Kick starting my metabolism and digestion often starts with a warm cup of water and fresh squeeze of lemon juice first thing in the morning. However, when occasional tummy trouble creeps into my day, or I feel a cold coming on, drinking a cup of Strengthening Ume Kuzu Lemon Tea is often the perfect fix.
Umeboshi Plums: (or Plum Paste)
Salty, pickled Japanes plums help stimulate the digestion and helps alkalize the blood.
Kuzu Root: (Known as Kudzu in the Southern U.S.)
Native to Japan and Southeast China, this creeping vine grows prolifically throughout the southern states, often known as a nuisance rather than for the healing properties of its roots.
Kuzu root starch helps relieve tummy discomfort due to over-acidity and pesky gut issues. With a high concentration of flavonoids, kuzu starch decreases the contraction of smooth muscle tissue, increases blood flow and reduces cramping. I’ve made variations of Ume Kuzu Tea for years and find it works well for most minor digestive issues.
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon Umeboshi Paste
- 1 heaping teaspoon kuzu (mixed in with 1 Tablespoon cold water)
- 1 teaspoon finely grated ginger (I don't mind the pieces of ginger floating in my tea, however if you desire a clear liquid, simply squeeze the grated ginger over your cup to release the juice)
- Juice of 1/2 lemon - about 1 Tablespoon
- A few (I used 3) drops of Gluten Free Tamari
- Combine kuzu root with one Tablespoon cold water - give a stir until dissolved.
- Bring 1 cup water to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer and stir in umeboshi paste, lemon juice and dissolved kuzu / water mixture. Stir until liquid begins to thicken.
- Remove from heat and pour into tea cup. Add fresh ginger or ginger juice and a few drops of gluten-free tamari. Stir.
- Sip slowly and ENJOY!
- vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free
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