Homemade Immune Booster for Flu Season

I know, it's only September... but, it is never too early to plan for flu season!  This homemade garlic-honey immune booster is shelf-stable, so making it early does no harm and saves you some work later on.  Also, the longer this sits, the more potent it becomes, making for a powerhouse of a health tonic.

Last year, unfortunately,  my husband brought home a nasty bug and we were fumbling to keep it contained.  I had some elderberry syrup and this amazing garlic-honey ferment, so I started taking them religiously.  Long story short, I didn't get sick!  I was a little exhausted by the end of the week from taking care of my husband and my youngest son (who did not take my concoctions), but I came out better than I expected.

Peel your garlic with the two-bowl method!

To get started on your own immune-boosting ferment, you will need:

• about 3 large bulbs garlic
• 2 cups raw, unfiltered honey
• 1 qt. mason jar with lid

Garlic-Honey, ready for fermentation

To make this ferment, all you need to do is peel the garlic (here is a video on how to easily peel large amounts of garlic).  Then, place the garlic in your mason jar and cover with honey.

The honey will sit for about 4 days before fermenting (depending on the temperature of your kitchen).  It will not ferment completely, meaning that it will never be alcoholic,  but it will release the medicinal, antiviral, antibacterial juices from the garlic cloves and produce lactic acid, which has immune-boosting properties!

Be sure to "burp" your jar at least once a day after fermenting has begun!  The gasses from fermentation need to escape so your jar doesn't explode.

When the ferment is done bubbling and the garlic has fallen to the bottom of the jar, it is ready to go! When needed, adults can take a 1 teaspoon dose, three times daily.  More of this ferment will not hurt you, since the ingredients are also food!  This ferment is also safe for children over 1.  Just check for dosage on this handy chart-and remember, an adult dose is 1 teaspoon.

Bubbles mean fermentation!

You CAN enjoy health this winter, with a little help from God's herbal pharmacy!

Coming up, how to make elderberry syrup... :)

Homemade, Whitening Tooth Powder and Mouthwash for Bleeding Gums

Do you have bleeding or receding gums?  If so, I have a wonderful combination for you to try... it worked for me!  About two months ago,  I noticed a bit of blood in my spit every time I brushed my teeth... I didn't think I was brushing too hard, and I was using a natural tooth powder that wasn't harsh, so I decided to do some research!  What I came up with not only stopped my gums from bleeding but whitened my teeth and freshened my breath as well :)

The secrets to my newly-formulated tooth powder are bentonite clay and cinnamon!  This combo cleans, freshens and will even remineralize your teeth.  It is super mild on your enamel and will leave your teeth nice and white.  Cinnamon has traditionally been used for toothaches and bad breath.  I use Ceylon Cinnamon, but Cassia Cinnamon would work, as well!  Bentonite Clay draws out impurities and brightens your teeth- and, it has trace minerals essential for remineralization of soft spots.  

Don't be put off by the color of this tooth powder!  My son uses it and loves the taste :)  I think you will, too!

What you will need:

1/4 c bentonite clay

1/4 c cinnamon ( I use Ceylon)

1/4 c baking soda

1 T nutmeg powder 

1 T orange peel powder

1 T sea salt 

Mix all ingredients into a wide-mouth jar.

To use:  Just wet your toothbrush bristles and dip them into the tooth powder.  Brush as usual!

Remineralizing tooth powder

To finish off your daily oral care, use this Aloe Juice mouthwash!  Aloe is known to calm inflammation in your gums and stop them from bleeding.  This mouthwash is also shelf-stable, so no need to refrigerate!

What you'll need:

1 c hydrogen peroxide (3% potency)

1 c filtered water

1/2 c aloe juice ( I use "Fruit of the Earth" brand)

10-15 drops peppermint/spearmint essential oil

Mix all ingredients in a large colored glass bottle.  

To use:  Shake well!  Swish about a shot glass full (maybe 1/8 c) after brushing with the Cinnamon/Clay tooth powder.  

Aloe is used for gum health.

 Enjoy good oral health, and smile more often!