By Joel Simoes

There’s a treasure trove of whole foods and herbs that support the vast mechanisms of our immune systems. The ingredients selected for this concoction were chosen for their harmony in creating a delicious drink, while offering a broad spectrum of bodily support for us during these intense and stressing times. These ingredients are also easy to find, and some you may already have in stock, so let’s get started!

1. Fill a kettle or pot with a lid with 2 cups of spring or purified water. Bring to a boil, then add 1 teaspoon of Tulsi (powder or loose leaf tea) and 1 teaspoon of Thyme loose leaf tea. If you are growing this perennial herb, using a few fresh sprigs of Thyme instead is even better! Turn off heat, and let the tea steep covered for at least 15 minutes. You can keep it warm in your oven at lowest heat setting if you want to enjoy your elixir hot instead of just warm.

2. Place the following ingredients into a blender:
   • 1” long piece of Ginger (skin peeled & thinly sliced). Use more if you really like its intense flavour.
   • 2 Medjool Dates (pitted and chopped for thorough blending)
   • 1 Tablespoon Coconut Cream (you can substitute with 2 tbsp. of shredded coconut)
   • 1 Tablespoon Raw Honey
   • 1 Teaspoon Cinnamon Powder
   • ½ Teaspoon Turmeric Powder (if you have access to fresh turmeric use it same as the ginger)
   • 2 Cardamom Pods (shell removed use just the inner seeds)
   • 1 Banana
   • 3” piece of Aloe Vera Leaf (cut away outer skin use just its inner clear gel). Remainder of Aloe leaf can be stored in the fridge for a few days. It has many uses.
3. Strain the hot tea directly into the blender. If using a high speed blender, 20 seconds is enough to pulverize the ingredients and create a smooth drink. For low end machines blend for up to 1 minute to create a smooth drink. Makes approximately a 3 cup serving. You can alter quantities and add other immune boosting herbs to this drink to suit your preferences and needs! Have this as a daily drink during periods of increased stress, as a tonic support for your immune, nervous and digestive systems!

Some ingredient highlights:

Honey is loaded with essential minerals and phytochemicals that support white blood cells, and so much more. Turmeric balances inflammatory responses when the body is overworking itself to fend off against pathogens. Ginger is a capable aid for combating pathogens and its soothing qualities can offer pain relief on various tissues. Cinnamon is an antioxidant powerhouse and has an impressive nutritional profile that supports the body through periods of challenged immunity, or in any situation of digestive trouble. Cardamom shares ma ny hea l i ng attributes with ginger a nd ci n na mon, working to ease phlegm, congestion, and offers relief for all manner of digestive discomforts. Thyme is a powerful antiviral herb and able to ease a stressed nervous system. Tulsi is capable of easing excessive secretions from the lungs and supporting overall wellbeing of the respiratory system, while also calming the nervous system. Bananas are perfect fuel for the brain and topping up our energy reserves, while sporting powerful compounds to neutralize pathogenic bacteria, yeasts and viruses. Aloe Vera is a miracle food capable of restoring damaged bodily tissues, especially along the digestive tract; it is antimicrobial and purifies the blood along with easing oxidative stress.