BANISH WINTER BLAHS
The perfect reason to unwind with a warm, cozy mug: These beverages are rich in nutrients that have been proven to help you feel your best even during February’s coldest days!
1
JOINT STIFFNESS? TRY A PUMPKIN LATTE
A daily serving of pumpkin can cut arthritis pain by 33 percent, say British researchers. Credit goes to the squash’s stores of plant compounds that soothe joint inflammation and heal damaged tissues. For a soothing sip: In a heatproof mug, mix ⁄2 cup of coffee,
1
2 tbsp. of pumpkin puree, 2 tbsp. of milk and ⁄8 tsp. of pumpkin pie
1 spice. Microwave 1 minute. Garnish with whipped cream, if desired.
2
HEADACHE? TRY LAVENDER TEA
When you’re battling head pain, sip a steaming mug of lavender tea (like Buddha Teas, $8, amazon.com). This healing brew can relieve discomfort in as little as 5 minutes, according to Korean researchers. That’s because the distinctive aroma and flavor of lavender boost the brain’s production of alpha waves — electrical impulses that turn off sensitive pain nerves in the head.
4
CRANKY? TRY CINNAMON CHAI
Just the scent of cinnamon can cut edginess by 25 percent within 2 minutes. The reason? Aromatic oils in the spice calm the brain region that’s responsible for anxious thoughts. For a warming sip: In a heatproof mug, combine ⁄4 cup
1 of coffee, ⁄2 cup of chai tea concentrate and ½ tsp. of
1 cinnamon. Microwave for 1 minute. Top with ⁄4 cup
1 of frothed milk. Garnish with cinnamon.
3
HEARTBURN? TRY AN APPLE TODDY
Winter’s rich meals cause heartburn and GI problems, but sipping apple cider can ward off that discomfort for up to 5 hours, report Danish researchers. How? Plant compounds in the fruit help neutralize excess acid and improve digestion. For a healing sip: In a saucepan, combine ⁄4 cup of
3 apple cider, ⁄4 cup of orange juice and a cinnamon
1 stick until warm.
5
NAGGING COUGH? TRY HONEYED TEA
Antioxidants unique to honey help soothe the throat-tissue inflammation that triggers the body’s cough reflex. The effect is so powerful that study subjects with upper respiratory tract infections who were given just 2 tbsp. of honey at bedtime coughed less throughout the night than those who were given a dose of a common overthe-counter cough suppressant.