Immune Boosting Garlic Lemonade
Garlic lemonade is one of the most effective, inexpensive, and easy recipes to make at home for extra immune system support. You can quickly brew this simple but powerful tea and drink it on a regular basis or at the first sign of illness. In our household, we call it Miracle in a Mason Jar, because it works tiny miracles in our home, keeping us out of the doctor’s office and back to feeling well.
My recipe has evolved over the years, adding organic ginger and turmeric to the three original ingredients: organic raw garlic, organic lemons, and Manuka honey. These ingredients have been used for centuries in traditional medicinal practices. You may be wondering whether there is any evidence before you pour yourself a glass.
Garlic & Allicin
Garlic’s immune boosting, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial properties have long been established in research. One of the active components in garlic is an organosulfur compound called diallyl thiosulfonate or allicin. To activate this strong anti-inflammatory and volatile antimicrobial, garlic must be chewed raw, crushed, or sliced.
Lemons & Vitamin C
Similarly, the polyphenols, zinc, and high Vitamin C content of lemons may be the reason why this citrus fruit has also been thought to have immune boosting properties. A study found that the combination of zinc and Vitamin C reduced upper respiratory tract and common cold symptoms in severity and length.
Manuka Honey & Methylglyoxal
When brewing your garlic lemonade, be sure to choose Manuka honey. This is a specific kind of honey native to New Zealand, produced by the bees that pollinate the honey bush. Manuka honey has been known for its treatment of sore throats, antibacterial properties, wound healing benefits, and more in research. Methylglyoxal (MGO) is one of the main antibacterial components of Manuka honey thought to contribute to its medicinal activities.
Ginger & Gingerols
The addition of turmeric or ginger turn this lemonade into a powerful tea. Ginger is one of the most commonly used herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine, as it is both safe and effective. Ginger has many active components including gingerols, shogaols, and paradols. Ginger’s pharmacological actions are well established in research, including its immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Turmeric & Curcumin
Finally, the active component of turmeric, known as curcumin, has been shown in research to have similar anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. If you are adding either of these herbs, try to find the fresh root to slice or grate into your tea. Regardless of what the research says, this drink can be served warm or chilled. A glass will be sure to soothe the sore throats and runny noses in your household.
Garlic Lemonade Ingredients
Four cloves of garlic (yes-raw!)
The fresh juice of four lemons
Four tablespoons of freshly grated ginger
Four tablespoons of freshly grated turmeric
Manuka honey to taste
Garlic Lemonade Instructions
Choose organic ingredients when available
Mince, slice, or grate the above herbs and squeeze the lemon juice into the jar
Cover with cool water to prevent the Mason jar from cracking once boiled water is added
Add boiling water and let steep for 30 minutes
Strain the herb mash from the tea or let it steep in the jar for extra flavor
Add Manuka honey for taste
Drink as much as possible daily!
If you enjoyed this post, you may be interested in reading our Immune Boosting Foods article for more ways to naturally support your immune system.
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