A Cold and Flu season tea

Did you know, that tamiflu, a drug used to treat flu symptoms, is derived from star anise, an anti-viral plant that been used by Chinese medicine herbalists for centuries?  When it comes to staying healthy during the flu season, Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture have a lot to offer.  Acupuncture for prevention can prevent colds and flus by building up the immune system with just a few needles inserted into key points along the body’s energy pathways.  If you already have a cold or flu, it assists the body in a speedier recovery. Here is a tea recipie that has star anise and other warming anti-viral and anti-bacterial spices.

Recipie for 4 servings: Ingredients- 4 oz ginger root sliced, 4 tab honey, 5 cardomom pods, 1 star anise,  10 cloves,  juice of 1 lemon (or orange)

Directions:  1. add sliced ginger, star anise and cardamom to  4.5 cups of boiling water, 2.simmer for 20 mintes  3. add in cloves simmer for  additional 5 minutes  4.turn off heat and add the lemon juice   5.  Strain out the spices and add the honey and enjoy!