Good Morning Brew

Description

The coffee habit is hard to break, and many really like to have that nice warm drink in the morning, while others like the jolt it gives to help get the day started. However, coffee is acidic and very hard on the heart and kidneys, so I decided to put together something that could replace it and be very healthy and nutritious as well.

I had my son, Joshua, who works at Starbucks help me with this one. Together, we tested and tasted different herb mixes to get it just right. The result: Good Morning Brew!

We have heard from several who are avid coffee drinkers, and it seems to be a really good hit. Both my parents love their coffee, and now really like their Good Morning Brew. I’m not a coffee drinker, so I put cream and honey in mine.

INGREDIENTS:

Chicory Root
Chicory Root is often used for a coffee substitute, but it also has a wealth of health benefits, such as: the ability to ease digestive problems, prevent heartburn, reduce arthritis pains, detoxify the liver and gallbladder, prevent bacterial infections, boost the immune system, and reduce the chance of heart disease. It is also a natural sedative, and can protect against kidney stones, and benefit attempts to lose weight. In addition, it is caffeine free, and very similar in taste to coffee. Some blends of coffee even include chicory as well.

Nutritonal Facts:
Chicory contains iron, manganese, copper, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, zinc, folate,  vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, A, and C. It contains inulin, a prebiotic fiber that aides in calcium absorption. It is advised not to use chicory when pregnant or if you have any pre-existing conditions. Consult your doctor before using chicory root.

Burdock Root
Burdock Root is a blood purifier and has been used to neutralize and eliminate toxins in the system. It is one of the best herbs for chronic skin problems. It increases the flow of urine, and is excellent for gout, rheumatism, canker sores, syphilis, and leprosy.  You can make a salve and apply externally for skin eruptions, burns, and wounds.

Nutritional Facts:
Burdock root contains amino acids, calcium,chromium, copper, Iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potasium, selenium, silicon, zinc, and vitamins B1, B2, B3 and C.  It has beta carotene, inulin, acetic acid, along with several other phytochemicals. The main thing to be cautious about is that it can interfere with iron absorbtion, and should not be used by pregnant or nursing women, diabetics, or anyone with a heart condition.

Dandelion Root
Dandelion Root is a great herb for the liver, as it increases its activity and helps to detoxify it. Dandelion root also increase the flow of urine and is slightly laxative. It has been used to aid digestion, and is useful in all kinds of kidney trouble, diabetes, dropsy, and inflammation of the bowels, and has beneficial effect on female organs.

Nutritional Facts:
Dandelion Root contains calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, zinc, and vitamins B1, B2, B3, and C. Some of the many phytochemicals include Beta-carotene, caffeic acid and lutein. Warnings for this herb include not using it in combination with diuretic medications or if you have gallstone/bilary tract obstruction of any kind.

Pau D’Arco
Pau d’arco has a detoxifying effect on the whole body. The blood vessels, lymph system, cells, tissues, and organs are all detoxified. It is anti-inflammatory, inhibits Candida albicans, prevents colds and flu, is a blood purifier, stimulates production of red blood cells, has strong antioxidant properties, is a powerful antifungal, anti-bacterial anti-microbial, fights parasites, accelerates healing of skin wounds, and strengthens the immune system.

Nutritional Facts:
Pau D’Arco has three phytochemicals in its bark, they include beta carotene, beta- sitosterol, and lapachol. There are no cautions or warnings to heed with this herb, and also, no vitamins- its benefits come from the medicinal properties, not from its nutrient content.

Yerba Mate
Yerba Mate is a plant not native to American soil, it is from southern Brazil.  It has been found to contain most all of the vitamins needed to sustain life. It helps deliver oxygen to the heart and muscles and has thermogenic properties, meaning it helps to burn fat. It contains xanthine alkaloid called mateine which acts like caffeine but without the side effects. It stimulates the mind, eases depression, and increases concentration but does not interfere with sleep. Sleep is an important component to weight loss. Yerba Mate also fights free radicals, cleanses the blood, and suppresses the appetite.  It fights aging, stimulates the production of cortisone, and tones the nervous system. It also enhances the healing properties of other herbs, making its synergy in this brew just perfect.

Nutritional Facts:
Yerba Mate contains Choline, inostol, nicotinic acid, pyridoxine, trace minerals, and vitamins B3, B5, B6, C, and E.

TIPS:

• Good Morning Brew is made with tougher herbs, so it must be simmered on the stove for at least 20 minutes and then strained
• Make a quart at a time and enjoy it hot or cold all day!
• You can make a wonderful version of “Iced coffee” using your natural sweetener of choice (stevia extract or honey), and some cream or almond milk, and either putting it in the blender with ice, or just pouring it over ice