Start Your Day Off – Without Coffee

Many of us can’t imagine life without our morning cup of Joe. But for those of you who are looking for a morning boost without the stimulant effects of coffee, I have a great recipe for you.

My Warming Winter Good Health Tea is an infusion of many different herbs that will nourish, cleanse, support and warm your body, especially on those cold winter mornings.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 4 cups of water
• 3 slices of fresh ginger, cut to the thickness of a quarter: (Ginger has warming and immune-enhancing properties)
• 1 inch piece of licorice root: (Licorice root is an antiviral, antibacterial, and it fights depression)
• 1/2 to 1 inch piece of cinnamon stick: (Cinnamon is warming, promotes digestion and is beneficial for diabetes)
• 4 tbsp of organic sweet orange rind (do you mean rind or ring?)
• 1 whole nutmeg: (Nutmeg is a digestive aid, reduces anxiety and calms muscle spasms)
• 1 tbsp of dried parsley: (Parsley promotes good digestion)
• 3 cloves: (Cloves are warming and promote proper digestion)

In a pot, bring the water to a boil. Remove from heat and add remaining ingredients. Steep 5 to 15 minutes. Strain and drink twice a day. You can also add one teaspoon of honey for added flavor.  The entire recipe makes 4 cups of tea.

Feel free to get creative with your own tea infusions by using more or less of a variety of herbs that compliment your own health needs.

But if this caffeine-free tincture is not your cup of tea, then consider drinking Yerba Mate-Green Tea Ginseng instead of coffee. Yerba Mate comes from South America but it is used all around the world as a rejuvenator, energizer, mental stimulator, body and blood cleanser, and as a toner to the nervous system. It may also help to restore youthful hair color, slow down aging, combat fatigue, control appetite, reduce stress and eliminate insomnia. Not bad for your morning fix.
Yerba Mate has a slightly more stimulant effect than regular coffee but it’s much gentler on the stomach. And it doesn’t become bitter or astringent like coffee does after sitting around for a few hours.

So if you’re looking to wean yourself away from coffee, there are many healthy and energizing solutions for you. Sample them out and see which ones work best for you.