Are wellness shots the new coffee? Spilling the juicy details.

What is a wellness shot?

They say the best things in life come in small packages and wellness shots are no exception. Condensed and concentrated, wellness shots are micro juice blends loaded with nutrient boosting compounds. Touted by celebrities as miracle potions, you may have seen these mini elixirs flooding your local health food store in recent months. Here’s why!

Wellness Shots Pack a Big Punch in a Small Sip

Despite their small serving size, wellness shots offer a powerful dose of antioxidants, immune boosters, and probiotics.

The benefits of a wellness shot are relative to the function of the nutrients it contains. For an immunity boost, a shot with a blend of orange juice (vitamin C) and turmeric (an anti-inflammatory) can help the body to fight off symptoms of the common cold and flu.

A shot containing ginger and aloe can help soothe an irritated tummy and improve digestion. Nonetheless, wellness shots are intended as a quick, yet powerful way to give your body the nutrients it needs to perform it’s best.

Wellness Shots are Convenient

Although a bit pricey, the quickest way to get your daily dose of vitamins is in a pre-mixed elixir like Botanica Daily Anti-Inflammatory Shot. But you can also make your own concoctions at home with fresh ingredients for half the price.

No Juicer? No Problem!

Add your ingredients to a blender. If you’re adding turmeric or ginger, be sure to peel them first. Strain the liquid through a fine mesh strainer or a cheesecloth, squeezing out all the juice. Be aware that the juice (particularly turmeric) can stain your hands, so you may want to wear gloves.

Whether you need a boost of energy to give your metabolism a jolt or want alleviate stomach bloat, here are three wellness shots you can make at home:

The Immunity Re-Boot: Citrusy and Spicy

Immunity and nutrition are so complex that it would be inaccurate to say that a single wellness shot will curb your cold. However, ginger has a long history in traditional medicines as an immune booster and stomach soother. Not only does Gingerol, the compound that gives ginger it’s pungent flavour, contain antimicrobials, it’s also what gives this shot a little “zing”. In addition, one medium orange contains 78% of the recommended daily allowance of vitamin C for the average adult.

There is no shortage of health claims about turmeric, but research shows it has potent anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce oxidative stress and aging. Unfortunately, turmeric doesn’t absorb well into the blood stream on its own. The black pepper in this recipe is used to activate the curcumin in the turmeric (the anti-inflammatory compound in it) to make it more bioavailable.

Ingredients:

1 Medium Orange (freshly squeezed)

1-inch Knob of Ginger Root

1-inch Knob of Turmeric Root

¼ tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper

 To a juicer, add the orange, ginger, and turmeric (depending on the juicer, you may need to peel the orange and lemon). Pour into a glass and add freshly ground black pepper. Swirl, sip, or knock it back in one swift go for a powerful kick. (No juicer? See my tip below for using a blender instead)

The Tummy Tonic: Bitter and Probiotic

Experiencing tummy troubles? Aloe vera helps alkalinize the body, which is great for indigestion. It’s also great for relieving constipation by increasing water content in the intestines and stimulating peristalsis, which helps stools pass smoothly. The fermented sauerkraut juice contains probiotics that balance the microbiome and fight inflammation.

Ingredients:

1 Medium Apple (Granny smiths are a good choice as they are tart and will pair well with the sourness of the sauerkraut juice).

1 oz Raw Aloe Vera Juice

1 tbsp Fermented Sauerkraut juice

Juice one apple. Pour into a short glass and add one oz of raw aloe vera juice. Add one tablespoon of sauerkraut juice, using the juice from a jar of fermented sauerkraut.

The Activated C-Tox: Sweet and Sour

Overindulged last night? The Activated C-Tox shot contains activated charcoal which helps to eliminate toxins commonly associated to overindulging in heavy, rich foods or alcohol. The porous texture and negative charge that activated charcoal carries traps these toxins and heavy metals in the gut and redirects them to be flushed from the body instead of being absorbed. Meanwhile lemon juice revs up stomach acid levels for a digestive boost and raw honey sweetens the deal with antibacterial properties.

Ingredients:

¼ tsp Activated Charcoal Powder

1 tbsp of pure water

1 Lemon (freshly squeezed)

1 tsp Raw Honey