Autumn Elixir Tea

Lemons are high in vitamin C, which helps boost immune function. It’s also high in antioxidants. They may also help with heart health, and help prevent anemia and kidney stones. (Read more on the health benefits.)

Ginger provides a warm, mild heat with a pungent earthy flavor. There’s a subtle sweetness to it, making it perfect in both savory and sweet applications. Since it was one of the first spices carried from the East to Europe by Arab traders, it’s become one of the most universal. Across Asia, It’s used in savory cuisines, candied, pickled, and used to make traditional teas and beverages. Ginger root has been a traditional medicine for centuries across many cultures. It’s been used for indigestion, aches, pains, and fighting the flu and the common cold. The component that gives fresh ginger its power is gingerol, a bioactive compound that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Among its many benefits, gingerol can help boost the immune system and fights off infections. There are some other ginger benefits as well. It may help with brain function and even lower the risk of developing Alzheimer’s. Both menstrual pains and chronic indigestion can be improved with ginger, as well as muscle fatigue and soreness. There’s some evidence that ginger can lower cholesterol and blood sugar. Last but certainly not least, ginger is being studied for possible cancer-fighting properties. (Read more on the health benefits.)

Cinnamon: There are over three hundred species of trees in the Cinnamomum genus, but only a couple are used to cultivate the popular spice. Ceylon cinnamon is often called “true cinnamon,” but the far more common variety is cassia. Both are derived from the inner bark of their perspective trees. Cinnamon is packed with antioxidants and may have anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties. It also has compounds that may help with insulin sensitivity and blood sugar levels. (Read more on the health benefits.)

Turmeric is earthy, with a slightly bitter mustard-like undertone. It’s used mainly in savory dishes throughout Asia and the Middle East. Although, it’s used for a few traditional sweets, such as sfouf, a type of almond cake popular in Lebanon. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds. It was also help with heart health, arthritis, and depression. (Read more on the health benefits.)

Cayenne is a spicy pepper is named from a corrupted pronunciation of quiínia, an Old Tupi word for pepper. The French Guiana city Cayenne was most likely named for the pepper and not the other way around. It is classed as a moderately hot pepper, rated between 30,000 to 50,000 SHU. It is a good “beginner” pepper if you enjoy spice but are unused to more potent varieties. As a hot pepper, cayenne contains capsaicin, a compound which may help with pain relief, boosting the metabolism, improve digestive health, and with psoriasis. (Read more on the health benefits.)

Honey contains trace amounts of local pollen, amino acids, antioxidants, enzymes, minerals, and vitamins. It is naturally anti-bacterial and anti-microbial and has been shown to suppress coughs and help heal wounds. (Read more on the health benefits.)