These immune boosting pina colada smoothies will take your mind off your worries and send you straight to your memories of the perfect tropical vacation.

I am writing this as I sit here in my apartment practicing social distancing. This is week 2. Or is it week 3? Do you remember the movie Groundhog Day…?

Anyway, one of good things to come out of this forced time at home for me has been that I am really getting into recipe creation — even more than usual. Sometimes I feel like I’m on the show Chopped. What’s in my pantry? What’s in my fridge and freezer? What can I make? It’s actually kind of fun…

Immune boosting recipes have become my regular fix. I’m now seriously addicted to everything immune-boosting. And this is a good thing.

For lots of great information on how to boost your immune system with foods, download my free ebook now.

Okay, back to this recipe for these amazing Immune Boosting Pina Colada Smoothies. These are made with only 6 ingredients. All they are missing are the cute little paper cocktail umbrellas. And, these will amp up your immune system.

Here are  the amazing healing ingredients in these Immune Boosting Pina Colada Smoothies:

Pineapple is great for your digestion and it can help stop diarrhea. It’s especially good in the summer because it fights against heatstroke. And, if you haven’t tried drinking pure pineapple juice when you have a cough… you’ve really been missing out because pineapple juice is the best cough suppressant around!

In Eastern medicine, we use coconut to strengthen the body, reduce swelling, and stop bleeding. Coconut kills viruses, bacteria, and parasites. It’s good for all types of infections and viruses in the body, including the flu, bronchitis, tapeworms, urinary tract infections, and herpes. And perhaps most importantly, it helps you keep your mind sharp and it makes it easier for you to focus. I like to use canned coconut cream for these smoothies.

Collagen actually heals tissue, it helps to heal your intestinal/gut lining.  Some people who suffer from IBS and other common intestinal issues, have been found to have decreased levels of collagen in their bodies; adding collagen has helped heal these conditions. Collagen strengthens bones and muscles, keeps your joints healthy, improves flexibility and concentration, and helps heal your digestive system. It also keeps you looking youthful. And, as we know, if your gut is healthy, your immune system can be at the top of its game.

Hemp seeds are a superfood. They are high in protein, easily digestible, and contain a full complement of amino acids. They contain disease-fighting phytonutrients that are good for your blood, immune system, tissues and skin. Hemp contains a specific fatty acid that acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory. It also helps balance hormones, making it a great choice to fight the symptoms of PMS. This super seed is also good for your liver and your brain.

Reishi is amazing. It’s a Chinese herb and a mushroom that acts as a superfood. In Chinese medicine, we use it for longevity support and we take it every day in many different forms. The Chinese name for reishi is Ling Zhi. It’s also known as Ganoderma. But, whatever you call it, it is like the rockstar of Chinese herbs. This medicinal mushroom calms the mind, reduces anxiety, relieves restlessness and boosts the immune system.

Oranges will help boost your levels of vitamins A, B and C. In Chinese medicine oranges have been used for many years to help coughs, colds and anorexia. Lately, oranges have been widely touted for their ability to help heal colon cancer. I peel my oranges and lay the rinds in the sun to dry, and save them for tea or for cooking because the orange rinds are an actual Chinese herb. I dry out the peels of oranges, tangerines, clementines… whatever I have. Dried tangerine peel, or “chen pi” as it’s known in Chinese medicine, is one of the greatest and most easily accessible herbs around. It’s especially good for digestive issues like abdominal discomfort, distention, fullness, bloating, belching, and nausea. It’s also great if you have a cough with a heavy or stuffy chest.