Post-Holiday Detox Tea

By Megan Tempest in Food on Jan 4, 2010 5:00PM

To recover from the holidays, and prepare for a few more months of winter, this healthy hot tea will give your digestive tract and immune system a powerful boost.

Ginger and cayenne pepper are common ingredients in many herbal remedies. Both improve digestion and nutrient absorption by stimulating digestive secretions, such as hydrochloric acid. Ginger and cayenne also promote optimal circulation, make our blood less “sticky”, and strengthen our immune system to ward off cold and flu. The addition of lemon juice not only makes this tea more palatable, but also adds antioxidants. According to traditional Chinese medicine, lemon juice promotes blood detoxification by stimulating secretion of liver enzymes.

Drink this tea often, especially when you’re feeling under the weather.

Ginger Lemon Detox Tea

You'll need: 4 cups water, ¼ cup peeled, grated fresh ginger root, 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper, juice of one lemon, sweetener (preferably agave nectar or honey)

To prepare the tea: In a saucepan, bring water to a boil. Toss in the grated ginger and cayenne pepper. Reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes. Remove from heat, and the lemon juice. Strain the tea into a pitcher. Sweeten to taste and enjoy.