ComScore

Citrus Health Tonic

PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and the company may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. All prices are accurate upon date of publish. You can learn more about the affiliate process here.

Average ()
Six ingredients, one pot, much comfort.
citrus health tonic recipe: pot of citrus health tonic with citrus fruit and lemongrass
Kelly Marshall/My Everyday Lagos

Whether you’re looking for a reset or just something to spice up your afternoon tea, this citrus health tonic from Yewande Komolafe’s new cookbook, My Everyday Lagos, will hit the spot. It only calls for six ingredients, plus an optional spoonful of honey.

Access to his friend’s farm-grown produce sparked the author’s love of tonics. “It seems that once we have our native herbs and greens within reach, we start to explore all the ways to center our health and nutrition in ancestral traditions,” Komolafe writes. “Whereas the greens Yemi grows are great for blood and cardiovascular health, this tonic shares many common ingredients of other immunity-boosting tonics. It’s rich with vitamin C, digestive aids and anti-inflammatory properties.”

There are many ways to enjoy this chuggable powerhouse. Add it to your next smoothie for a nutritional boost, sip it as an after-meal digestif or gulp it down like you would any other drink. We’re betting it’s just as refreshing cold as it is hot.

Reprinted with permission from My Everyday Lagos by Yewande Komolafe copyright © 2023. Photographs by Kelly Marshall. Published by Clarkson Potter, a division of Penguin Random House, LLC.


Ingredients

3 oranges, sliced

3 limes, sliced

1 lemon, sliced

One 3-inch piece ginger, grated

2 stalks lemongrass

1 teaspoon turmeric

Honey, to taste (optional)

Directions

1. Combine the oranges, limes, lemon, ginger, lemongrass and turmeric into a large saucepan with 4 cups of water and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer for 5 minutes.

2. Turn off the heat and steep for 15 to 20 minutes. Strain through a large-mesh strainer or chinois.

3. To serve, pour four to six ounces into a small glass and stir in the honey, if desired.

Nutrition Facts
  • 73 calories

  • 0g fat

  • 20g carbs

  • 2g protein

  • 9g sugars

Powered By

Note: The information shown is Edamam's estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice.

Made it? Rate it!

purewow author

Editorial Team

Our editorial team works with a variety of writers and experts across all fields to produce thoroughly researched stories that resonate with you. Our mission is to be that well-informed best friend who's always got your back, whether you need advice on dealing with toddler tantrums or the best no-chafe workout shorts to buy.