I like to start my autumn mornings with the so-called health elixir, with a hefty dose of ginger and chamomile. It’s a quick and easy way to warm up the body in the morning.
Autumn, in my opinion, smells like ginger and cardamom.
Their intensity can give a unique character to our infusions and dishes. I always try to keep cardamom in a jar so that it does not lose its intensity.
Every time I open it, this captivating aroma absorbs me fully.
On the other hand, I cut ginger into various pieces and put it in tightly closed boxes in the freezer to always have it in stock.
Both of these autumn spices, in addition to their magical aroma, due to their warming properties and antibacterial properties, are valuable means of fighting colds, infections and even malaise.
I like to start my autumn mornings with the so-called health elixir (mentioned in the article on the immune system), with a hefty dose of ginger and chamomile. An easy and quick way to warm up the body in the morning or during your evening after a cold or long autumn walk.
Ingredients:
- 2 – 3 cm Fresh, chopped Ginger
- 2 tablespoons of dried chamomile
- 3 cups of water
- If you are a fan of honey you can add 1-2 teaspoons of Manuka honey, honeydew honey or eucalyptus honey. ( I stop adding honey since working on my sugar balance and try to add different habits to my daily choices. )
Method:
- Boil ginger and chamomile on low heat for about 20 minutes.
- Strain and pour into cups.
- When the decoction lightly cools, add a teaspoon of your favourite honey.
Honey - according ayurvedic medicine - is a beautiful ingredient in our diet that strengthens the immune system. Still, it should be treated gently and not added to boiling water, baking or frying because the high temperature deprives it of nutrients.
On the other hand, rainy and cold autumn evenings will warm you up with an coconut milk drink accompanied by cardamom, ginger and cinnamon
Ingredients:
- 1 cm of fresh ginger
- ½ teaspoon of cinnamon
- 3 of cardamom seeds (shells)
- 1 cup of coconut milk ( unsweetened )
- 1 tea spoon MCT oil
Method:
- Grate the ginger and put it in a slightly heated pot
- Peel the cardamom from its shells, crush it in a mortar, and then add it to the ginger pot.
- Stir lightly and add the cinnamon.
- After a short while, add a cup of coconut milk.
- Stir again and heat up without bringing it to a boil.
- When the drink is warm, pour it into a mug ( also if you are fun with honey add half a teaspoon of our favourite type.)
- When I feel a slight cold or fatigue, I add a teaspoon of grated turmeric and a pinch of pepper to the ginger and cardamom mix.
- I heat it together, then add the milk and simmer it without bringing it to a boil.
As Turmeric will strengthen our immune system and put us on our feet faster, is always more than welcome in my kitchen.
On cool autumn days or when you feel cold, it is also
good to take a soothing bath in mineral salts, ginger
infusions or a sage bath.
With love NvL.
Front picture by Vlada Karpovich