Fight winter viruses with these hot drinks

Winter means cozy evenings, hot chocolate by the fireplace, but also less cheerful things... Flu, viruses, colds, you need to know how to avoid them! Besides recommended daily habits, such as regular hand washing and protecting yourself from the cold, it's also possible to boost your immunity.

Forget food supplements, there are natural hot drinks that strengthen the immune system like never before. They reduce the risk of catching germs and lessen the intensity of symptoms if illness strikes regardless.

Delicious foods and gourmet recipes, here are the drinks to consume without hesitation for a healthy winter!

Honeybush for better immunity

Honeybush is a hot drink native to South Africa. This herbal tea is made from the leaves of the Cyclopia, a shrub from the Fabaceae family. It is distinguished by its pretty small yellow flowers and its sweet and mild flavor, hence its name "honeybush ".

Honeybush is full of benefits, especially for boosting immunity and for its expectorant properties. With its growing popularity, honeybush is readily available in stores or online as an infusion.

Preparation:

• Heat 300 ml of water until it simmers
• Turn off the heat and add 3g of honeybush infusion, preferably organic.
• Let it steep for about 5 minutes and drink hot

For those who like a sweet taste, add a spoon of honey. Many forget that honey is a 100% natural product, rich in minerals and vitamins that improve immune defense. 

 

Yerba mate infusion for an invigorating day

Yerba mate is a South American plant that has offered a multitude of health benefits for generations. Originating from the green lands of this region, mate is renowned for its energizing and stimulating properties. With its high content of antioxidants and vitamins, this traditional drink is often recommended to improve concentration, increase vitality, and strengthen the immune system.

Preparation:

• Heat water to about 80°C, but be careful not to boil it.
• Fill your gourd halfway with mate leaves.
• Add a little hot water to the gourd and let it sit for a few moments.
• Insert the bombilla (filter straw) into the gourd, so that it touches the mate.
• Slowly pour hot water over the mate leaves until they are completely submerged.

Enjoy your mate infusion for its taste, halfway between tea and coffee. Whether it's to start the day on the right foot or for an afternoon energy boost, a mate infusion is the ideal companion for a dynamic and serene day.

Lapacho infusion for a peaceful winter

Lapacho is a tree known for centuries for its therapeutic properties. Also native to South America, it stimulates immunity and has anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antioxidant virtues. This is why lapacho is often recommended against pulmonary infections and digestive disorders! It does not contain theine like Rooibos.

Preparation:

• Heat 300 ml of water and immerse 2 to 3g of lapacho
• You can add a piece of cinnamon stick to complement its woody taste
• Let it steep for about 6 minutes before consuming

Chicken soup for a strong immune system

The chicken soup, straight from the USA, is a very popular soup in winter. To boost your immune system, herbal teas are not the only ones that count, even if they are a must!

Several studies confirm that chicken soup is so rich in nutrients that it undeniably improves immune defenses. It is also a low-calorie and appetite-suppressing recipe.

Preparation:

• For 3 people, put 500g of chicken (breast or thigh) in a pot and cover with 1.5 L of water
• Cut and add to the pot 2 carrots, a stalk of celery, half a leek and 1 peeled onion
• Add herbs, namely a bay leaf, a crushed garlic clove, a pinch of salt and a grind of pepper
• Bring everything to a boil and cover the pot before letting it cook for 2 hours
• Then, strain the preparation and retrieve the chicken to shred it
• Put the chicken in the broth and consume the soup hot

Thyme tea for a thousand benefits

Thyme is one of the most interesting herbs from a nutritional point of view. Its properties are numerous: anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, rich in vitamins A, B, C, and K, as well as iron and calcium... a true superfood!

All its benefits contribute to boosting the immune system and help reduce wet coughs in case of winter illnesses.

Preparation:

• Once 300 ml of water has simmered, turn off the heat
• Then immerse 3g of dried thyme
• Let it steep for 3 to 5 minutes and consume without moderation

Note: for infusions and teas, it is best never to bring the water to a rolling boil. Water that is too hot can degrade the taste and properties of the leaves.

 

Turmeric infused drink to fight against viruses

Turmeric has been used in Indian medicine for over 2000 years. Today, millions of people use it to treat various ailments, as its benefits are manifold.

Turmeric is a superfood that supports the immune system, but not only! It is also:

• Antioxidant
• Full of protective active ingredients
• Anti-inflammatory
• Gastrointestinal protector
• Pain reliever

It is therefore quite natural that turmeric infusion becomes the ideal companion for winter. And you'll see, it can be flavored at will!

Preparation:

• Put a pinch of turmeric in 200 ml of heated water
• Add half a squeezed lemon juice and 2 fresh mint leaves.
• Let the preparation infuse for 5 minutes, covered, then enjoy.
• Or discover our homemade turmeric green tea recipe!

Mulled wine… the surprising winter drink!

During the Christmas period or at a market, the desire to drink a small mulled wine becomes irresistible. With its aromatic and spicy scent, mulled wine has very interesting properties to strengthen your body's immunity.

But be careful to consume it in moderation! Even if it reduces the risk of succumbing to a winter illness, overconsumption is harmful.

Preparation:

• Pour 750 ml of red wine into a saucepan.
• Add 2 tablespoons of cane sugar, 2 tablespoons of honey, 2 organic orange slices, one star anise, one cinnamon stick, the zest of half a lemon, and one ginger slice.
• Then, bring the mixture to a boil and reduce to low heat.
• Let it infuse on the heat for 8 to 12 minutes maximum and consume hot.
• Or enjoy our prepared Christmas spices for guaranteed success!
• To go further: 4 essential recipes in our Christmas article.

Now you are ready to resist the dangers of winter, while enjoying yourself!