Immunity Boost Syrup

I started making this over 15 years ago. I accredit it to keeping me from getting sick while I was a single mom, working full time, and taking college classes at The University of Mississippi. Everyone around me came down with cold symptoms and the flu, but I stayed healthy. I simply made a large batch and stored it in my fridge. Every morning before leaving I would use a little medicine cup and shot glass back a dose. The pepper in it can burn a little if you add too much, but it was so worth not getting sick. The recipe is usually equal parts cider vinegar and honey, but I like to add a touch more honey to help offset the spices. I use ground cinnamon, ginger, and pepper because they are easily accessible, but if you have fresh ginger, it will probably make it a little less gritty. Simply mix the ginger with water in a blender, then strain before adding the other ingredients. These ingredients have so many benefits other than keeping the flu away. Here are few I know of:

Honey: Be sure to get raw and local! This is great for helping with allergies as it contains traces of local pollen. It contains antioxidants, can suppress coughing and help with upper respiratory infections, sooth stomach issues, and act as an antiseptic. But be sure not to give honey to small children! Their digestive systems are not able to handle honey and can cause them to get botulism. So please be careful about allowing young children having access to this.

Apple Cider Vinegar: There are varying studies about Apple Cider Vinegar and its benefits. Some say it can help with diabetes, blood pressure, and acne; while, some studies say it doesn’t. It is however an antiseptic that can prevent various germs from growing and spreading. This includes E-coli. However, these studies where all on counter tops and preserving food, not much on the benefits of ingesting. But I have found since taking it that I do stay healthier and tend to avoid getting any colds while it is consumed.

Ginger: This is an anti-inflammatory that can help brain function. It has been used for centuries to ease stomach pains and motion sickness symptoms. It can fight infections and help rid your body of bacteria that causes various ailments. And it has been known to reduce cholesterol.

Cinnamon: This spice comes from the bark of a tree. It is high in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, can help with metabolism, lower blood sugar, have an antimicrobial effect, and caries anti-viral properties.

Cayenne pepper: Can boost metabolism, aid in digestion, reduce blood pressure, and slow the growth of cancer cells.  It is high in antioxidants and vitamins including vitamins A, C, E, Beta Carotene, B1, B2, B6, K, and several others.

So, as you can see these items are loaded with nutrients to help fight off the unfortunate bugs found during cold and flu season. I have even gotten my oldest son hooked on using it. He often asks me to make new batches, so that he can prevent getting colds that others around him have. I have even added lemon juice at times to switch up the flavor a bit. Feel free to leave out the cayenne if you are unable to tolerate capsaicin. But it is so beneficial if you can bare it.