Fermented Garlic Honey: A Potent DIY Remedy for Immune Support
If you’re looking for a natural remedy to keep your immune system strong and healthy, look no further than fermented garlic honey. This sweet, tangy, and garlicky blend is more than just a flavorful addition to your kitchen; it’s packed with benefits that can give your body a natural boost. Plus, making it at home is simple and requires only two ingredients—garlic and raw honey. Let’s dive into what makes fermented garlic honey so powerful, how to make it, and some tips for adding it to your daily routine.
Why Fermented Garlic Honey?
Benefits of Raw Honey
Raw honey is a natural, unprocessed sweetener that’s full of health benefits. Unlike pasteurized honey, raw honey retains all of its enzymes, antioxidants, and trace minerals. Some of the key benefits of raw honey include:
-Antioxidant Support: Raw honey contains powerful antioxidants, which help to combat oxidative stress and inflammation.
- Antimicrobial Properties: Honey has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for wound healing and to prevent infections due to its natural antimicrobial qualities.
- Digestive Health: Raw honey promotes healthy gut bacteria, which can support digestion and overall immune function.
Benefits of Garlic
Garlic’s active compound, allicin, is well-documented for its ability to help the body fight off infections and bolster the immune system. Additional benefits of garlic include:
- Immune Support: Garlic can help fight off viruses and bacteria, making it a popular choice during cold and flu season.
- Heart Health: Regular consumption of garlic may support healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
- Antioxidant Effects: Like honey, garlic is rich in antioxidants, which can support overall cellular health.
When garlic ferments in honey, it becomes more digestible and its beneficial compounds become more accessible to the body. This fermented mixture is a potent natural remedy that can be enjoyed daily for an immune boost, or used as needed for colds and respiratory support.
How to Make Fermented Garlic Honey
Making fermented garlic honey at home is easy. Here’s a simple DIY recipe that uses just a few ingredients and a little patience.
Ingredients
- 6 bulbs of garlic peeled and either crushed or cut in half
- 1 raw honey (unpasteurized and ideally local)
- clean and dry mason jar (this recipe is for a pint sized jar, you will need more garlic for a larger jar)
Instructions
1. Start by peeling the garlic cloves. You can crush them slightly or cut them in half, which will release more beneficial compounds and speed up fermentation.
2. Place the garlic cloves in a clean pint jar, filling the jar about halfway.
3. Pour the raw honey over the garlic until the cloves are fully submerged, leaving about an inch of space at the top of the jar to allow for gas expansion.
4. Use a clean spoon to stir the mixture, ensuring the garlic is well-coated in honey and then place lid on jar.
5. Store the jar in a cool, dark place for about 3-4 weeks. During the first week, burp the jar, by loosening the ring and allowing the gas from the fermentation to escape, and then gently shake or stir the jar then switch to every other day for the following week. You may see bubbles forming and the honey will become thinner as the garlic ferments.
6. After about three to four weeks, your garlic honey will be fully fermented and ready to use. Taste it to see if it has reached your desired flavor; you can ferment it longer if you prefer a stronger taste.
Once it’s ready, you can store it in a cool, dark place. The garlic may turn slightly blue or green, which is normal and safe—it’s just a natural reaction with the honey and does not affect the quality.
How to Use Fermented Garlic Honey
Fermented garlic honey can be used in a variety of ways. Take a teaspoon daily for immune support, or add it to warm water or tea. You can also use it as a flavorful addition to salad dressings, marinades, or drizzle it over toast or roasted veggies for a unique twist.
I personally take a spoonful each morning, followed by a glass of water with a tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar for great, gut healthy pre work out and some early morning hydration.
*This information is for educational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider before trying new remedies, especially if you have underlying health conditions. Also, raw honey is not recommended for children under 12 months due to the risk of botulism.