Winter can be the most taxing season on the human immune system. Less sunlight means less vitamin D. Viruses linger longer on cold surfaces. Dropping temperatures dry out the air. Dry air dehydrates the respiratory system’s mucous membranes and inhibits the body’s ability to ward off infection. Viruses jump from one person to the next with greater ease when people spend more time indoors and in close proximity.
You might be asking: How can I stay healthy with so much working against me? The answer might already be in your pantry. We’ll take a look at a few simple ingredients that will help keep your immune system in optimum condition. Then we’ll combine these ingredients to make a quick and delicious beverage.
Manuka Honey
The numerous benefits of New Zealand’s Manuka Honey are well-documented. Before you open your wallet, however, make sure your Manuka honey is really Manuka honey. Look for a UMF-approved label. UMF is a quality trademark and ensures your Manuka honey is the genuine article. To get the most of your Manuka honey, look for a UMF grade of 10 or greater.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Unfiltered, unpasteurized apple cider vinegar has long been a cornerstone of traditional medicine, and has been used to treat a wide variety of conditions–flu included. Apple cider vinegar’s antiglycemic properties are also well-documented. When purchasing, look for the so-called “mother of vinegar.” The “mother” appears as a small blob at the bottom of the bottle. The “mother” is what converted the cider into vinegar, and it is full of probiotics and other beneficial bacteria.
Garlic
Garlic is thought to bolster the immune system along with its multitude other benefits. Garlic is a well-known food flavoring agent, but evidence suggests it might also be an effective preservative. Garlic has killed E. coli, Staph, and Salmonella in laboratory conditions.
Lemon
Lemon juice is high in Vitamin C, and its low pH makes it antibacterial.
Cayenne pepper
Cayenne pepper dilates blood vessels and speeds metabolism, thus facilitation oxygen and nutrient delivery.
Directions
- Slice a whole, organic lemon in half.
- Squeeze lemon juice from one half into a small bowl.
- Peel and press 1 to 2 cloves of garlic.
- Add garlic.
- Add 1 tablespoon of unfiltered, unpasteurized apple cider vinegar.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Add 1 tablespoon of UMF-10+ Manuka honey.
- Mix.
Store unused lemon half. Drink two Manuka honey shooters a day, one in the morning, one at night.
