Ginger-Turmeric Cold & Flu Elixir

Elixir = noun \i-ˈlik-sər\. : a magical liquid that can cure illness or extend life

Let the magical powers begin!

Ging-Turmeric

Turmeric contains curcumin, which is hailed for its antioxidant properties, antibacterial properties, stimulates our adrenal glands and has even been found to actually help rebuild the immune system. Ginger, its cousin and the other half of this power couple, has been shown to reduce inflammation and is a powerful decongestant. The powers of these herbs are only enhanced when combined with a spice like cayenne or black pepper. -Turmeric Life

Ginger has been used in the treatment and prevention of cancer tumors, it is incredible for digestion and reduces pain and swelling. Ginger is anti-inflammatory, antiseptic (preventing the growth of disease) and an antioxidant. For cold and flu specifically, ginger contains chemicals called sesquiterpenes, which target upper respiratory viruses, namely the common cold. Ginger soothes the stomach and throat, has properties to suppress a cough, and is considered a natural pain and fever reducer. It can also clear nasal passages (just breathe in the hot elixir as you drink!).

Turmeric is also anti-inflammatory, an anti-oxidant and antiseptic. Its active compound, curcumin, is responsible for inhibiting cancer tumor growth, treating arthritis and joint issues, decreasing liver cholesterol, clearing respiratory infections, easing coughs, and improving overall immunity.

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Cayenne pepper is considered anti-irritant, anti-cold and flu and anti-fungal. It aids in digestion, prevents blood clot formation, relieves joint pain, prevents migraines and is used in the treatment for colds and flus. Cayenne’s main component for all of this healing action is its high amount of capsaicin. This particular property also thins and clears mucus and cayenne can reduce fever by bringing your body temperature down.

Manuka Honey is antiviral, antibacterial, antimicrobial and anti-fungal. I wrote a whole post on Manuka honey benefits here: Why I Chose Manuka Honey Over Antibiotics to Treat My 4-Year-Old. This stuff’s fantastic.

Ginger-Turmeric Cold & Flu Elixir Recipe

Bring water to a boil in a sauce pan. Add your ingredients and simmer for 10-12 minutes. Stir. Strain. Drink. And don’t forget to breathe in the elixir if you’re stuffed up. If you are using raw honey, do not add it to the boiling water as it will kill the active nutrients you are going for, wait for it to cool a bit. Manuka honey, however, can be used in hot water without losing its value. Plus, it’s just awesome. Have I mentioned that already? 

Ingredient options to add and play with if you wanna’ go crazy with immune-boosting powers!: apple cider vinegar, raw garlic (minced), cinnamon, lemon

Ginger-Turmeric Cold & Flu Elixir

This recipe is for raw ginger and turmeric root, although you can take these in supplement form. Note: Don’t use turmeric supplements if you have gallstones or bile duct dysfunction. Pregnant women should not use it without their doctors’ approval. In rare cases, extended use can cause stomach upset or heartburn.

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21 Comments

  • Hilary says:

    I woke up with such a sore throat yesterday! Im drinking lemon and honey in hot water now… maybe it’s time to throw in some ginger and cayenne!

    Hilary x thehealthycollective.com

    • Freshly Grown says:

      Absolutely! Go big or go home, right? 🙂

      • John says:

        I boiled 1 cup of water as stated and ended up with about a 1/4 cup. So I’m guessing probably to boil more water but just poor one cup.

  • Lesley Earl says:

    my son 24 has ulcerative colitis and I suggested using turmeric in almond milk . He reported back that he reacted that night poorly (gut wise). So what to do for people who don’t respond well to turmeric. Suggestions? thanks
    I personally have no problems with it.

    • Freshly Grown says:

      I’m sure turmeric + almond milk are beneficial together, but the combination sounds awful to stomach. Wondering how it tasted? Although, I’m pregnant at the moment and had some brutal heartburn and would have taken anything to get rid of it and if I remember I mixed…wait for it…apple cider vinegar + almond milk. AWFUL!!! But, I didn’t care so long as it worked, haha! Back to your question, I would use manuka honey. Read this post, do some research and let me know what you think: http://freshly-grown.com/why-im-choosing-manuka-honey-over-antibiotics-to-treat-my-4-year-old/

      -Rama

  • a says:

    Hi there! This article couldn’t be written much better!
    Reading through this article reminds me of my previous roommate!
    He continually kept talking about this. I will send this article
    to him. Fairly certain he’s going to have a very good read.
    Thanks for sharing!

  • vicky says:

    thanks for the great blog/website

  • Penelope says:

    Thanks so much for the post and recipe!

    Can this be tripled and refrigerated? How long? How often can you drink it? Tips?

    Many Thanks!

    • Yes! Should last a week in the fridge, you can freeze it, too I have heard.

      • Also, this is baby formula so when you wrote ‘how often can you drink it’ I’m assuming you mean for baby, yes? 😉 😉 The amounts are listed, it’s the same amount as regular formula: ounces per their age.

  • SW says:

    Does the turmeric have to be organic?

  • Alex says:

    I love my Vitamix, too, and use it most days of the week! I have to admit, though, I haven’t gtoetn into green smoothies!My formula is1//2 cup do some sort of milk soy, almond, 1%, kefir or yogurt 1/2 cup juice usually orange, but sometimes mango, blueberry 1/2 or 1 frozen banana 1/2 or more frozen fruit strawberries, blueberries, peaches, mango 2 T ground flax seed 1 scoop of whey proteinIt’s amazing, and my husband will drink it with me, and won’t be the case if I go green!I saw the movie, Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead, too. I kept thinking what about Protein????? I love the idea of the fruits and veggies, but how can it be healthy for him to go without protein, which could not have been adequate with 2 months of just juicing?Also protein helps keep me full. I work out, and need the protein for muscle synthesis and repair. So doe everyone! that is why I .ike to put in whey protein or yogurt, etc. But I definitely thought the movie was interesting and inspirational. Recommend it! YDon’t know why I am so nervous about juicing, though, so appreciate the inspiration and dialogue here!

    • I know! I definitely don’t recommend 60 days of straight juicing, that’s just insane! But, it really helped him for where he was at in life and had a doc monitoring him. He was definitely in a fasting state for sure.

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