So this is a cold and flu recipe to end all cold and flu recipes!
I posted the original Germ Juice recipe here some years ago, and it was already a winner. Handed down through generations of Naturopaths it has a wonderfully soothing effect on sore throats, is a brilliant decongestant for clogged sinuses, and in the event you have the flu – it’s exceptional at relieving those awful body aches that come with it.
The original recipe is ideal for children, or those with a sensitive palate. But if you’re an adult and think you can handle it – this is next level.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of water
- 2 lemons – quartered
- A bulb of garlic – turn bulb on it’s side and cut in half – splitting each clove
- 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 inch of ginger root, finely grated
- 1/4 inch of turmeric root, finely grated
- 2 drops of Thyme essential oil* (therapeutic grade only!)
- A pinch of cayenne pepper
Method
- Into a pot place the water, lemons, garlic, apple cider vinegar and cayenne pepper.
- Cover with a lid, bring it to the boil, then simmer for 12 minutes.
- Add the ginger and turmeric root and simmer, lid on, for another 3 minutes.
- Remove pot from the stove and dispense 2 drops of Thyme essential oil and stir well.
- Strain the mixture, and drink as hot as is comfortable and safe.
This brew actually tastes better than it sounds like it will. But, you may add honey to taste if you wish. I recommend Comvita UMF 15+ Manuka Honey. It is more expensive than regular honey but imparts further immunological benefits that I think are worth it, but regular honey will do if that’s what you have available.
This recipe makes 2 cups but you can easily double or triple it. It’s great in a flask to sip on during the day or you can simply freeze the surplus and then reheat it.
If you find it a bit strong to begin with you can always dilute it with warm/hot water. *If you don’t have any therapeutic grade essential oil you can use fresh or dried thyme leaves instead.
