DIY Tonic to Strengthen Your Immune System

To strengthen our immune system. taking great care of ourselves is key.

Sometimes, you only realize this when under the weather, recovering from something or in prevention.

Then, it becomes all too easy to rush to the nearest pharmacy (I’ve certainly been guilty of this!) and panic-buy the entire store in order to get your immune system back on track.

This is certainly ill-advised and can sometimes do more harm than good.

This current climate of a global pandemic proportions provides us an opportune time to begin cultivating great habits in keeping ourselves healthy and strong.

What better way to do this than to learn how to make our own DIY immunity-boosting tonic?

One that’s made out of 100% nature’s medicine.

What is an Immune-Boosting Tonic?

A Tonic is a medicinal substance taken to give a feeling of vigor or well-being. It inspires an effect that is restorative or stimulating to health or well-being. An Immune-Boosting Tonic is a concentrated combo of immune-boosting foods. Each food has is a powerhouse of antiviral, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory healing properties.

For this tonic, we’ll be using:

Ginger
Among the healthiest (and most delicious) spices on the planet, Ginger is loaded with nutrients and bioactive compounds that have powerful benefits for your body and brain. It is a natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant that has been known to aid digestion, relieve nausea and decrease pain.

Turmeric
Turmeric which contains a compound called curcumin, which boasts amazingly powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, as well as dramatically increasing the antioxidant capacity of the body.

It’s best taken with black pepper, which helps the absorption of the curcumin.

Lemon
Lemon is naturally detoxifying and alkalizing in the body. It boasts plenty of Vitamin C, which boosts the immune system and also cleans the liver and flushes out the toxins

Oregano
Oregano oil is rich in antioxidants and is a powerful antibacterial and antiviral which is most associated with the respiratory and immune system health.

Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne Pepper stimulates circulation, boosts metabolism, relieves pain naturally and can have an alkalizing effect in the body.

Black Pepper
Black Pepper is antioxidant and anti-inflammatory as well as contains piperine, which increases absorption of curcumin from turmeric by up to 2000%

Honey
Honey’s antioxidant and antibacterial properties help improve the digestive system and boost immunity. It is also a powerhouse of antioxidants, which are very effective for the removal of free radicals from the body.

Print Recipe

DIY Immune-Boosting Tonic

An immune-boosting health tonic with fresh turmeric, ginger, cayenne pepper, black pepper, lemon and honey.

Course

Beverage

Prep Time

30 minutes

Cook Time

4 weeks

Servings

tbsp. when needed

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp Grated Turmeric or 1/2 tsp ground
• 1 tbsp Grated Ginger or 1/2 tsp ground
• 1 whole Lemon juiced, plus leftover rind
• 1-2 tbsp Honey can sub stevia / agave nectar or maple syrup
• 1 pinch Cayenne Pepper
• 1 pinch Black Pepper which helps with the bioavailability of the turmeric
• 1 pinch Oregano
• 3 cups Filtered Water

Course Beverage Prep Time 30 minutes Cook Time 4 weeks Servings tbsp. when needed Ingredients 1 tbsp Grated Turmeric or 1/2 tsp ground 1 tbsp Grated Ginger or 1/2 tsp ground 1 whole Lemon juiced, plus leftover rind 1-2 tbsp Honey can sub stevia / agave nectar or maple syrup 1 pinch Cayenne Pepper 1 pinch Black Pepper which helps with the bioavailability of the turmeric 1 pinch Oregano 3 cups Filtered Water

Instructions

1. 1. Add turmeric, ginger, lemon juice and leftover lemon rind, honey, oregano, cayenne pepper, black pepper and filtered water.
2. 2. Bring to a simmer (not a boil) over medium to medium-high heat (around 3 minutes). Then turn off heat.
3. 3. Set a small strainer over serving glasses and divide between two mugs. If the tonic is too potent for you, dilute with more hot/warm water.
4. 4. Store (strained) leftovers in the refrigerator up to 2-3 days. Reheat on the stovetop until just warm or serve over ice.

This tonic is soothing, warming, healing as well as refreshing, revitalizing and stimulating.

Serve daily with heaps of self-love for an immune-system boost that’ll keep you happy, healthy and strong.

Enjoy!