ULTIMA'S MAGIC TEA

Mi Maestra Nataline R. Cruz swears by this remedy and this has become a staple when I am under the weather. I share this recipe often. These ingredients are the essentials and I often say, the tea is incomplete without these ingredients but additional ingredients that support wellness only make it better.

This recipe's origin is Bless Me, Ultima by Rudollfo Anaya. Perhaps next time you are under the weather you might start to explore this story.

Below is the recipe--

ULTIMA’S MAGIC TEA 

CHAMOMILE, or tea, is fine as a base or nothing at all if preferred. 

(Caution for those who allergies to the ragweed family)

Chamomile, is a mild, relaxing sleep aid, which will help you get some rest, is great for the treatment of fevers, common colds, stomach ailments. Chamomile is used as an anti-inflammatory, which means it will aid in eliminating pain in the body, such as body aches and joint pain. Chamomile is an antiseptic, is antispasmodic, antipyretic, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and is anti-allergenic.

LEMON

Lemons’ strong antibacterial, antiviral, and immune-boosting powers is a great addition to this recipe because lemon juice is a digestive aid and liver cleanser. Lemons contain many substances--notably citric acid, calcium, magnesium, vitamin C, bioflavonoids, pectin, and limonene--that promote immunity and fight infection.

ONION

Onions have anti-biotic, antiseptic, antimicrobial and carminative properties to help you ward off infections. Onions are rich in sulphur, fibers, potassium, vitamin B, vitamin C. It is an immediate cure for fever, common cold, cough, sore throat, allergies etc. Even a small piece of onion can work against side effects of fever if it’s kept on the fore head. A small piece of onion when inhaled can stop or slow down the bleeding through the nose. An onion a day can cure insomnia or sleeping disorders. This will surely give you a good night sleep. 

GARLIC

Garlic should be a MUST HAVE during cold and flu season. Garlic contains allicin, a naturally occurring antioxidant that may help improve heart health. Compounds in garlic also act as powerful antioxidants. Garlic has the ability to help in the treatment of bacterial infections that are difficult to treat due to the presence of bacteria that have become resistant to prescription antibiotics. Garlic is particularly useful in preparation for cold and flu season, as it contains compounds capable of killing a wide variety of organisms, including viruses and bacteria that can cause earaches, colds and influenza. Because garlic can act as a blood thinner, it’s important for you to check with your doctor before adding large amounts of garlic to your diet if you take any blood-thinning medications (such as Warfarin) or aspirin. 

HONEY

Honey is a great immune system booster. Raw, organic honey is loaded with vitamins, minerals, and enzymes which protect the body from bacteria and boost the immune system. Cold and flu symptoms, such as coughs, sore throats, and congestion are also kept at bay when treated with honey. For those who suffer from indigestion, the antiseptic properties of honey relieve acidity in the stomach and alleviate digestion. Honey also neutralizes gas, becoming the ultimate stomach soother when it comes to the stomach flu. The natural sugars in honey provide a healthy source of calories and energy for the body, esp when we are sick and low on energy.

GINGER

Ginger improves the absorption and assimilation of essential nutrients in the body. Ginger clears the ‘microcirculatory channels’ of the body, including the pesky sinuses that tend to flare up from time to time. Ginger helps with nausea, gas, bloating and digestive imbalances. Ginger, with its anti-inflammatory properties helps with joint pain and body aches. Ginger helps to get rid of throat and nose congestion. 

CINNAMON

By far the best remedy for a horrible stomach bug is cinnamon. It makes sense because cinnamon is a powerful anti-bacterial. Cinnamon is used to help treat muscle spasms, vomiting, diarrhea, infections, the common cold, loss of appetite. Cinnamon can help fight against bacterial and fungal infections.

Boil a large pot of hot water. Add several tea bags 4-5 bags and turn stove to low/simmer. Cut onions, garlic, in chunky pieces and add to pot. Wash the whole lemon and slice into wedges, squeeze juice into pot and then throw wedges into pot. Add about 2 tablespoons of honey and cinnamon both to taste, more or less is fine. Slice fresh ginger root into thin slices and add to pot.

The secret: Pray over it!