Words by naturopath and herbalist and Organic Food, Health and Lifestyle educator, Anthia Koullouros

During the cooler months, I make an extra effort to avoid nasty cold and flus. I bolster my nutrition with plenty of raw and cooked, seasonal organic fruit & vegetables and plenty of fresh herbs, spices, lemon and lime juice. As a naturopath, I also turn to herbal tonics to help restore, tone and invigorate systems in the body or to promote general health and well-being – especially in winter when the immune system may be compromised.

A tonic is a medicinal substance taken to give a feeling of well-being. A tonic could be a juice, broth, tea or herbal infusion fortified with superfoods, healthy oils, herbs & spices and probiotic rich fluids such as kombucha or kefir. Tonics are different from herbal remedies are available from your Naturopath or Herbalist.

Here are a few gluten free tonics for you to make at home…

SOOTHING SORE THROAT TEA

Supports immunity and helps relieve symptoms of sore throats and coughs

Ingredients to make 1 cup:

5mls of Comvita Fresh-Picked Olive Leaf Extract (Natural Flavour)

1 teaspoon of Manuka honey

1 squeeze of lemon juice

1 teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves

1⁄2 teaspoon of grated fresh ginger root

¼ teaspoon of turmeric root powder

1 cup of freshly boiled water

Method:

Add the ingredients to a teapot with freshly boiled water.

Brew for 5 minutes.

Pour tea through the strainer.

Stir in the Comvita Fresh-Picked Olive Leaf Extract Natural.

Sip while warm

Drink up to 3 cups throughout the day for a delicious sip-scription!

Traditional therapy:

Fresh-Picked Olive Leaf Extract– Traditionally used in Western Herbal medicine to support the immune system and relieve symptoms of coughs, colds, & flu, sore throats and upper respiratory tract infections.

SOOTHING SORE THROAT TEA

A COOLING OLIVE, LEMON & MINT HYDRATING DRINK

Supports immunity and helps relieve symptoms of colds & flu such as a fever.

Ingredients to make 1 litre jug:

15mls of Comvita Fresh-Picked Olive Leaf Extract (Peppermint Flavour)

750mls of fresh, filtered water

250mls of a fresh or dried peppermint herbal tea, cooled

1 lemon zested and sliced

1 bunch of fresh mint leaves

Method:

Add all the ingredients to a 1 litre jug followed by the water and tea.

Stir and chill.

Drink 4 cups throughout the day to cool and hydrate.

Traditional therapy:

Fresh-Picked Olive Leaf Extract – Traditionally used in Western Herbal medicine to support the immune system and relieve symptoms of coughs, colds, & flu, sore throats and upper respiratory tract infections.

A COOLING OLIVE, LEMON & MINT HYDRATING DRINK

*Vitamin supplements should not replace a balanced diet. Always read the label. Use only as directed. If symptoms persist consult your healthcare practitioner.

Anthia Koullouros