a warm tea every day and I would begin to feel better. Did it work? I felt better physically and became healthier in spirit.
This tonic is loaded with Vitamin C, B6, Potassium, Manganese, Copper, and has over 29 different minerals. Ginger, Onion, Apple, Lemon, and Honey may help with inflammation, warding off germs, lower blood sugar, and boost the immune system. They are loaded with antioxidants, may aid in the relief of nausea, indigestion, improve gut health, anemia, aid in the prevention of kidney stones, and ease the symptoms of colds and flu or prevent the start of such ailments.
Everyone has to do what they feel necessary to take care of their body both physically and mentally. I use this tonic as one small piece for both. It makes me feel good. Give the ‘Kick It Tonic‘ a shot or two!!
Ingredients:
1 large piece of fresh ginger, about 5 ounces, chopped (you do not have to peel)
2 large lemons, chopped, seeded as much as possible, keep the rind attached
1 large red apple, chopped and seeded, do not peel
1 medium sized red onion, chopped
1/4 to 1/3 cup of raw honey
3 cups of water
Directions:
Place all ingredients in a pot large enough to hold all of this. Bring to a boil on medium high heat and then lower the heat and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes. Turn off the heat and let in cool completely in the pot. Pour into a blender and blend very well. Using a jelly bag, cheese cloth, or a fine mesh strainer, strain the blended ingredients. Store in a large glass container and keep in the fridge.
*NOTE: You can tweak this by adding other ingredients such as: echinacea, turmeric root, pine needles, and any other ingredient you might deem healthy to use. Do your own research and create your own tonic. Sometimes, I warm up a shot of the tonic and add it to some freshly made green tea. Ginger can be an acquired taste and some do not like. I suggest taking a small piece, peeling it, slicing it, and adding to some green tea to see if you like or can withstand the heat of ginger. Ginger is not spicy but does have a heat level. Physical Health and Mental Health can never be separated. You have to take care of both.
Cheers, Drew Frederic