Garlic infused honey combines the potent antibacterial properties of garlic with the soothing and antimicrobial effects of honey. This powerful combination can help boost your immune system, making it an excellent remedy to have on hand, especially during cold and flu season. Here’s how you can make garlic infused honey at home.
Health Benefits
- Garlic: Known for its disease-fighting properties, garlic contains compounds like allicin, which has been shown to boost the disease-fighting response of some types of white blood cells in the body when they encounter viruses, such as the common cold or flu.
- Honey: Honey is a natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent. It soothes sore throats and can calm coughs, making it an ideal base for many natural remedies.
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw honey (preferably organic)
- 10-15 cloves of fresh garlic, peeled
Equipment
- A clean, dry jar with a tight-fitting lid
- A spoon or spatula
Instructions
- Prepare Garlic:
- Peel the garlic cloves and gently crush them with the flat side of a knife to release their active compounds.
- Sterilize the Jar:
- Ensure the jar is clean and dry to prevent any potential bacterial growth. You can sterilize the jar by boiling it in water for 10 minutes or running it through a dishwasher on a high heat setting.
- Layer the Ingredients:
- Place the crushed garlic cloves at the bottom of the jar.
- Slowly pour honey over the garlic, ensuring that the cloves are completely submerged. Using a spoon or a clean stick, poke around to release any trapped air bubbles.
- Seal and Store:
- Close the jar tightly and let it sit at room temperature for 3-5 days. You can store it in a cool, dark place. The honey will start to infuse with the garlic, drawing out its active ingredients.
- Usage:
- After 3-5 days, you can start using the garlic infused honey. It’s recommended to take one or two teaspoons per day during cold and flu season to boost immunity. You can also use it as a spread on toast or dissolved in warm water as a soothing drink.
Tips
- Strain the Garlic: If you prefer, you can strain the garlic cloves out of the honey after the infusion period and store the honey in a clean jar.
- Duration: The infused honey can be kept for up to one year if stored properly. The preservative properties of honey and garlic will help keep it fresh.
- Safety Note: Always use a clean spoon when extracting honey to avoid contaminating the jar.
Conclusion
Garlic infused honey is not only a potent immune booster but also a delightful addition to your pantry. Its ease of preparation and long shelf life make it a convenient remedy to have on hand. Whether used medicinally or as a flavorful addition to meals, garlic infused honey harnesses the best properties of both ingredients to support your health naturally.
