Cold Buster Smoothie
This cold-and-flu season is a doozy, guys. Phew. It's scary out there. I hope you all have managed to stay healthy and away from the germs as much as possible. And if you haven't, well, I have some (hopefully reassuring) news for you! Over the next couple of weeks, we're tackling a few of my favorite all-natural cold-and-flu remedies here on Wholefully.
I used to think that I was powerless when the yuckies were going around, but in the past few months, my eyes have been opened to the amazing power we have to not only fight the cold and flu naturally, but to also support our immune system from the get-go and prevent ever coming down with the yuckies to begin with.
Am I saying you should abandon your doctor's advice to mainline ginger and turmeric instead of taking your medicines? HECK NO. Listen to your doctor, kids. What I am saying is that you have the power to support your body and your body's natural immune response with things you probably have in your kitchen right now! And there is nothing to lose, so might as well go for it, right? Worst thing that'll happen to you is you get to enjoy a delicious smoothie (OH DARN).
The very first weapon in my natural cold-and-flu arsenal is my Cold Buster Smoothie. This is the very first thing I make when I start to feel that tickle in the back of my throat. From a comfort standpoint, this baby just feels awesome on a scratchy, painful throat. It's incredibly soothing, which is enough reason alone to sip on it while you're sick.
But that's not all the benefits of the Cold Buster. It's also packed with natural antiviral and antibacterial ginger, natural sources of immune-boosting vitamin C like oranges and mango, and the anti-inflammatory powerhouse turmeric. This smoothie skips dairy (which can inflame already-angry mucous membranes when you're sick-basically making you even more snotty and stuffed up), and instead uses dairy-free yogurt, which gives you a nice dose of "good guy" bacteria to help strengthen your gut. There is absolutely no added sugar in this smoothie, which is a good thing, because sugar actually hinders your body's immune response.
This smoothie is also a great way to get in much-needed calories when your tummy isn't quite up to eating "real" food (which is how I always feel when I come down with a cold). I always add in a scoop or two of collagen to make sure I get some protein in-it really turns this smoothie into a perfect under-the-weather meal replacement. I usually alternate between this smoothie and mugs of hot bone broth when I'm ill. By sticking with smoothies and soups and broths, you allow your body to focus on healing instead of putting energy into digestion-you can get back to eating your giant salads when you're on the mend.
I hope you and your family are staying healthy!
📖 Recipe
Cold Buster Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 banana frozen
- 1 large orange peeled and segmented
- 1 cup frozen mango chunks
- ½ cup dairy-free yogurt such as almond or coconut
- 1 small carrot peeled and coarsely chopped
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric
- ½ cup orange juice or more as needed
- Handful of ice optional
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to the carafe of a blender and blend on high until smooth. Add more orange juice and/or ice to adjust the consistency if desired. Pour into two glasses and serve immediately.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
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Do you think I can just use a couple extra clementines & water or almond milk if I don't have orange juice?
Cassie! This is the most delicious smoothie. I just made a triple batch for me and my 6 girlfriends from high school (we’re in our 40’s now) and it’s a HUGE hit! Thank you!!!
Hello, Cassie.
Please, what do you mean by "1 banana FROZEN" & "1 cup FROZEN mango chunks"?
Is 'frozen' here literal? I mean, am I supposed to freeze the banana and mango chunks first?
Yep, that will help give the smoothie its thicker texture!
Delicious thanks! I subbed fresh ginger and tumeric for ground and put in 3 whole oranges and it's a new go to.
Really awesome. I will try these at my home.
This recipe tastes amazing! I was nervous about if my 5 year old would like it, but this smoothie got my kid’s stamp of approval! Thank you for sharing.
Hello Cassie, I found your recipe a few days before and made the smoothies for my kids. They don't love to have fruits but this mixed fruit smoothies they enjoyed a lot. Thanks for the recipe.
This was such a good smoothie and felt great on my sore throat. Reminded me of golden milk because of the turmeric and ginger.
This smoothie is. so. awesome. Thank you!
Wow..! It just awesome. Thanks for sharing your beautiful idea.
Could one serving be refrigerated or frozen to use later (1-2 days)
Here's my recommended ways to prep-ahead smoothies: https://wholefully.com/meal-prep-smoothies/
All of those methods should work for this smoothie. 🙂
after the reading this post i tried this at my home, it was really awesome
That smoothie looks so good- I need to get these ingredients and make this asap! 🙂
Mmmmm, it is such a good one!
Made this today as a post workout refresher. So good!
Yay! So glad you liked it!
That looks so good! I will definitely give that a try when I'm not feeling so cold.
I have GOT to get some clementines for smoothies, I can only imagine how delicious this is!!
It's actually pretty warm here too, so I've been enjoying smoothies again which makes me very happy!
How do you drink smoothies in the winter?? I have them several times a week in the summer and can't stand the thought of them when it's cold.
P.S. That one looks delicious.
Hahah! Well spring has sprung here (at least temporarily!) it was 65° yesterday!
Looks awesome! I am just coming down with a cold (bleh) so I just might have to get my hubby to run down to the store and get me the stuff for it.
Yummy!
This looks delicious! I love a good smoothie, and one that helps fend off colds is just a bonus.
Question, though: in your pictures you show clementines (oranges?) in the blender with the peaches and bananas, but no clementines are mentioned in the recipe?
HAHAH. Duh. I added a clementine. Fixing now. 🙂