Sammy’s Lemon Aid is my vibrant, zingy take on a daily wellness drink — packed with fresh lemon, apple, ginger, turmeric, mint and coconut water.
Everything goes into a high-speed blender, skin, pith and all, creating a fresh, vibrant drink with a lovely balance of citrus, spice and natural sweetness.
I created this recipe as a nourishing drink to reach for when I felt run down or under the weather. It has remained a favourite because it is quick to make, full of whole-food ingredients and tastes genuinely delicious.
Think of it as food as medicine in a glass — fresh, bright and unapologetically good for you.
Therapeutic notes
Lemon, ginger and turmeric bring plenty of aromatic plant compounds to this vibrant drink, while fresh mint, apple and sunflower sprouts add further botanical variety. Coconut water provides fluid and naturally occurring electrolytes.
Rather than thinking of one drink as a cure or treatment, I prefer to look at recipes like this as part of a broader food-as-medicine approach — nourishing the body with a diversity of whole foods, colour and plant compounds.
Feeling under the weather?
When a cold or flu hits, sometimes the best thing you can do is slow down and give your body the space it needs to recover.
- Go home. Rest. Sleep. Put your feet up — you’re worth it.
- Stay hydrated. Sip water, coconut water, herbal teas, warm lemon water or nourishing broths throughout the day.
- Go easy on sugar and alcohol. Give your body a break from highly processed foods and excess alcohol while you’re recovering.
- Eat simply and well. Choose nourishing, whole foods that are easy to digest and provide plenty of nutrients.
- Get on the ginger and turmeric train. Fresh ginger and turmeric add warmth, flavour and beneficial plant compounds to meals and drinks.
- Move gently if you feel up to it. Rest is more important than pushing through when you’re unwell.
- Listen to your body. Recovery isn’t a competition.
- Prevention is better than cure. Sleep, nourishing food, regular movement, stress management and good hygiene all contribute to staying well.
Supporting your immune system
There is no single food, drink or supplement that can prevent every cold or flu. Your immune system is complex and relies on a combination of adequate nutrition, sleep, movement, stress management and overall health.
Rather than looking for a quick fix, think about building the foundations of good health every day.
- Eat a nourishing breakfast if it suits you.
- Move regularly and moderately.
- Prioritise sleep and rest.
- Manage stress and give yourself extra breathing room during demanding periods.
- Make time for hobbies, connection and things you enjoy.
- Avoid consistently overworking.
- Eat a varied, balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruit, legumes, whole grains, nuts, seeds, herbs and spices.
- Include immune-supportive nutrients such as vitamin C, zinc, vitamin D and protein through a varied diet.
Most importantly
Don’t underestimate the therapeutic value of rest. Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is absolutely nothing.
PrintSammy’s Anti Viral Lemon Aid
- Total Time5 minutes
- Yield1 litre aprox. 1x
- DietVegan
A vibrant blend of lemon, apple, ginger, turmeric, mint and coconut water. Fresh, zingy and packed with whole-food goodness.
Ingredients
2 organic lemons, quartered, skin on, pith on
2 awesome organic apples, quartered, pips n bits n all!
750ml coconut water, preferably out of a young, fresh Thai coconut
4 cloves garlic, or 2 cloves Russian garlic, peeled
2cm piece ginger, skin on, organic
2cm piece turmeric, skin on, organic
1/2 bunch of mint, roughly chopped
1/4 cup sunflower sprouts
1 tablespoon organic raw honey
1 heaped teaspoon organic coconut oil
Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
1/2 teaspoon organic turmeric powder
Pinch good salt
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a very robust, high speed blender.
- Process on high speed until ultra smooth or creamy and serve immediately.
Notes
If you’re feeling under the weather:
Rest, hydrate and keep meals simple and nourishing. This lemon, ginger and turmeric drink is a refreshing way to increase your fluid intake while enjoying a variety of whole-food ingredients.
Use fresh ingredients: Fresh lemon, ginger and turmeric provide the brightest flavour and aroma.
Make it to taste: Adjust the ginger and turmeric to suit your palate. A small pinch of cayenne adds warmth if you enjoy a little heat.
Best served fresh: This drink is at its vibrant best immediately after blending. If making ahead, refrigerate and consume within 24 hours.
- Prep Time: 5
- Category: Immunity
- Cuisine: Food as Medicine
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