Simple Natural Living: How To Make Your Own All Natural Immune Boosting Cold And Flu Fighter

So! I'm pretty pleased (more than pleased) to finally share this recipe on the blog! I've been meaning to for.... oh....I don't know, maybe a year now? Pft, time flies. This little recipe of mine has been a savior for myself (and Alex) more times than I can count--- I've been using it (as needed) for about five plus years now and it's been amazing.

I'm going to have a few disclaimers in this post, but let me start off with this one: I'm not against modern medicine, I think it has a right and place for many things--- but I do believe in doing what you can to avoid getting to that step as often as you can. Luckily, there are a lot of natural ways to do so. This way works for me--- really, really, (really!) well. Do I think you should say, "screw medicine, I've got this recipe!"--- errrr no. But if you've got that itch and cough in your throat and you feel the inevitable *my body is about to shut down and give out* on me feeling, then I do highly suggest you try this!
You know those old movies or sitcoms where a person throws a bunch of crap in a blender and demands, "here drink this" to a sick or hungover person? Then the sick person hesitantly grabs it, drinks it, gags all over the place, but then feels amazingly better? That's this. I love the intense-ness of it, but it might be a bit hard to swallow for some, literally. BUT it will give your cold a good kick in the butt if you do it. I've handed this to a lethargic and cold fighting Alex numerous amounts of times---- and he always comes back about 20 minutes later asking, "What was in that? I feel awesome." My response every time: "Tada, I'm magic. You're welcome"

You'll need: 1 clove garlic, peeled (about 1/2 tsp when grated) 1 thumb size piece of ginger, peeled (about 1/2 tsp when grated) 1 tablespoon raw honey 1 - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar juice of half lemon (or more if desired)
optional: 1 thumb tumeric root, peeled (about 1/2 tsp when grated) water for diluting 2 drops oregano essential oil (please read below before trying*)
tools: microplane zester or smooth mortar and pestle cup and spoon for mixing

How to: -with zester, finely grate garlic, ginger, and turmeric (if using) into cup. If you don't have a microplane zester, you can easily use a mortar and pestle, but it will be a bit of a workout. -add honey and mix -add lemon juice and apple cider vinegar and mix -if you'd like, add a bit of water or extra lemon juice to dilute -chug and karate chop
side note: I have turmeric listed as 'optional' only because turmeric root is not common in our everyday fridge, while all the other items on the list are our everyday staples. But I would add turmeric 100% of the time if I had it in my fridge.

Some food facts and general knowledge:
ginger is an immune booster and digestive aid to help cleanse toxins. As well as an anti-inflammatory aid. garlic is an immune booster and contains antioxidants and sulfuric compounds to help fight against bacteria and infection raw honey (sorry strict vegans), is a wonderful super food packed with antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, and amino acids. It has both, antibacterial and antiviral properties. apple cider vinegar helps to detoxify the body. lemon contains antioxidants and is packed with vitamin C.

And voila! You're on your way to combating the winter (or any time of the year) sicknesses! You don't have to be super strict about measurements. This is really just a general guideline of what we use in our home. And luckily, we have all these items in our fridge and pantry on a daily basis--- and the good news is---you probably, maybe do too! Especially if you purchased the vinegar to wash your hair ;)
Please note: I haven't mentioned Marlowe in this. It's not that I don't give this to her, because I do give her a very watered down, extra honey version of this--- but I do recommend being extra cautious about giving this to little ones. Raw ginger and garlic can be pretty intense on the stomach for anyone, especially small humans with small stomachs. I wouldn't give it to babies or toddlers in general and just be sure to be cautious with smaller kids. Also, I'm sure you know this, but I'll say it just in case: do NOT give raw honey to children under two. Also, if you have a weaker stomach yourself, please be cautious and make sure to drink this on a full stomach! And no, coffee doesn't count as something that fills your stomach.

*I've debated back and forth whether I should add oregano essential oil to the list. Here's why: most oregano essential oil is NOT safe to consume. Please (please!) do not run out to the store, buy oregano oil, and take it without properly reading labels. It is NOT safe.
I've added it to the list, because if (and only if) you buy oregano oil that is safe for digestion: it is really, really good for you and for boosting your immunity. Essential oil of oregano is anti-bacterial, antimicrobial, anti-fungal, and an antioxidant to name a few---- so yes, it basically helps with everything. But again, you absolutely need to be sure that the oil you buy is intended for consumption. One brand I know to be safe is youngliving. My friend Casey is a distributor for it. I use it for a few things around here, but my number one reason for oregano oil is to fight colds. My step mother always recommends to put a few drops in your ear (diluted with olive oil) for ear infections too. It really does everything. Also, I'm super excited to be putting together a big post on the essential oils we around the house-- it should be a good one. In the meantime you can check out Casey's essential oil blog for a ton of other info or sign up for youngliving HERE. Again, please only use brands that are intended for consumption and please read label carefully for suggested amount. I typically only put two to three drops per drink.
As always, practice caution with home remedies-- not just with things on ohdeardrea, but all over the internet. It is the internet after-all! This isn't intended to cure disease or replace medication--- I'm just sharing this loved and often used trick we use in our own home and within my own family!
One shot of this drink and one shot of elderberry syrup and you will practically be a superhero. You can also try this everything tea recipe that is wonderful for... well, everything. It's similar to this recipe, but not nearly as potent and cold fighting.
Enjoy. Be safe. Be healthy. Fight the bad stuff. Superfood all natural karate chop.