This Spiced Mulled Cider Has A Secret Ingredient To Support Winter Immunity

This recipe builds upon store-bought apple cider with six delicious functional herbs and spices that have been used for centuries to support winter wellness. It only takes one hour for this seasonal drink to simmer in the background while you make dinner, tidy up, or sit back and relax. And as an added bonus, you'll love the way the warming, spicy scent wafts through your home. (This is a great recipe to keep on hand for when you host winter parties, as the guests will be greeted with the most comforting aroma as they walk through your door!)

Practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine have incorporated astragalus root into broths, soups, and decoctions for centuries. More recently, Western herbalists, like myself, have learned about astragalus root's nourishing properties, and its popularity has risen here in the U.S. You can now find astragalus tinctures and supplements online and at most local wellness centers. The root itself is the ideal ingredient to use in liquid-based recipes that require simmering, like soups, grains, or the cider recipe, below! Just remember to remove the root from the beverage before you start sipping, as the fibrous strips are too tough and chewy to eat. 

This spiced cider recipe has become a functional favorite in my household, and I bet that once you make it, you'll be back for more before too long.