The holidays mean food, family, fun and cheer! They also mean being exposed to lots of people from near and far (and any viruses they might be carrying), eating perhaps less healthy than usual, and clocking in fewer hours of sleep. All of these factors combined may make for a fun holiday season, but they can wreak havoc on your health when these habits are sustained for more than a day or two.

We’ve collected healthy tea recipes can boost your immune system, calm inflammation and bloating, and help your body function at its peak even while you enjoy a Christmas cookie or two. Brew yourself a cup once or twice a day, or make a big batch to share with your loved ones to help everyone keep colds and flus at bay.

Happy holidays, and happy brewing!

For an Immune Boost

Lemon and cayenne will help your body flush any toxins from your blood and lymph systems.

Ingredients

• 1 heaping tablespoon fresh ginger
• 1 cup water
• ½ lemon
• 1 dash cayenne

Procedure

• Step 1: Peel and chop ginger into chunks. For 1 cup, aim for about 1 heaping Tbs.
• Step 2: Boil water. Turn off the heat, and let the water cool down for a minute. Pour the hot water over the ginger pieces, which you’ve placed at the bottom of a large coffee mug. Let the hot water steep over the ginger by itself for about 2 minutes.
• Step 3. Cut a lemon in half and squeeze it into the mug.
• Step 4: Give at least one good shake of cayenne pepper right into the tea.
• Step 5: Sweeten with a packet of Stevia or some honey.

For Bloating and Post-Meal Discomfort

This tea contains fennel seeds and ginger, which help stimulate digestion by increasing the flow of bile and relaxes the muscles. Peppermint and chamomile are very relaxing for the stomach muscles and help allow gases to flow more naturally.

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon dried chamomile flowers
• 1 teaspoon dried peppermint leaves
• 1 teaspoon fennel seeds, lightly crushed
• 1/2 teaspoon dried cut ginger pieces (not ground)
• 8 ounces boiling water
• Honey to taste (optional)

Procedure

Combine the chamomile, fennel, ginger, and peppermint in a tea pot or mug. Pour boiling water over. Cover and steep for 10 minutes. Strain tea, then sweeten with honey, if desired.

For Conquering an Existing Cold

Sharp spices like ginger and turmeric are power ingredients for knocking out a cold or infection quickly. When they work together, they reduce inflammation and rebuild the immune system all at once. Ginger is also an antiseptic, which means it prevents the growth of disease.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces hot water
• Juice of ½ lemon
• 1 tablespoon raw Manuka honey
• 1 to 2-inch pieces fresh ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Procedure

In a small saucepan, put ginger, turmeric and water and bring to a boil. Cover and let simmer for about 20 minutes. Next add lemon, honey, and cinnamon. Let sit for a few minutes. Enjoy.

For Better Sleep

Chamomile not only relaxes your body for better sleep, but it is also full of antioxidants to help keep you healthy and strong.

Ingredients

• 2 cups drinking water
• 2 tablespoons dried chamomile in a tea bag or 2 chamomile tea sachets (organic if possible)
• 1-3 teaspoons cold-pressed coconut oil
• 1 1/2 cup unsweetened plant milk of choice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• (a pinch of black pepper, optional)
• 1 tablespoon raw honey (Manuka honey if possible) or more to taste

Procedure

• Bring water to a boil in a sauce pan.
• Turn off the heat, then add chamomile and let steep for 3-5 minutes.
• Discard the chamomile.
• Now stir in milk, coconut oil, turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, (black pepper) and honey.
• Taste and add more honey, coconut oil or spices if you prefer.