Breathe Easy Tea

Every year, without fail, I'm sure to come down with some sort of respiratory illness.

That's why, some years ago after researching different home remedies for just such an occasion, I concocted this recipe to give myself some relief from that icky mucus and respiratory inflammation.

First, if you don't already have a tea infuser, I highly reccomend adding at least some simple ones like these from Amazon to your stock of kitchen gadgets.

If you're already battling the crud and don't have an infuser, a coffee filter and a rubber band over a coffee mug or tea cup will work just fine as a strainer. You'll want to be sure to pour slowly after steeping, so as not to spill the hot tea.

Besides the infuser, you'll need:

Lemons - for their antibacterial properties and vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system
 - Or substitute 2 drops pure food grade Vitality Lemon Essential Oil

Bay leaves - to reduce mucus

Thyme - to clear away mucus and strengthen lungs to fight the bacteria that causes bronchitis

Ginger Root - to reduce inflammation, strengthen the immune system, and soothe irritated bronchial tubes
 - Or substitute 1 drop pure food grade Vitality Ginger Essential Oil

Cloves (whole or ground) - high in antioxidants and contain antimicrobial properties

Cinnamon - loaded with antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antibacterial properties 
 - Or substitute 1 drop pure food grade Vitality Cinnamon Bark Essential Oil

Honey - to fight bacteria that cause bronchitis and soothe the throat

In the infuser, place:

1 tsp grated lemon rind (or 2 drops pure food grade Vitality Lemon Essential Oil directly in pot)

1 bay leaf, crunched

1/2 teaspoon dried Thyme leaves

1 tsp ginger root, peeled and minced (or 1 drop pure food grade Vitality Ginger Essential Oil directly in pot)

1 pinch cloves

Place the infuser in a pot and add:

1 cup water

1 pinch cinnamon (or 1 drop pure food grade Vitality Cinnamon Bark Essential Oil)

Honey to taste

Bring water to a boil, remove from heat, cover and let steep for 10 minutes.

Pour into coffee mug or tea cup and drink.

Repeat 3 times a day.

BONUS: For added benefit, I like to stand over the uncovered tea while it steeps, with a towel draped over my head, and breathe in the steam to soothe my respiratory system and break up mucus. 

Let me know if you've tried this and how it's worked for you in the comments or if you have anything to add! I love to tinker with my recipes and am always looking to make them even better.

Breathe easy,

Carly

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