By: Andrea Sarjeant, CNP

Here’s a great recipe for a winter tonic that will warm you up wherever you take it! If you read Dr. Kathleen’s last post, you know that plenty of warming and immune boosting spices already live in your kitchen cupboard.

Here’s a recipe for a steeped tea that you can make with simple ingredients. It will keep you warm and healthy during this cold weather:

Ginger is a peripheral circulatory stimulant, which means that it’s great for people with cold hands or feet. Adding ginger to your food or sipping on ginger tea can even increase nutrient absorption. Cinnamon is a warming spice that will help to keep you from getting sick, thanks to its antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. And cinnamon can help to boost your mood. Ancient folklore says that the smell of cinnamon helps to ward off the winter blues.

Ginger and Cinnamon Winter Tonic

In a large mason jar or teapot, combine:

1” piece of ginger, sliced (peel it if it’s not organic)
1 cinnamon stick
Honey, maple syrup or stevia to taste (although I don’t find that it needs it)

Cover with boiling water and allow to steep until cool enough to drink. You can continue to top up with boiling water for several steeps.

Enjoy!