This immune system super tonic is a classic based on the legendary Four Thieves Vinegar. As such you can play around with the ingredients and make it your own,
For example, add some lemons, fresh turmeric root, cumin seeds, onions, fresh thyme, rosemary or other herbs and spices that appeal to you or you have on hand.
You will need a jar with an airtight fitting lid, big enough to hold all your ingredients plus about ¼ empty space at the top for shaking it all up.
Ingredients:
Use equal amounts by weight of each:
- Fresh Garlic – finely chopped
- Fresh Ginger root – peeled and grated
- Fresh Horseradish root – peeled and grated
- Apple cider vinegar- with the Mother
Optional additions or substitutions: turmeric root, hot peppers such as cayenne or granny’s bonnet, onion, thyme, oregano, cardamon seeds, sage, anise, cloves, lemon peel, or any other antiviral herbs, spices or foods you have.
Directions:
- Place the chopped garlic, grated ginger and horseradish in your jar – ¾ full.
Completely cover with apple cider vinegar, plus some, leaving about ¼ empty space at the top. - Shake well and place in the refrigerator for at least 4 days. Alternatively you could store it on a cool shelf away from direct sunlight.
- The longer it sits the stronger it gets. Don’t worry it will keep for months!
IMPORTANT: Shake your super tonic daily.
To boost your immune system, take 1 tablespoon every day. Or if you feel a cold/flu coming on take 3 – 4 times a day. You could strain off the liquid when it reaches a strength you are comfortable with. Discard the plant material or use it in salads etc. – I do! I also use the liquid in salad dressings.
Health benefits and uses
Garlic is often called ‘King of the Herbs’ as it has so many applications for health. In ancient Greece is was called theriac or All-heal. Garlic is a natural antibiotic, antiseptic and anti-fungal with a special affinity for the respiratory and cardiovascular systems as well as the immune system. It helps to lower cholesterol, prevent blood clotting and is anti-inflammatory. It is particularly good at ridding the body of unwanted guests such as parasites and bad bacteria.
Master Medical Herbalist, Dr. John Ray Christopher recommended horseradish for sinus infections. Just chopping the horseradish will start to clear any nasal blockages. Try placing a ¼ teaspoon of the freshly grated root in your mouth until all the taste is gone, then spit it out — this is a fast way to clear your sinuses of mucous. Horseradish is anti-bacterial and stimulates circulation. It is high in vitamin C and potassium. It is helpful with all kinds of infections in the respiratory and urinary systems.
Ginger is another warming herb to increase circulation. It is also anti-nauseous and will help with stomach aches and headaches, and for colds and flu.