It is always more reassuring to know what you put into your body and why. A little natural tip is in order.
The chemical process of converting sugar into energy in your body produces what are called free radicals. These free radicals are harmful chemical compounds that "oxidize" your cells. Fortunately, you can break down these toxic elements by consuming antioxidants, which you can find all around in nature.
These antioxidants are found in green tea, for example, but at Dodow we try to avoid stimulants. Here is an overview of smoothies and other natural drinks selected by our team to boost you with an ultra dose of antioxidants, while healing your minor daily ailments.
Anti-flu grog
This grog from an ancient Chinese tradition is a versatile recipe for cold-related illnesses. If you have the flu, a cold, or a temporary ailment of unknown origin in winter, if it's not too serious, this grog should help you out.
Ingredients : Ginger, orange peels, honey, water
- Cut the ginger into pieces, then crush them with a knife.
- Bring the water to a low boil in a saucepan, then add the pieces of ginger. Wait 20 minutes.
- Add orange peels. Wait another 10 minutes.
- Drain the mixture, then drink it with a little honey!
When to consume? Up to 3 times a day, and not before bedtime: ginger has a toning effect.
Anti-cough carrot concentrate
If you have endless coughing fits, this miracle remedy should help you recover. Carrots are full of vitamins B and C that stimulate your immune system. Combined with honey and lemon, they act especially as an expectorant for phlegm and other throat discomforts.
Ingredients: 500 g of carrots, 150 g of honey, water, lemon juice
- Cut the carrots into pieces and cook them in hot water.
- When they are soft, put them in the blender with the honey and lemon juice until your mixture has a more liquid consistency.
When to consume? As soon as you start coughing, or up to 4 spoonfuls per day. Effects should be felt after 2 days, but ideally you should consume it until you stop coughing. Start in the morning, and if you cough at night you can take an extra spoonful.
Antiseptic syrup
To cure a sore throat, you can make this pain-relieving syrup at home. But beware! This syrup is not recommended for children under 36 months, breastfeeding women, pulmonary congestion, diabetics... and insomniacs! Do not drink it after 5 p.m. if you want to sleep well.
Ingredients: half a liter of water, 100 g of sugar, 2 tablespoons of honey, 2 tablespoons of pollen, one lemon, one onion, four garlic cloves, about fifteen juniper berries, cloves, one teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- Squeeze the lemon.
- Grate the lemon peel, and mix it with the peeled onion, garlic cloves, and berries.
- Put this mixture into half a liter of boiling water. Then add the cloves, cinnamon, and let it simmer covered over low heat for half an hour.
- Let the mixture cool, then filter it: keep the liquid on one side and the solids on the other.
- Mix the lemon juice, honey, pollen, and sugar with the solid mixture and let it macerate for half an hour.
- Filter this new mixture, and mix the result with the previous liquid.
- Keep the result in an airtight container, away from light. Remember to shake it well each time you drink it.
When to consume? 3 to 4 times a day for 5 days.
Energizing dandelion coffee
This alternative to regular coffee energizes you in the morning with a boost of vitality, but also helps detoxify the liver. Dandelion coffee is especially good for stomach aches, hypoglycemia, and blood pressure. It helps reduce bloating and is used by competitive wrestlers to keep their weight as low as possible; studies are currently underway to see if it might be a good way to protect against cancer.
Ingredients: dandelion roots, chicory roots, a cinnamon stick, water
- Put the water, dandelion and chicory roots, and cinnamon into a saucepan.
- Boil the water, then let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- Pour your dandelion coffee through a sieve or strainer.
- Add coconut milk or cream to taste if you wish!
When to consume? In the morning, instead of your usual coffee.
Smoothie for blood circulation
This smoothie helps improve your blood circulation, reduce varicose veins (in addition to good exercise), and prevent swelling and heaviness in the legs. Beetroot and parsley are anti-inflammatory agents and antioxidants, they regulate blood pressure and are full of magnesium.
Ingredients: 1 beetroot, 5 g of parsley, 1 glass of water, juice of half a lemon
- Take a fresh beetroot, wash it, peel it, and cut it into four.
- Wash the parsley leaves, and put them in the blender with the beetroot, lemon juice, and a glass of water until there are no lumps left.
When to consume? In the morning upon waking, three times a week for more effective results.
Detox decoction
This decoction combines the ultra-vitamin qualities of cayenne pepper, turmeric, and ginger. Cayenne pepper is notably used as a base in balms and ointments because it is an analgesic that soothes pain and swelling, while turmeric is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.
Ingredients: 2 pieces of ginger (fresh), 10 g of turmeric powder, 2 pinches of cayenne pepper, 4 lemons, 2 liters of water, honey
- Put the ginger in a juice extractor with the juice of 3 out of 4 lemons, and mix.
- Add two liters of water, turmeric, cayenne pepper, and the last lemon cut into slices.
- Stir with a spoon and add a little honey to taste.
- Let it rest for 10 minutes, then consume.
When to consume? On an empty stomach for 5 to 7 consecutive days.
All these drinks are to be consumed during the day or in the morning. For recipes before going to bed or to help with falling asleep, we have a list of herbal teas to make in the evening.
