Heated Healthy Warm Drinks

If I had a dollar for every time I heard someone on this campus complain about the “mid-semester slump,” I would be flying first class to Europe right now. This lull period of time is eerily familiar, and in the past I have taken an aggressive approach to it, which cost me my sleep, my sanity and the majority of my immune system.

Now that I am a senior and have plenty of experience with exams and approaching deadlines, I’ve picked up some tips along the way that help me stay sane and sleep a little better at night. As cooler weather approaches, I’ve experimented with different warm drink recipes that offer numerous health benefits. Below is a list of the most helpful and effective formulas that each serve a unique purpose!

Try these teas...

For when you’re getting sick: Feel Better Tea

Ingredients:

1 cup boiling water

1 green tea bag

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (unfiltered)

2 teaspoons honey

¼ Freshly squeezed lemon juice

Directions: Boil water and place tea bag in for 1 minute. Add in apple cider vinegar, honey and finish with lemon juice.

What it does: Fights the common cold, builds the immune system and cleanses the body.

Recipe inspiration

For when you’re tired: Honey Ginger Lime Elixir

Ingredients:

1 cup boiling water

1 freshly squeezed lime

2 tablespoons honey

1-2 inches of fresh ginger

Directions: Peel ginger and cut into thin slices and place at bottom of mug. Add boiling water to mug and cover for 5 minutes. After ginger has steeped, add lime juice and honey. (FYI: this drink is equally as delicious iced)

What it does: Energizes the body, brightens the skin and increases flow of oxygen to the brain.

For when you’re sore: Hot Turmeric Milk

Ingredients:

2 cups almond milk (unsweetened)

½  cup coconut milk

2 tablespoon honey

1 teaspoon ground turmeric

½ teaspoon ground ginger

½ teaspoon cinnamon

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Pinch of nutmeg

Optional: pinch of cayenne

Directions: Add all ingredients to blender and blend for 1 minute or until completely mixed. Heat mixture on stovetop at low heat for 5 minutes to avoid boiling the nutrients.

What it does: Treats inflammation and joint pain, clears nasal congestion and purifies the blood.

Recipe inspiration

For when you’re stressed:  Lemon Mint Tea

Ingredients:

2 cups boiling water

1 bunch of fresh mint

2 teaspoons agave

Squeeze of fresh lemon juice

Directions: Separate mint leaves and place into cup. Fill with boiled water, stir in agave, squeeze in lemon juice, and let sit for 5 minutes (no need to remove mint from mug).

What it does: aids in relaxation, eases anxiety and promotes a restful sleep.

Additional benefit: Does wonders for digestion!

For when you need to get sh*t done: Blueberry Basil Boost

Ingredients:

1 cup of boiled water

¼ cup of blueberries (muddled)

3-5 fresh basil leaves (muddled)

¼ cup of freshly squeezed orange juice

Directions: Fill mug with muddled basil leaves, followed by muddled blueberries. Fill with boiled water and fresh orange juice, while mixing ingredients together. Let steep for 2-3 minutes before serving.

What it does: Rids the brain of free radicals, prevents migraines and reduces stress and fatigue in the mind.

Recipe inspiration