6 Immune System Strengtheners in Your Teacup!
Health is everything! So, we have put together a list of top healing herbs and spices from all over the world that boost your immune system. Here is the first batch. Please keep an eye out for more in our next post.
#1: Turmeric Boosts the Immune System
Turmeric is a natural way to help bolster the immune system. Curcumin is the orange-yellow component of Turmeric that is known for its abundance of anti-inflammatory effects. Curcumin is a potent immunomodulatory agent and has been known to be highly effective both as a treatment and to stave off those dreaded, dreaded lurgies before they can land!
Turmeric is a cornerstone ingredient in our full range of Taka Turmeric teas and drinks. For dedicated turmeric fans, we even produce our own organic Taka Turmeric capsules with black pepper extract!
Our Turmeric Comes from India
Turmeric is a pungent Asian spice with a fascinating heritage. The fleshy root of the turmeric plant (Curcuma longa) is dried and ground to produce a finely powdered spice with a lustrous golden colour. As well as being an essential ingredient in Indian curries, Turmeric also plays an important role in traditional Ayurvedic philosophy.
Turmeric is a spice that requires careful blending. The flavour is uniquely earthy, with a slight tang. There's also a hint of peppery heat. While not particularly distinctive on its own, Turmeric works behind the scenes to transform its sister spices into a symphony of deliciousness.
One of the most notable compounds found in Turmeric is curcumin. Curcumin is also used to give Turmeric its saffron colouring, as it is extracted from turmeric root and sold as a popular dietary supplement. Curcumin is even more effective when combined with black pepper. To boost the bioavailability of the curcumin in our Taka Turmeric products, many of our recipes feature a pinch of black pepper.
#2: Ginger Is a Go-To Immune System Booster
Ginger can boost immune health because of its incredible anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Combating inflammation helps to enhance immune response and keep your immune system strong. A great detox, Ginger has been said to combat chills and fever!
Our Ginger Is from India Too
The ginger plant, Zingiber officinale, is a close relative of Turmeric. In both plants, the roots are used to make delicious organic spices that flavour our Taka teas, drinks, and supplements.
Ginger is a spice with a long history – it plays a particularly important role in traditional Ayurvedic healing. Although Ginger is recorded as being widely used in ancient India and the Far East, the spice was introduced to Europe by the Romans in the first century AD.
Ginger has a hot, stimulating flavour. When paired with a little lemon, Ginger makes a deliciously comforting tea that lifts the spirits. Our Ginger is a particularly tasty example!
#3: Lemons Are Amazing for The Immune System
Lemon is also an anti-inflammatory because of its antioxidants. High in vitamin C, with far-reaching antiviral and antibacterial properties, it enhances the immune system wonderfully. It is known to improve the function of natural killer cells. This is a vital help in eliminating infection and aiding in antimicrobial activity.
Our Lemon Peel Comes from Spain
Fresh and uplifting, lemon peel is the main source of aromatic lemon oil. In our Taka Tea blends, lemon peel vitalises the other spices, leaving a fresh, sunshine zing on the palette.
We only use lemon peel that is 100% organic. This ensures that our source lemons are entirely free from waxes, pesticides and other harmful substances.
The best example of our lemon peel blending is our Ginger and lemon recipe. Lemon and Ginger have a natural affinity, which is superbly demonstrated in this refreshingly fruity blend.
#4: Hibiscus Is an Immune System Power Flower!
Hibiscus is rich in high levels of vitamin C and has immense antibacterial properties. Vitamin C can also prevent allergic reactions and fight infections. Hibiscus is also jam-packed with Vitamin A and Vitamin B-1. All of this means a natural, effective boost to your immune system, protecting you from germs.
Our Hibiscus Is Grown in Egypt
The scarlet flowers of Hibiscus sabdariffa are used across the world to brew refreshingly tangy drinks. In Arabic countries, a sweetened Hibiscus tea called Karkade is a popular refreshment that’s served both hot and cold.
In Mexico, ‘Flor de Jamaica’ are dried Hibiscus flowers and petals that can be bought in health food stores for brewing a refreshing ‘Jamaica tea’ at home.
We use 100% organically grown flowers and petals to give our special hibiscus tea blend a deliciously fruity tang.
#5: Delicious Cinnamon Can Help Boost Your Immune System
Cinnamon is an immune stimulator, protecting the body from bacterial or viral attacks. It helps your body fight infections and repair tissue damage. All the antioxidants are super powerful when it comes to bringing those anti-inflammatory properties. Cinnamon also contains manganese, calcium, fibre, and iron. As a delicious addition to many foods and beverages, it is so easy to get that healthy goodness in us!
Our Ceylon Cinnamon Is Grown in Sri Lanka
In our Taka Turmeric tea recipes, we use 100% organic Ceylon cinnamon. This sustainably grown spice is made from rolled quills of Cinnamomum verum bark. Cultivated mainly in Indonesia, this true form of cinnamon is famous for its delectable aroma and flavour.
Cinnamon is a deliciously fragrant, woody spice that’s often associated with festive treats like Christmas cakes and mulled wine. In India, cinnamon is an Ayurvedic spice that forms one of the main ingredients of Garam Masala.
Ceylon cinnamon adds subtle warmth and complexity to many of our spiced tea recipes.
#6: Red Bush Tea Can Help Keep Your Immune System in The Black!
The Red Bush, or Rooibos, has scientifically proven health benefits. It is rich in polyphenols, and these are invaluable in helping to fight colds and infections and boosting the immune system. What are polyphenols? They are microscopic antioxidants that are anti-inflammatory and antiviral. Seriously, it's a brilliant plant!
Our Red Bush Tea, Aka Rooibos, Comes From South Africa
Rooibos is a delectably different South African tea bush that has taken the world by storm. Also known as Redbush, the rooibos shrub (Aspalathus linearis) only thrives on the lower slopes of the Cederberg mountains to the north of Cape Town.
The best rooibos tea has a rich copper colour and a mildly sweet, earthy flavour. Rooibos pairs well with almost any ingredient to create incredibly satisfying and moreish taste combinations.
Rooibos is a naturally caffeine-free tea that’s ideal for evening drinking. Try our Golden Vanilla recipe to experience a top-quality, organic rooibos tea blended with natural vanilla.
We hope this list helps!
Feel free to order our teas, packed with these ingredients. And watch out for our next post, with more super-food immune-boosters!
Our Masala Chai tea bag ingredients are Turmeric, Black Tea Nam Lanh, Ceylon Cinnamon, Desiccated Coconut, Cardamom, Fennel, Black Pepper, and Clove.
Our Rooibos & Vanilla tea bag ingredients are Turmeric, Rooibos, Desiccated Coconut, Ceylon Cinnamon, Liquorice, Vanilla Pod, Star Anise, and Black Pepper.
Our Ginger & Lemon tea bag ingredients are Turmeric, Ginger, Desiccated Coconut, Lemon Peel, Rose Hip, Fenugreek, and Black Pepper.
Our Hibiscus & Cinnamon tea bag ingredients are Hibiscus, Turmeric, Desiccated Coconut, Ceylon Cinnamon, Liquorice, Orange Peel, Star Anise, Clove, and Black Pepper.
Click here for our online tea shop. Also, check out our Turmeric Capsule – a pop of gorgeous glow in 100% organic capsules.
To your vibrant health!
The Taka Tea(m)
P.S: Please note that using any natural products in excess for healing purposes requires a discussion with your doctor first.
