Lately, we have been experiencing colder and windier weather and with it comes the flu and cold. It is therefore pertinent that we maintain proper hygiene like washing your hands regularly and staying well clothed and covered. However, should the cold set in nature has provided us with her healing ingredients that can help boost our immune system as well as fight off the cold without spending much at the pharmacy or clinic.
Honey, lime and ginger are nature’s gift to mankind to help fight the flu, boost the immune system and get back into shape as fast as a kite.
Before we go into the preparations, let’s take a look at some of the health benefits each of these natural ingredients have.
Lime: It is said that limes are nutritional powerhouses as they are high in vitamin C, antioxidants, and other nutrients. They also contain small amounts of iron, calcium, vitamin B6, thiamine, potassium, and more. They may help improve immunity, reduce heart disease risk factors, prevent kidney stones, aid iron absorption, promote healthy skin, and lower your risk of certain cancers.
Honey: Honey is said to be fat-free, cholesterol-free, sodium-free and called nature’s sweet nectar. Honey’s antioxidant and antibacterial properties help improve the digestive system and boost immunity. It is also a powerhouse of antioxidants, which are very effective for the removal of free radicals from the body. According to some studies, two teaspoons of honey can help cure a persistent cough. Its antimicrobial properties soothe the throat and kill certain bacteria which cause the infection.
Ginger: The chemical components in ginger helps in shortening/preventing the common cold and is believed to ease stomach pain and aid digestion. Also, its high antioxidant content is likely responsible for fighting off cancer cell growth. In fact, the antioxidants in ginger may even help to slow the ageing process.
Now that we know most of the health benefits of these nature’s own medicine, this is how to prepare a hot cup of Honey-ginger-lime tea to help boost your immune system and fight off the cold and flu.
Ingredients
1½ segment of fresh ginger
Boiling Water
1 medium fresh lime
2–3 Tablespoon of honey
Preparation
Scrape the ginger, slice thinly and put in your cup.
Add boiling water, cover and allow to soak in for at least 5 minutes.
Extract the juice from the lime into the cup. If you like, you can add the body of the squeezed lime too (I do).
Add honey to your desired sweetness.
Stir, and enjoy!
Iboro Tonye-Edet
