This simple tonic will help to replenish your system by giving you a boost of potassium, sodium, and trace minerals, along with a dose of whole food sourced Vitamin C.

Yield: Varies

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: N/A

Skill level: Easy

INGREDIENTS

• ORANGES, squeezed for the juice - preferably organic or use quality, organic ORANGE JUICE

• SALT, such as Vera Natural Spring Salt, Pink Himalayan, Redmond’s Real Salt or Celtic

• CREAM OF TARTAR

DIRECTIONS

1. For every 4 oz. of freshly squeezed orange juice (approximately 2 oranges), mix ¼ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon of cream of tartar. If juicing oranges is not possible (due to travel or time constraints, for instance), strive for 100% orange juice that is not from concentrate and is ideally organic. 

2. Combine ingredients, stir well to dissolve, and serve.

USE CASE

• Drink this preparation 2-3 times a day when depleted or under a lot of stress, 1-2 times a day for ongoing support.  Best taken mid-morning and again mid-afternoon and preferably away from a meal. If drinking a third glass, take it just before bedtime.

• This makes an excellent post-workout beverage for its ability to replenish electrolytes.

• Take this when you are fighting a bug. It will support your immune system and help you recover from the stress of illness.

  Bonus tip:

• If using organic oranges, eat a few bites of the peel or use it grated as a garnish or stirred into recipes for added flavor and nutrition. It is high in vitamins A, B6, C, folate, thiamin, riboflavin, calcium, and has a high composition (90%) of limonene - a compound that fights cancer, ill-effects of stress, has anti-inflammatory properties, and supports healthy digestion.

NOTES/VARIATIONS

• If you find the taste to be unpleasant, reduce the juice to 2-3 ounces, maintaining the mineral ratios.  Stir well to dissolve, drink promptly and follow up with 1-3 ounces of plain, freshly squeezed orange juice.

• If you omit Cream of Tartar due to preferences or tolerance, simply mix 1:1 OJ to Coconut Water, but be sure to include the salt.

• Using a salt such as Vera Natural Spring Salt, Pink Himalayan or Redmond’s Sea Salt will up the mineral profile considerably however iodized table salt is a worthy substitute.

• Make it more filling and nutrient dense by adding heavy whipping cream or coconut cream. It will taste like a creamsicle!

• Out of OJ? No problem, experiment with other juices such as cranberry, tart cherry, or lemon.

• Feel the Vitamin C component is low in the alternate juice you selected? Simply add supplemental Vitamin C (such as Camu Camu powder) or eat some of the peel of the selected fruit.

• Blend in collagen for a boost in amino acids and protein.

• As articulated in the What’s for Dinner article, always aim for the highest quality ingredients.

CREDITS/REFERENCES

Thumbnail photo credit: Oranges and Lemons Photograph by Michiale Schneider - fineartamerica.com

It is difficult to trace exactly who deserves the credit for this recipe as it has long standing use in Functional Nutrition and, due to its simplicity, has been casually passed around for many years.