Apple Cider Vinegar, Honey, Garlic & Ginger Tonic

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Looking for natural remedies when you are feeling under the weather? This invigorating apple cider vinegar and raw honey tonic can help with a variety of ailments, like a sore throat, respiratory problems, and digestive issues!

Why I Love AVC

Raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar (ACV) is my go-to when I’m feeling out of sorts. When I’m a little queasy, a tablespoon of ACV in a glass of water usually does the trick. When I feel cold symptoms coming on, taking some ACV on a daily basis for a couple of days often helps me avoid getting a full blown cold entirely! I’ve even been able to treat common bacterial infections, for example a urinary tract infection – when cranberry juice wasn’t doing the trick. 

This traditional remedy can help with a wide range of conditions, and taking regularly could lead to better health in general!

Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has been used in traditional medicine for many years. I remember my grandma telling my teenage self to take a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar every day to help reduce acne – I didn’t believe her then…but now I get it!

Apple cider vinegar has anti-inflammatory effects on the body, with antioxidants, antimicrobial properties, beneficial enzymes, and probiotics. The anti-glycemic effect of acetic acid can help balance blood sugar (source), and aid in weight loss. Probiotics and enzymes made during the fermentation process of raw ACV can help boost the immune system, and antioxidants can help reduce inflammation. The acetic acid in AVC can even help with stomach pains by balancing the intestinal ph, aiding with the digestion of starches, and killing harmful bacteria with its antibacterial properties. (Source)

Health Benefits of Raw Honey

Honey has been used for health benefits since ancient times. It can help boost the immune system and even has antibacterial properties!

Raw honey has beneficial compounds like vitamins, minerals, natural enzymes, amino acids, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, gut health promoting properties, blood sugar stabilization promoting properties, and more! (Source)

Honey before bed can even help promote a more restful sleep! Learn more about that here. 

Health Benefits of Fresh Garlic

Studies have shown that compounds in garlic can improve the absorption of zinc, increase the health of immune cells like lymphocytes, improve blood sugar, and reduce stress levels in animals like rodents and chickens. (Source)

Garlic has powerful antimicrobial properties from a compound called acillin, which can be helpful in cases of bacterial, viral, or fungal conditions. (Source)

Health Benefits of Fresh Ginger

Ginger is a root that has been used as medicine throughout history. It can be very supportive for oxidative stress due to its high levels of antioxidants, and can help with pain and swelling with its anti-inflammatory effect. By helping break up gas, ginger is a highly effective anti-nausea and stomach pain remedy. (Source)

Health Benefits of Lemon Juice

Being high in vitamin c and antioxidants, lemon juice can be very helpful for the immune system. Like acetic acid in vinegar, acids in lemon juice can help break up mucus in the throat. (Source) It can also help to keep the throat moist by increasing the production of saliva. Citric acid in lemon juice can aid in digestion and help relieve stomach pain. (Source)

​Avoiding Acids on Teeth

High levels of acidity directly on the teeth can wear down enamel, so it’s best to dilute things like vinegar and lemon juice before consuming. This recipe contains a high level of acid, so make sure not to have it by itself. You can add 1 serving to an 8 oz cup of warm water or tea, or you could add olive oil and enjoy is as a salad dressing!

Other Important Factors for Avoiding Illness

Reduce stress: stress levels have a huge impact on our health. Do your best to reduce stress in your life by creating healthy habits, and setting boundaries for yourself and others to help support your wellbeing. 

Get enough sleep: ample sleep is so important for overall health. When I lose too much sleep, I usually get sick in one way or another. Oftentimes the best remedy is extra sleep!

Avoid processed foods: make sure to eat a healthy diet consisting of nutrient dense, whole foods. Avoid packaged foods and highly processed foods like seed oils.

What Kind of Apple Cider Vinegar to Use

Make sure to use unpasteurized, organic apple cider vinegar in this tonic recipe. This type of vinegar has live enzymes and probiotics, as opposed to a pasteurized version. 

What Kind of Honey to Use

Like the vinegar, make sure the honey used in this tonic recipe is unpasteurized and organic. Many of the highly beneficial properties of honey are destroyed in the process of pasteurization.

What Kind of Garlic, Ginger, and Lemon Juice to Use

Make sure to use fresh garlic, fresh ginger, and fresh lemon juice in this recipe! The dried or bottled versions may not have the same health benefits. 

How to Store This Tonic

Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up two weeks.

How to Take This Tonic

When you feel under the weather, nauseated, gassy, bloated, or feel a cold coming on:

Add 2 tablespoons of tonic to a 8 oz of warm filtered water or herbal tea. Take 2-3 times daily.

Alternatively, you can turn this tonic into a salad dressing by adding olive oil and salt to taste!

How to Make Apple Cider Vinegar, Honey, Garlic & Ginger Tonic

Add raw ACV, raw honey, fresh lemon juice, grated ginger, and grated garlic to a small bowl. Whisk to combine. 

Pour mixture into an airtight container and let sit at room temperature for 24 hours. 

Strain mixture through a fine mesh sieve, and squeeze out all of the juices you can. Pour strained mixture into a small jar with a lid. 

Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up two weeks.

To take: add 2 tablespoon of tonic to 8 oz of warm filtered water or herbal tea. Take 2-3 times daily. Alternatively, you can turn this tonic into a salad dressing by adding olive oil and salt to taste!

*This post does not contain medical advice.