It’s cold season and there are a few things you can do to boost your immune system, like eating healthy, exercise or taking an immune boosting elixir. Not too sure what an elixir is? Never mind, it’s simply a fancy way of saying tonic. Said elixir shots are packed with vitamins and anti-oxidants which are so important for the intake of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
Literally the high concentration of vitamins and minerals will assist you to drink the rainbow each day.
The good news is you don’t need a fancy juicer to make DIY wellness shots. A high-speed blender, food processor, immersion blender, or even a hand grater will work. But make sure to buy a mesh strainer — it’ll make the process much easier.
Just follow these easy steps:
1. Blend up your goodies.
2. Place a mesh strainer over a wide-mouthed jar.
3. Pour the blended mixture into the strainer.
4. Press the pulp against the strainer to get all that nutritious juice out
You can prepare these in a juicer the night before and store them overnight in the fridge. So, all you have to do when you wake up is take a quick shot.
Here are a few quick and easy combinations you can try to get you started.
1. Immune Boosting Ginger Shots
If you’ve got the sniffles, try this natural remedy to boost your immunity and stop a cold in its tracks. Ginger helps clear your airways and soothes a sore throat, while turmeric helps fight inflammation.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 apple
- 2 lemons
- 5 cm piece of ginger root
- 5 cm piece of turmeric root
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Wash all the ingredients and peel them if they’re not organic.
- Chop the ingredients and put everything through the juicer.
2. Apple Pie Vinegar Elixir
Apple cider vinegar is a good source of B vitamins and vitamin C, and contains acetic acid, which is known for boosting the absorption of minerals from foods. The tartness of the vinegar is tamed by fresh apple juice, honey, ginger and cinnamon. Top with a splash of sparkling water for a bubbly sip.
INGREDIENTS
- 1-2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 apple or ¼ cup apple juice
- small knob of fresh ginger (about 1 teaspoon)
- ⅛ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon of honey or maple syrup
- 1 glass of water or sparkling water
INSTRUCTIONS
If using, juice the apple and the ginger together. Alternatively pour the apple juice into a large glass and using a microplane, grate a tiny bit of ginger into the glass. Add the apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, honey or maple syrup and water and stir to combine. Taste and add more sweetener if desired.
The Early Riser: Beet, Pineapple, Carrot and Lemon Juice
Squeezing in a morning workout? This early riser beet shot is what you need to get your body into gear before your workout. Studies have shown that beets can help improve your sports performance during high-intensity exercise.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 beet, peeled
- 2 carrots, roughly peeled
- 1 cup pineapple
- 1 lemon
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Cut veggies and fruit into pieces small enough to fit in juicer.
2. Remove visible seeds from lemon but keep peel on it for an extra zip.
3. Slowly add produce to juicer, one by one, until you’ve juiced it all!
4. Enjoy chilled.
5. Balance Elixir
Maca has quite the reputation for assisting to balance your hormones. Cinnamon can help you keep the sugar cravings away come 3pm making this elixir the perfect balancing tonic for you mid-afternoon!
- 1/4 cup coconut or almond milk
- 1/2 - 1 tbsp maca powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 Medjool date, pitted
Method
- Blend all ingredients together in your blender until smooth and creamy! Drink straight away.
6. Cleansing Elixir
Try this elixir for a week and notice how good you feel! The gel of Aloe Vera contains enzymes, minerals, anti-microbial and amino acids that will aid digestion, reduce inflammation and help cleanse your body, combine it with hydrating cucumber and you'll be on your way to feeling cleansed, rejuvenated and hydrated.
- 2 Aloe Vera stems, skinned
- 1 small cucumber
- 1 tbsp green
- Handful of fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup coconut water (if you need extra liquid)
METHOD:
- Juice all ingredients and drink immediately.
7. Energy Tonic
Combining coffee with grass-fed butter and coconut oil can assist with better brain function, a longer lasting energy and boost your metabolism.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 shot of organic coffee
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- 1 tbsp organic grass-fed butter
Blend all ingredients together until smooth and creamy!
Elixir tonics are like a super-concentrated shot of goodness to boost your vitality and have your body feeling on top of the world! Especially if you’re in a busy phase of your life, a portable juice shot could be a convenient way to get some of your nutrients.
Date Published: 04 July 2022