Everyone needs a go-to home remedy for sore throats, colds, or sinus infections. There are so many immune-boosting ingredients that you can easily acquire at the grocery store. In the case of this recipe, you need fresh lemons, ginger, turmeric, and cinnamon sticks. If you don’t have access to fresh ginger or fresh turmeric root, you can use ginger or turmeric powder. You will just need to adjust the recipe.

This caffeine-free tea works to enhance immune function, fight infection, boost digestion, and reduce inflammation. The reason that it is called a “detox tea” is because the ingredients support healthy digestion and immune function. Specifically, the lemons are naturally rich in vitamin C, a known antioxidant and immune booster. A quick note is that you can use Meyer lemons for the same benefits, but they have less of a citrusy zing. They are naturally sweeter than most other lemon varieties.

Turmeric contains curcumin, a powerful antioxidant that has the ability to fight infection. Some studies found that it exhibits pain-relieving and cancer-fighting properties. Cinnamon may help to support stable blood sugar levels and exhibits antioxidant compounds that help fight infection. Ginger is excellent for supporting healthy digestion and soothing upset stomaches and sore throats. Finally, if you add the optional cayenne pepper, you’ll increase the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity in this detox tea.

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If you are like 90% of Americans, chances are that you consume caffeine in one or more ways every single day. More than 50% of American adults consume 300 milligrams of caffeine per day (considered too much by health experts), making it the most popular drug in America.

What Is Caffeine?

Caffeine is the undisputed morning drug of choice for people. It wakes you up, alters moods, and stimulates the central nervous system the same way that amphetamines do. Caffeine actually blocks adenosine, a chemical in that body that promotes sleepiness, which can interfere with a healthy sleep pattern. Found in more than 60 plants, caffeine is the most popular stimulant in the world. It is a psychostimulant that makes you more alert. Yerba mate, guarana, coffee, tea, and certain herbs are the most common forms of caffeine.

Can You Increase Energy Levels Without Caffeine?

Most people don’t understand that caffeine is the short-term solution to increasing energy levels. And consuming too much caffeine results in a hardcore crash. The reality is that most people can’t imagine a life without caffeine, but it is possible to boost energy levels without it. The combination of regular exercise, healthy eating, sufficient sleep, and stress-reducing techniques all improve your energy levels. Besides all of that, the following herbal, caffeine-free teas can give you that energy boost you’re looking for.

Peppermint Tea

Peppermint tea helps to calm upset stomachs, but the secret benefits are that it can improve focus, memory, and energy levels. The tea has a minty flavor with hints of pine, and it tastes best when you brew it for five to ten minutes. Northrumbia University conducted a study with 180 individuals. One group took a placebo and the other drank peppermint tea. The group that drank peppermint tea experienced improved cognition and elevated mood.

Lemon Balm Tea

This isn’t high on everyone’s list of energy boosting beverages, but it may be after you read about it. Historically, lemon balm helped to regulate mood and improve cognitive function, making people more alert. People who drink lemon balm tea find that they are less irritable and have more energy without being nervous or jumpy.

Ginger Tea

You should always have ginger in your house. It’s a wonderful herbal remedy that helps reduce sore throats and stomach pain. Countless studies on ginger have examined its anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to improve blood flow. Newer studies found that increased circulation can help boost energy levels. In fact, a study in Herbal Medicine found that ginger promotes adrenal catecholamine secretion. Since these chemical compounds regulate energy consumption, drinking ginger tea may help you sustain energy throughout the day on a chemical level.

Licorice Root Tea

Licorice root is an adaptogenic herb, and it helps to regulate hormonal production. It encourages the adrenal glands to increase blood flow, which in turn contributes to increased energy. Licorice root does have that signature licorice flavor, but you can mix it with other herbal teas to reduce the intensity of the flavor. You can also sweeten it with raw agave or stevia to mellow the taste.

Rooibos Tea

Native to South Africa, rooibos is a small red bush that contains potent antioxidants, similar to the ones that are in green tea. Most health experts consider rooibos tea to be the best caffeine-free tea in the world, specifically for the antiviral activity, cholesterol lowering abilities, chemopreventative activity, and blood pressure lowering ability. It can help to decrease fatigue and improve focus, but it isn’t the best tea for energy on this list.

Astragalus Tea

Astragalus is a common herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Brewed from the root of the astragalus plant, astragalus tea helps to support the adrenal glands, where we get our energy. If you suffer from adrenal fatigue, astragalus should be one of your go-to herbs. Lastly, astragalus is a natural diuretic and helps to support healthy immune function.

Ginkgo Biloba

TCM uses ginkgo biloba to help increase blood flow throughout the body, opening channels of energy that improve overall health. Many people consume this tea to help boost brain health or improve memory. If you feel fatigued or have a cloudy mind, drink a cup of ginkgo biloba tea for mental clarity and a slight pick-me-up.

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Some people can’t start the day or think straight without a cup of coffee. The act of making, drinking, or going to get a cup of coffee has become a ritual for most people. We’re not here to debate that or convince you to only drink caffeine-free herbal teas; rather, our intention is to provide you with non-dairy creamer recipes.

In case you haven’t been to a grocery store lately, it is evident that plant-based creamers are extremely popular. There are creamers that use oats, almonds, coconuts, macadamia nuts, or cashews as the base, but how do you know if they will taste good? It’s always a gamble, and people can be hesitant to go all-in on a new creamer because they are typically more expensive than their chemical-rich, sugary counterparts.

Why You Should Steer Clear Of Traditional Creamers

Traditional creamers are ultra sweet, and it can be hard to deny those sugary flavors. Did you know that they don’t contain any dairy, though? This is shocking right? Well, it’s not if you actually pay attention to the ingredient list on these products. Almost every single coffee creamer contains a chemical concoction of thickeners, sugars, hydrogenated oils, and trans fats.

All of that said, certain vegan creamers can easily contain thickeners and other processed ingredients to keep them shelf stable. Rather than flooding the body with harmful chemicals, we thought is best to provide you with tasty creamer recipes that are very easy to make. The great thing is that you get to customize them and save money in the process!

Coconut Oat Vanilla Nut Creamer

This gives you the same vanilla flavor you love from traditional creamer without the added chemicals and sugars.

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup rolled oats
• ¼ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon agave nectar
• 1 teaspoon alcohol-free vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon almond extract

Instructions:

• Add the oats and coconut to a blender and pulse into tiny pieces. Pour the water in the blender and let it sit for 10 minutes.
• Blend again for 3 minutes, or until smooth. Pour the creamer into a glass jar through a fine mesh sieve.
• Rinse the blender and pour the liquid back into it. Add the agave, vanilla extract, and almond extract and blend well. Store in a glass jar in the fridge and use within 7-10 days.

Salted Caramel Creamer

Once you make this recipe, you’ll make a note to yourself to never buy coffee creamer with weird ingredients again.

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons coconut sugar
• 1.5 tablespoons water
• 3 tablespoons coconut milk (can be take from the can below)
• ½ teaspoon alcohol-free vanilla extract
• pinch of sea salt
• 1 (14.5 oz.) can coconut milk

Instructions:

• You need to make the caramel first. Combine the sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
• Allow it to come to a simmer and wait until it becomes a thick glaze to add the 3 tablespoons of coconut milk, vanilla extract, and the sea salt. Stir to combine.
• Pour the caramel into a heat-safe bowl and allow it to cool slightly.
• Add the coconut milk and caramel to a jar and stir to combine. Store in the fridge for up to 7-10 days.

Peppermint Bark Creamer

Add a little minty freshness to your morning cup of Joe. It tastes like you’re drinking something unhealthy, even though you aren’t!

Ingredients:

• 1 (14.5 oz.) can full-fat coconut milk
• 1/3 cup grade A maple syrup
• ¼-1¼ cups unsweetened almond milk
• 1 teaspoon alcohol-free vanilla extract
• 1.5 teaspoons peppermint extract
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cacao powder

Instructions:

• Pour the coconut milk into a small saucepan and bring it to a low simmer for 10-15 minutes. Add the maple syrup, stir to combine, and simmer for an additional 10 minutes
• Add the almond milk until you get your desired consistency (about ½ cup is perfect). Stir to combine and remove from the heat.
• Once this mixture cools, poor it into a glass jar and add the remaining ingredients. Screw on the lid and shake well to combine the ingredients. It will stay fresh in the fridge for 7-10 days.

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Viruses or bacterial infections are passed around more quickly than social media memes or hot celebrity gossip. The most common viral strains typically induce sore throats or common colds, and the symptoms that occur, while they can be harmless, are quite simply annoying.

Even though common colds and sore throats can be harmless, these conditions result from some sort of infection or virus. If the symptoms go untreated, they can persist longer than necessary and may possibly worsen to more serious illnesses that might keep you in bed for a few weeks. You don’t want to be the person who develops bronchitis because he/she didn’t gargle with salt water, drink tea, or perform a Neti pot nasal rinse. These remedies are easy to do and can provide sore throat relief in an instant without the need for medications. Let’s explore how to get rid of a sore throat below.

Raw Honey

Raw honey has been one of the most popular sore throat remedy choices for centuries. Not only does it soothe the pain, but it also has strong antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, which help keep the germs at bay. In doing so, this allows your immune system to function more efficiently.

Salt Water

Salt water is one of the best home remedies for a sore throat, and almost everyone has tried it. There is no denying the fact that gargling salt water provides immediate relief by killing the bacteria that is causing the inflammation in the first place. When you gargle with salt water, make sure that the water is hot, but not boiling, because the heat helps to kill bacteria.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is another sore throat treatment that has been used for hundreds of years, especially in Chinese culture. Cinnamon is not only delicious in culinary creations, but is also full of antioxidants and has numerous antibacterial properties, which help to battle the viruses or bacteria that cause sore throats.

Echinacea

Echinacea is a plant that has been shown to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties, making it an excellent candidate to use when you have a sore throat. You can buy it in most pharmacies as a supplement, tincture, or in the form of a soothing tea that has long-lasting benefits.

Stay Hydrated With Water and Tea

We already discussed a few different tea options on this list, but one of the simplest sore throat remedies you should keep in mind is hydrating with water. The one-two punch combination of water and hot tea helps your body fight off bacteria by keeping the throat moist. At the same time, you also provide enough fluids to the immune system, which is essential for it to function properly. You can find a selection of herbal teas by clicking here, or find herbal caffeine-free teas in most grocery stores.

Herbs

Besides the Echinacea that we previously discussed, there are a host of herbs with beneficial qualities, which might be just what you need when trying to figure out how to soothe a sore throat. The most popular herbs for a sore throat include chamomile, mint, marshmallow root, sage, and thyme. Get your hands on these and brew some teas!

Baking Soda Gargle

If you don’t want to gargle saltwater, try using baking soda, as it has additional antibacterial and soothing properties, which can help make your treatment more effective. You can even consider mixing small amounts of both salt and baking soda to maximize your healing efforts. Try not to do this too much if you have sensitive teeth or gums because the baking soda can cause some mild irritation.

Lemon and Ginger

Mixing lemon and ginger with hot water can often be a more pleasant alternative to gargling saltwater, especially when you consider that it may have just as positive of an effect. Lemon can help break up the mucus in your throat, reducing the discomfort, while the antibacterial qualities of ginger will assist your body in fighting off the bacteria.

Apple Cider Vinegar

You’ve probably already heard about the countless benefits of apple cider vinegar, but you may not have known that it’s also one of the most effective remedies for a sore throat. Just like with lemons, the acidic content of apple cider vinegar helps break down mucus and clear up congestion, which offers natural relief. Don’t drink it straight because that can burn the esophagus. Mix one tablespoon in a glass of lukewarm water and drink it when your throat is irritated.

Humidifiers

Sometimes, the best sore throat remedy is the helping prevent a sore throat in the first place. That’s why a humidifier is a great option! One of the most common reasons for a sore throat is dry air, because it dries out the throat and makes it more susceptible to bacteria.

Essential Oils

Essential oils have been used for centuries to treat various ailments, so it comes as no surprise that they are excellent for sore throats as well. Before we continue, it is not recommended to consume essential oils; rather, the aroma is going to benefit the sore throat and promote healing. Add a few drops of essential oil (eucalyptus and tea tree are great) to a large bowl of boiling water, hover your face over the bowl, and drape a towel over your head and the bowl to create a tent. Inhale the vapors to not only soothe your throat, but to also clear up congestion and kill bacteria.

Rest

Finally, no matter what treatments you end up using, the most important thing is to allow yourself time to rest in order to let the body do its job. If you’re suffering from a sore throat and continue to overexert yourself, it will be tough to beat the infection quickly, and you may end up developing a more serious condition or symptoms that could take much longer to go away. It’s better to give yourself at least a couple of days of rest, whenever possible. Sleep is the best way to rejuvenate the body.

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Taking part in the Full Body Cleanse is no easy feat, but it is far from impossible. While taking all of the capsules is a new challenge for most people, the biggest obstacle to overcome is the raw foods diet. Solely consuming raw fruits, vegetables, and raw nuts and seeds is drastically different than eating foods that the average American eats. The whole purpose of cleansing and the accompanying diet, though, is to give the body a break from the toxic foods that have become commonplace in Standard American Diet, and provide the body with as many fresh, nutrient-dense foods as possible.

Succeeding on the cleanse is about more than overcoming the diet. Adhering to the diet plays a large role in how successful your cleanse will be, but the success of your cleanse also weighs heavy on your outlook. A negative attitude or doubting the cleanse regimen itself tends to result in cheating with unhealthy foods or abandonment of the cleanse altogether. You made the choice to become healthier. Don’t throw that away because it was a little difficult. Anything worth achieving never comes easy, and a healthier body is no different.

To help you on the cleanse journey, we have detailed tips that can help you soar through the cleanse. Many of the tips are diet-related because that is the area in which most people struggle. Follow the tips below to have the most successful cleanse ever; or at least we hope you will.

#1: Always Have Snacks At The Ready

Before you begin your cleanse, it is integral to find raw snacks that appeal to your taste buds. We’ll give you a pro tip and say that raw almond butter on celery sticks or apple slices will fill you up and hit the salty and sweet notes you want from a snack. Some health food stores carry raw snacks, but you will benefit most from preparing your own snacks. Click here for some great snack ideas.

#2: Never Let Your Fridge Become Empty

When you deplete your supply of raw foods, the desire to cheat increases exponentially because it is much easier to grab a sandwich from a fast food eatery than it is to seek out a raw restaurant or go grocery shopping. If you see that your fridge nearing the empty line, it’s time to make a grocery run.

#3: It’s Normal To Experience Fatigue

Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of cleansing, especially in the first few days. The body is working hard to remove waste and you have most likely decreased your caloric intake by at least 1,000 or more calories. Eat superfoods like almonds, avocados, spinach, kale, blueberries, ginger, pomegranates, and apples to help increase energy levels.

#4: Don’t Eat The Same Salad Every Day

If you eat the same meal, no matter what it is, for breakfast, lunch, or dinner every day, you are going to get bored with eating that meal. Since salads are a big part of cleansing, make sure to vary the ingredients and the dressings. Use romaine lettuce as a base one day and mixed greens the next. Add strawberries and blueberries to a spinach salad and cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and carrots to a butter lettuce salad. Don’t let repetition derail your cleanse, especially when we have so many recipes for you! Click here for our cleanse-approved recipe section.

#5: Prep For Success On The Weekend

Some people have Saturday and Sunday off, while others are free on Tuesday and Wednesday. Use your “weekend” to grocery shop for the upcoming week and consider prepping salads, smoothie bags, dressings, snacks, or chia pudding so that you have easily accessible meals at the ready. Don’t say that it’s complicated because there is no cooking involved!

#6: Diversify Your Beverages

We can’t sugarcoat the fact that you will drink more water than you usually do while cleansing. You don’t have to solely consume water, though. You can drink caffeine-free herbal teas (iced or hot), detox waters (put fresh fruit in alkaline water), or homemade lemonade by mixing fresh lemon juice, stevia, and alkaline water together.

#7: Eat Entree-Size Salads

If you think that a side salad will fill you up for lunch, you are dead wrong. Because of the low calorie content of salad, you need to prepare a big bowl of salad with a variety of ingredients. Avocados, raw walnuts, sprouts, cucumbers, tomatoes, celery, carrots, pomegranates, kale, and cashews all work to fill you up, so include them in your giant salad.

#8: You Can Have Protein Powder…If It’s Plant-Based And You’re Working Out

First off, you can have raw, plant-based protein powders while cleansing. Sun Warrior and Garden of Life have excellent raw protein powders. DON’T GET WHEY PROTEIN! That being said, only get protein powder if you plan to exercise while cleansing. When you consume protein powder more than once a day and don’t exercise, it can make it more difficult to lose weight. Protein powder can often lead to fat storage when consumed in excess.

#9: Maintain A Positive Attitude

It’s no secret that having a poor attitude and doubting yourself during your cleanse will make it increasingly more difficult to complete. A positive outlook can not only make the cleanse more enjoyable, but it can also help to keep stress levels down and hormones balanced. Keep a journal to write down your thoughts and feelings, meditate with positive affirmations, or read positive material to keep negative thoughts at bay.

#10: Drink The Damn Charcoal

Unless you are taking medication, you should be drinking the charcoal every day of the cleanse before bed. It looks ominous because it turns the water black, but it is flavorless. It doesn’t dissolve in the water, so keep stirring while you drink. Some people find that drinking it through a straw is much easier than gulping it down.

#11: Go Non-Toxic

Consider swapping your cosmetic and cleaning products for non-toxic varieties. While it is possible to make your own all-natural products, many companies have started selling healthy products that are free of harmful chemicals. Remember that the chemicals in your body aren’t solely from unhealthy foods. Toxins can be absorbed via the skin or inhalation, so try to go non-toxic when possible.

#12: Spices Are Your Friends

Do not be timid about seasoning your food because you need those vibrant spices to create powerful flavors. Spices also aid the detoxification process because they possess powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anti-fungal properties. This means that in addition to making your food taste great, they help to reduce inflammation, improve gut health, and support healthy circulation. You’ll also find that seasoning your food with bold spices decreases the need for salt, which is often a huge contributor to high blood pressure.

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If you constantly need a triple shot of espresso, which only keeps you half alert for a couple of hours in the morning, you may be driving yourself deeper and deeper into a state of continuously low energy. As you may already know, coffee is not the only option out there that can give you an energy boost. There are many things you can do to naturally enhance your own energy levels, while helping to maintain them in the long run. Here are five tips that can naturally boost energy levels.

Learn To Control Your Stress

Stress-induced emotions consume huge amounts of energy. High levels of stress can lead to adrenal fatigue, which is a condition characterized by exhaustion, a weakened immune system, and sleep disturbances. There are many ways one can learn to control stress, but people also learn unhealthy habits to avoid exhaustion. To help control your stress, we recommend taking part in meditation, exercise, laughing (it works!), or taking baths with essential oils.

Eat For Energy

It is better to eat small-portion meals and healthy snacks every few hours than three large meals a day. This can reduce your perception of fatigue because the brain, having very few energy reserves of its own, needs a steady supply of nutrients. Additionally, try to implement a balanced diet that includes a variety of unrefined carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, especially vegetables, whole grains, and healthy oils.

Opt For Complex Carbs

These include whole grains, vegetables, fruits, beans, nuts, and seeds. The dose of glucose they provide the body with serves as food for the brain. This is their natural purpose, and they work much better than sugar or caffeine because these carbohydrates are slowly released into the bloodstream, giving you a constant energy, rather than a boost and a “crash.”

Stay Hydrated

One of the first signs of dehydration is feeling tired or exhausted. It is ideal to drink half your body weight in ounces of water every day to keep your body well hydrated. If you weight 150 pounds and divide that by two to get 75, you should be drinking 75 ounces of water a day. Dehydration can lead to impaired thinking and an imbalance of nutrients in your body.

Get Enough Iron

Iron is a nutrient that helps maintain energy and a healthy metabolism. It is also essential for the production of hemoglobin, which is in charge of carrying oxygen to your body’s cells, where it is used to produce energy. Try to get your iron intake from natural, plant-based foods. Spirulina, spinach, green peas, sesame seeds, and quinoa are all rich sources of iron.

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Some call it life’s blood and others refer to it as the nectar of the gods. No matter what name you give it, caffeine is a psychoactive drug that can induce stress-related symptoms and anxiety. Drinking coffee, caffeinated tea, or any other form of caffeine can be a ritual in the morning or a natural thing to reach for during that midafternoon slump at the office. Whatever caffeine is to you, it can cause a variety of problems when consumed excessively.

When people visit a doctor and explain symptoms like irritability, sleep irregularity, fatigue, restlessness, overwhelming worry, or muscle tension, doctors tend to ask if they drink caffeine and how much they consume if the answer is yes. Some medical professionals will tell people to lay off caffeine for a while to see if symptoms go away, while others say to continue drinking caffeinated beverages and pay attention to how the body reacts after consumption. When you begin to recognize the jitters, irregular heartbeat, or a mild buzz, you begin to notice the connection between caffeine consumption and anxiety symptoms.

The Caffeine Insomnia Connection

This is a vicious cycle of drinking caffeine, sleeping poorly, being tired all day, drinking more caffeine to wake yourself up, and then sleeping poorly again. Let’s say that you only drink one cup of coffee in the morning before work. Well, friends, caffeine has a half-life of five to seven hours. In case your high school chemistry is failing you, that means that your body needs about six hours to metabolize half the caffeine, and another six to metabolize half of that. The caffeine from a cup of coffee at nine in the morning can still be in your system by the time you go to bed. The caffeine from a latte with two shots of espresso after lunch, then, is in your system while you are trying to fall asleep. Not only does this inhibit sleep quality, but it also creates anxiety about sleeping in general.

If you have anxiety, consuming caffeine on a daily basis can influence how you feel. After consuming caffeine, cortisol (the stress hormone) is released. Coffee, tea, soda, or energy drinks all raise cortisol levels and amplify your stress response, putting your body in a fight or flight mode all the time. This means that when a stressor is introduced (i.e. public speaking, finishing a project, worrying about holidays, meeting new people), you can begin to tremble, become itchy, feel fatigued, or feel faint. Take caffeine out of the equation and your stress response lessens.

Caffeine Can Increase Anxiety When Taken With Medication

Most people consume caffeine out of habit and not necessity. Even if they think they need it, they most likely do not and are used to the habit more than the actual caffeine. Because caffeine is a psychoactive drug, consuming it alongside various medications, which typically contain caffeine in order to be fast-acting, can increase the presence of side effects like anxiety, nervousness, insomnia, and many more.

Many people consume caffeinated beverages on a daily basis. You should consider more than the taste of your caffeinated beverage if you have anxiety. Opt for natural sources of energy or seek out caffeine-free alternatives like chicory root. If you feel that you can’t give up coffee, try limiting yourself to one cup a day and make sure that you drink it in the morning to avoid sleep troubles or insomnia.

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While it has gained popularity in recent years, chicory root has been around for many centuries. People who are trying to reduce their caffeine intake often turn to chicory root, but it is more than just a coffee replacement. A cup of hot chicory root tastes just like a fresh cup of coffee, but that’s not the only thing that should impress you. It has been known to improve digestive health, reduce inflammation, and stabilize blood sugar levels.

What Is Chicory Coffee?

The chicory plant belongs to the dandelion family and has a fuzzy stem with light purple flowers. The origination of replacing coffee with chicory root dates back to 1800s, when there was a coffee shortage in France. Before that, chicory root was brewed into a tea and used for its medicinal properties. People with jaundice, gout, rheumatism, or an enlarged liver commonly consumed chicory root tea.

One thing to note about chicory root is that it is caffeine-free. People have classically ground up 2 tablespoons of chicory root and steeped it in one cup of water. In present day, chicory root powder is readily available. It is a great coffee replacement and can deliver the following benefits.

Liver Protection

Chicory root has an incredible ability to protect the liver against possible toxicity and free radical damage. According to a 2015 medical review, the natural antioxidants in chicory root were able to boost the body’s defense system and simultaneously cleanse the liver.

Decreased Inflammation

As you may know by now, chronic inflammation has been linked to the development of diabetes, certain cancers, and heart disease. Several studies have found that chicory root may possess anti-inflammatory properties. Other studies have concluded that chicory root’s polyphenols can help decrease inflammation levels, but more research needs to be done on humans for concrete findings.

Stress Reliever

If you are easily stressed or have excess levels of cortisol in the body, caffeine can only worsen the issue. In fact, a 2006 study found that repeated caffeine consumption combined with high stress levels significantly increased cortisol levels. Because chicory root does not contain caffeine, it may be the coffee replacement you need to reduce stress and normalize cortisol levels.

Gut Health Hero

Chicory root is rich in a prebiotic known as oligosaccharide-enriched inulin, also referred to as prebiotic fiber. It is easily fermented by healthy bacteria in the gut and it contributes to the healthy growth of probiotics. Inulin, or chicory root fiber, is commonly found in probiotic supplements! It is best to not go overboard with chicory root because it can lead to excess fermentation, which can trigger gas or upset stomach.

It May Not Be For You

We understand that you may be looking for a coffee alternative, but chicory root is not for everyone. Due to the aforementioned gas and upset stomach side effects, some people avoid chicory root. You should absolutely avoid it if you are allergic to ragweed or birch pollen. Additionally, chicory root is not recommended for pregnant women because it could trigger menstrual bleeding and miscarriage.

Chicory root can be a great coffee substitute, especially if you are looking to cut down on caffeine consumption. Weigh the pros and cons and try it out; you might like it a lot! And one last thing…the featured picture of this article is what a cup of chicory root coffee looks like.

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Saying goodbye to the magical bean that gives us caffeine can be difficult. Whether you quit drinking coffee to break an addiction, improve your overall mood, or decrease anxiety, we applaud and support you on your endeavor. Maybe you had to give up coffee because you participated in our Full Body Cleanse and are looking for coffee alternatives. Whatever the case, one of the best reasons to quit drinking coffee and start drinking natural, healthier alternatives that give you an energy boost is to get a better night’s sleep.

First off, coffee (caffeine in general) is a stimulant. Anyone who has felt the adrenaline spikes of coffee knows that it keeps you awake, sometimes more than you’d like. Just as flying across time zones can disrupt your internal clock, so can coffee. Drinking coffee 6 hours before you go to sleep, which a lot of people do, can shorten sleep time by an hour. After a day at the office, you need those long-awaited zzz’s. Is coffee worth having an irregular sleep pattern?

According to about 54% of the population, a cup of Joe is a necessary part of the day. Just as we enjoy a second cup of fresh squeezed juice later in the day, people who drink coffee need a second cup, which is the real ruiner of a good night’s sleep. The reason for this is because caffeine interrupts the flow of melatonin to the brain. This is the hormone that sends us to bed. Research indicates that coffee halves the body’s production of melatonin. You could sleep five hours or seven hours. What would you prefer? We’re betting on more hours of sleep.

If you need a natural energizer to kickstart your day, we have several coffee alternatives. These differ from coffee because they either have electrolytes, antioxidants, iron, or magnesium, all of which help expand the blood vessels to create a natural energy rush. Coconut water is rich in potassium and electrolytes, providing you with more benefits than Gatorade or Powerade. You won’t need caffeine if you drink hibiscus tea. It gives you a healthy dose of iron and thiamin, which converts your food into energy. Regulate your oxygen and blood flow by drinking beet juice, and be energized during your workouts, too! Pureed banana with water/ice will increase your “happy” neurotransmitters to fuel you throughout the day. Additionally, bananas pack a potassium punch and are easily digestible. Finally, an apple cider vinegar and water solution is the one of the best energizers we know of. Not only will you be getting a natural, caffeine-free energy rush, which will keep you at a healthy energized level throughout the day, but you will also be getting a better night’s sleep.

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Many people become confused when they hear about herbal products containing caffeine. Caffeine can sometimes be described as unhealthy or bad for you, but it can vary depending on the type of caffeine that you are consuming.

Research has shown that most products containing more than 20 mg of caffeine is processed or refined.

As a stimulant to the central nervous system, caffeine may cause mild physical dependence.

Withdrawal symptoms can include:

• Migraine or headache
• Sleepiness
• Irritability
• Depression
• Constipation
• Lack of motivation or energy
• Muscle pain or stiffness
• Trouble concentrating
• Insomnia
• Flu-like symptoms

However, caffeine does not threaten your health the same way that other addictive drugs do. Most experts do not consider caffeine dependence to be a serious addiction.

Natural vs. Man-made Caffeine

The caffeine found in coffee and pharmaceutical drugs can cause mild physical dependence and has some mild symptoms.

The naturally occurring caffeine found in several herbs is known as bio-caffeine. Bio means “alive” or “living.” Herbs with bio-caffeine attributes include:

• Yerba Mate
• Guarana
• Kola Nut, and
• Green Tea

Bio-caffeine is the healthier option because it is naturally occurring and consists of lower levels of caffeine, making it non-addictive.

The stimulants found in herbal teas come from other chemicals than caffeine. These other stimulants are naturally occurring in herbs and have a similar reaction to the body as caffeine does. However, these do not cause physical dependence or addiction.

Herbs containing bio-caffeine contain 20 mg or less of caffeine. This caffeine is found in plants and is active, meaning it is not harmful and will not cause addiction. They are balanced and stable, unlike drugs.

Black tea is usually high in caffeine simply because it is processed. Black tea is made by oxidizing regular Green Tea leaves, giving them a black color.

Consider the following:

• Brewed Coffee (8 ounces), 60-120 mg caffeine
• Double Expresso (2 ounces), 45-100 mg caffeine
• Ben & Jerry’s Coffee Fudge Frozen Yogurt (8 ounces), 85 mg caffeine
• Instant Coffee (8 ounces), 70 mg caffeine
• Black Tea (8 ounces) 45 mg caffeine
• Pepsi Cola (12 ounce can), 38 mg caffeine
• Coca Cola (12 ounce can), 34 mg caffeine
• Hershey’s Special Dark chocolate bar (1.45 ounces), 31 mg caffeine

Healthy Strategies

If the product is a natural plant source and contains caffeine there is nothing to worry about. Herbs are organic products that are easily recognizable by the human body. They will not cause harm to your body.

If your body is inundated with unnatural caffeine and you switch to natural caffeine in the form of herbs, your body may be so toxic from all the man-made caffeine that your body may become confused and may have a physical reaction to the change. If you would like to end your addiction to coffee, you should first detoxify your body before switching to a natural source of caffeine.

So the next time you hear somebody talking about how they are concerned about drinking herbal teas of Yerba Mate, Guarana, or Green Tea because of their caffeine content, you know there is nothing to be concerned about. The caffeine content is natural and not man made like normal coffee, espresso, chocolate, etc.

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