Immune Boosting Tonic

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There are many variations to this incredible immune boosting tonic. My grandma used to make this–I remember the smell very well–and she would drink this everyday, storing the jar in her pantry. As a small child, I thought is was stinky and weird, but now a s grown woman and mama to 4, I recognize the brilliance in my grandma–using simple whole foods to boost health. Smart lady.

This tonic is good for digestion, cleansing the liver, cleansing the blood and lymphatics, boosting your immune system and adrenal systems, and is made from clean, whole ingredients from the Earth. Basically, when you make this tonic, you capture the incredible antioxidant and immune boosting properties of each ingredient, and bottle it in a super concentrated from, to be used for your health and wellness.

Here is my version of the recipe for the Immune Boosting Tonic:

Tools you will need:

1 quart mason jar with lid (for storage)

1 large bowl

1 strainer

1 cheese cloth

Ingredients:

Large Jar Bragg’s Organic Apple Cider Vinegar with the “Mother”

12 garlic cloves, chopped

1/2 white onion, chopped

2 hot peppers, chopped

1 inch fresh ginger root, grated

1 inch fresh turmeric root, grated

Preparation:

1) Combine all the dry ingredients into a 1 quart mason jar–should fill the jar about 1/2 to 2/3)

2) Pour in apple cider vinegar and fill it to the top to cover ingredients

4) Close jar and shake well.

5) Keep the jar in a cool and dry place for 2 weeks, Shaking well several times a day.

6) After 14 days it is time to strain: Line a plastic strainer with cheese cloth and place over a bowl. Pour ingredients from mason jar through the cheese cloth and strainer into the bowl. Squeeze the cheese cloth tightly to make sure you wring out all moisture from the ingredients.

7) Transfer liquid from bowl back to mason jar and store in cool dry place. Use 1-2 T per day as a tonic added to warm water with lemon, add to salad dressings, add to roasted vegetables, or soups.

8) Rather than discard the waster, dry out the strained ingredients, finely chop them, and use them as added spices to dishes that need an extra “kick”–like thai recipes or spicy sauces.

ProTips:

1) The tonic is very strong in flavor and is very spicy. So start with a small amount and slowly increase over time. For example, start with 1/4 tsp in 2 ounces of water daily, and then gradually increase to 1-2 T daily.

2) 1-2 tablespoons daily dose for strengthen immune system and fight cold. I use 2 T every morning after my morning run.

*I recommend waiting at least 45 minutes after taking the tonic before you eat or take your probiotics.

2) Gargle for sore throats, and then swallow.

3) You may increase amount you take every day until you reach a dose of about 1/4 cup (shot-glass)

4) You can take 1 T several times a day (up to 6 times a day) if you are feeling not well as an added boost to your immune system.

5) The tonic is safe for pregnant women and children – just use less.

6.) If you are allergic to any of the ingredients, dont drink this.

7.) If you have SIBO, and are treating it per protocol, then you need to wait at least 2 weeks into treatment before you can add in cayenne, garlic or onions, etc depending on which protocol you are following.

I keep a jar or 2 in the pantry at all times so I never run out, ever.

Best home-medicine ever!

(Obviously not FDA approved, read disclaimer on my website).

Live Life Optimally,

Kristie