GINGER, LEMONGRASS AND LEMON INFUSION AUTUMN TRIO FROM ASIA

Summer is just a memory now. It has become cold, we have returned to our usual, busy schedule… and, standing on the scales, we come to the conclusion that it is time to pay for our holiday nutritional sins ;). Unfortunately, the threat of the pandemic virus and autumn depression have not gone away with summer. What to do with all this? My answer is this – prepare the right herbs! And, as always with me, I prepare those proven ones from wonderful Asia.

That's why today I have a recipe for a body-cleansing and vitality-boosting ginger, lemongrass and lemon infusion. Every woman in India knows it! And every Indian mother gives her child such a drink - for immunity, to improve mood, for better results in school - and for a bit of silence, because this drink is so delicious that, slightly sweetened, it successfully satisfies the child's constant need for dessert (and at least for a moment closes grumpy mouths;)).

The base of the drink is ginger . Lots of ginger! The list of its health-promoting properties is very long. It opens with the sensational, but still awaiting wider research, ability to inhibit the development of cancer cells. Many studies have already confirmed that ginger relieves nausea and reduces inflammation of muscles and joints, and also regulates the functioning of the digestive system, acting antispasmodically and choleretic. It also improves blood supply to all tissues, which affects the well-being of not only the entire body, but also the brain, thanks to which it works much more efficiently - that is why after a glass of ginger infusion we concentrate easier and remember more, just like after a cup of strong coffee.

We also add lemongrass to the infusion. It is responsible for its exotic taste. It has antibacterial properties and is a strong antioxidant, thanks to which it strengthens and rejuvenates the body. It contains a lot of vitamins, as well as folic acid, magnesium, zinc, copper, potassium, iron, phosphorus, which are very necessary for us girls... It also effectively treats digestive problems - it brings relief not only in the case of constipation or flatulence, but even stomach diseases! And what is important in today's gloomy times - it has a positive effect on the respiratory system and soothes a sore throat. Not to mention that it has a soothing effect in the case of muscle pain! It is worth remembering this in the flu season. Just like the fact that regularly sipping lemongrass infusion lowers blood pressure and... calms you down.

The most well-known ingredient in our latitudes of the favorite drink of Indian women is lemon. It is known: it has a lot of vitamin C, has antioxidant and antiseptic properties - it is not without reason that we also add it to tea, not only when we have a cold.

To make a delicious, strengthening infusion, you only need these three ingredients, but, like they do in Asia, it's worth going for a culinary freestyle. So to the base, consisting of a finger-sized ginger rhizome (you don't even have to peel it!), two lemongrass rhizomes and half a lemon (or lime, if you prefer more bitter flavors), add a large pinch of ground ginger or a spoonful of honey, according to your taste - here I recommend honeydew or buckwheat with non-obvious flavor notes.

So how do you do it? As is my kitchen custom, quick and easy ;). Cut the lemongrass into two-centimetre pieces, chop or crush the ginger. Throw them into a pot and pour two cups of water. Cook for 10 minutes, then cool slightly and pour in freshly squeezed citrus juice. Add the additions, such as cardamom, licorice or a bit of cinnamon, at the end of cooking, and add the honey only when the infusion is a bit colder – remember that honey loses its healing properties at temperatures above 40 degrees. Drink the infusion warm or cold – the first version will warm up in a few minutes, and the second will be refreshing and a great substitute for plain water.

Are you thinking about an autumn detox? Just don't go crazy - eat regularly and healthily, your body will manage on its own. But our ginger infusion will effectively help it!