An anti-inflammatory tea to soothe aches

As it happened, the other day, in the middle of the night, while I was in the kitchen to grab a glass of water, half asleep of course, I missed the kitchen counter where I placed my hand on and fell on the floor. It was a minor fall, but I definitely pulled a muscle in my back (who knows how?!). Since then I have been applying arnica, but I still feel the inflammation in my back muscles. I decided to make an anti-inflammatory drink with whatever I had at home. Aside from my collection of spices, I had a Tangelo (a hybrid between an orange and a mandarin). I bought it to make a tea, so it came perfectly handy. 

This is a very simple recipe, but very effective to soothe muscle aches and I believe, also quite tasty. It has a tangelo, for vitamin C, lemongrass, which contains a substance that helps reduce swelling (how perfect!), rosemary, also great for muscle pain, cinnamon and turmeric, both having incredibly anti-inflammatory properties.

Lemongrass contains a substance that help reduce swelling and muscle pain.

Here is what you need to make the tea:

• 1 Rosemary spring whole

• 2 stalks of lemongrass: cut the ends and the most exterior layers and gently press it so the juice can come out

• 1 Tangelo or mandarin: sliced and one part squeezed directly in the pot

• 1 teaspoon of cinnamon

• 1 teaspoon of turmeric

• 4 cups of water or more if you like it more diluted

Add all the ingredients to a small deep pot, bring it to a boil and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes.

It should be sweet enough where you don’t need to add extra honey, but you can.

Try it and let us know what you think!