Lemon, Ginger & Goji Berry Tea

I had never tried goji berries before making this recipe. I had always been kind of curious about them, but not really knowing how/ what to prepare them in, I was a little clueless. Then I stumbled upon this post online  about a goji berry tea. Hmm..well lemon ginger tea is one of my favorite things ever, so why not throw in a few gojies while I'm at it? Turns out goji berries are really yummy! To me they somehow taste like dates..in a weird sort of way. But in any case they're really good. I drink this tea when I wake up, before my coffee and breakfast etc. It feels very cleansing and refreshing. Try doubling or tripling the recipe and keeping it in a container in your fridge for the week, either drink it cold or reheat whenever you please. So if you like ginger and lemon, and want to be a goji berry convert, try this little recipe.

Lemon Ginger Goji Berry Tea (makes 2 cups)

1 Quart water

a 2-3 inch piece of ginger, peeled and cut into 1 inch chunks

1/2 lemon, cut into a few slices

handful of goji berries

Raw honey, to taste

Directions:

1. Put the quart of water into a sauce pan. Add the lemon and ginger and bring to a boil

2. Allow tea to boil until half the liquid has evaporated. This is your concentrated tea. Remove the ginger and lemon peels that remain at the bottom.

3. While still hot, add the raw honey till it is as sweet as you like.

4. Pour into a cup, add a handful of goji berries and drink when it has cooled down sufficiently. Enjoy!

Health Benefits!!

Ginger- relieves nausea and indigestion, prevents motion sickness, may help morning sickness, antispasmotic  properties help relieve cramps, useful in helping arthritis, can reduce cholesterol levels in blood, and it is an aphrodisiac ;-)

Lemons- have an alkalizing effect on the body, restoring its natural pH levels. They are rich in vitamin C, stimulate the liver to cleans itself, has vitamin P, and strengthens blood vessels. 

Goji Berries- highest concentration of protein and amino acids of any fruit on earth, their powerful antioxidant properties and polysaccharides help to boost the immune system. Boasting 15 times the amount of iron found in spinach, as well as calcium, zinc, selenium and many other important trace minerals.

Raw Honey- Raw honey has anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal properties. It promotes body and digestive health, is a powerful antioxidant, strengthens the immune system, and eliminates allergies. Raw honey can also stabilize blood pressure, balance sugar levels, relieve pain, calm nerves, and it has been used to treat ulcers. Raw honey is also an expectorant and anti-inflammatory and has been known to effectively treat respiratory conditions such as bronchitis and asthma.

Sources:

http://thehealthyeatingsite.com/the-health-benefits-of-goji-berries/

The A to Z Guide to Healing Herbal Remedies, Jason Elias and Selagh Ryan Masline 

http://www.care2.com/greenliving/16-health-benefits-of-lemons.html

http://www.naturalnews.com/035493_raw_honey_health_benefits_antibacterial.html