Why Sorrel Helps Your Immune System

Posted: October 24, 2018
By: weadmin

Here is a holiday drink that many enjoy as a tradition without considering the health benefits.  In fact, I only realized a few years ago that sorrel helps your Immune System.

How Sorrel Helps Your Immune System

It isn’t Christmas in Jamaica without this traditional drink, a beverage derived from the Roselle (hibiscus sabdariffa) plant. The rich, piquant flavor of this festive drink is the perfect complement to Christmas cakes and puddings. In addition to its wonderful taste, this drink has several health benefits, which helps to strengthen the immune system. The sepals of the Roselle contain high levels of antioxidants, which help to:

• Reduce blood pressure
• Suppress the development of cancerous cells
• Oxidize lipids – Heart Health
• Increase urine flow (diuretic)
• Enhances weight loss
• Fights colds and flues
• Reduce Inflammation

You now know the various ways that sorrel helps your immune system. Now here’s a bonus!  Did you know that boosting your immune system is not only great for your health but also helps you manage your stress levels?  The healthier your immune system, the stronger your coping mechanism.  There you have it! Drink your way to a healthier you.

Traditional Holiday Sorrel Drink

This traditional Jamaican drink is often prepared with over-proof rum during the season but tastes just as delectable without the addition of alcohol.  There is some traditional claim that sorrel prevents hangovers when consumed with alcohol.

Ingredients

5 cups boiling water
3 cups dried sorrel (sepals separated from the seeds)
14 whole cloves
5 pimento seeds
4 cinnamon leaves/ ¼ teaspoon cinnamon powder
1 inch of ginger root
1 cup brown sugar
1-3 drops of bitters (optional)

Preparation Directions

1. Place a large enough pot on a burner with the specified amount of water.  Allow it to come to a vigorous boil.
2. Add the sorrel, cloves, pimento seeds, ginger root and cinnamon leaves to the boiling water.
3. Allow the contents of the pot to come to a vigorous boil once more.
4. Reduce the heat and let the ingredients simmer for 4 minutes.
5. Allow the mixture to cool and then strain the contents of the pot into a jug or other container.
6. Add sugar and a few drops of bitters (optional) to taste; this can be more or less than recommended.

Helpful Tips

• If using fresh sorrel, freeze it overnight to increase its flavor profile and intensify its color. Frozen sorrel is said to be more savory than dried sorrel.
• For a more flavorful beverage, allow the sorrel to remain in the pot after it has cooled (for at least 4 hours) to enhance the taste.
• If you are using bitters, add one drop at time and taste in stages to avoid overpowering the final product.