Name: Immunity Lemon and Ginger Latte
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 1.5 cup steeped citrus flavoured tea ((I used Lauren Mary Holistics Tropical Turmeric Tea)); 1 tbsp full fat, unsweetened coconut milk; 1 tbsp raw honey ((I used Manuka honey)); ¼ inch fresh ginger; Juice from ½ lemon; ¼ tsp turmeric powder; 1 drop food grade Copaiba oil ((I used doTERRA))

ginger lemon honey tea elixir with coconut butter and white napkin

Sometimes Our Immune System Needs Some Extra Support

This creamy dairy-free Immunity Lemon and Ginger Latte will keep you feeling vibrant whether you’re under the weather, want to support your immune system or you just really love citrus flavours. The immune system is truly incredible. It consistently fights off bugs, helps to regenerate our cells and talks to the rest of our body. But with our fast pace lives, stress and lack of nutrient dense foods, sometimes we get run down and need a little extra support.

This latte was concoted while I was fighting off a nasty cold from too many late nights and stress. I had just received Lauren Mary Holistics new book Plant Potions and was inspired by all her creations. I grabbed her Tropical Turmeric Tonic tea, which I had in the cupboard and started crafting this immune system supportive elixir using full fat coconut milk, manuka honey and doTERRA’s Copaiba essential oil.

ginger lemon honey tea elixir with coconut butter and white napkin with copaiba oil and turmeric

Benefits of the Ingredients:

The Tropical Turmeric Tea is a blend of turmeric root, ginger root, lemongrass, lemon peel, licorice root and goji berries. These are all high in immune supporting nutrients such as vitamin C. I love that this tea also contains licorice root which gives it a natural sweet flavour. Any kind of immune supportive tea will work as well.

The reason for using Manuka honey is because this honey is extremely high in anti-bacterial and anti-viral compounds. It contains a higher level of
methylglyoxal (MG) which is the medicinal compound found in manuka honey. The MG is measured as a Unique Manuka Factor (UMF), typically ranging from 5+ to 20+. The higher the number the higher the concentration of MG. Raw honey is also a great option is you do not have access to Manuka honey.

Fresh lemon, ginger and turmeric all contain invigorating bioflavonoids that are supportive of the immune system and also taste delicious. Turmeric is rich in a component called curcumin which scientists have found to be affective in reducing some inflammatory responses (source).

Copaiba oil is an interesting essential oil sourced from the resin of the Copaiba tree. It contains a high level of beta-caryophyllene (BCP) which is recognized by the bodies innate endocannabinoid system. BCP acts directly on the CB2 pathways of the endocannabinoid system which are predominately found in the immune system (source).

That’s a lot of medicinal and nutritional benefits in one cup.