At the first moment when you feel like you could be coming down with something, eat 2-3 cloves of fermented raw garlic per day until you feel better.
I know it sounds strange, but fermented garlic has antiviral properties and can help support the immune system. As Sarah Munro (the heroine in ONE DARK WISH) discovered while researching 17th and 18th century remedies, fermented raw garlic has been used for centuries to help reduce the length of rhinoviruses and common influenzas. Luckily, this recipe has a sweet taste and is easy to eat. The only downside is at bit of bad breath. But if you’re sick, you’re hopefully not kissing those around you! 🙂
Sarah Munro’s Fermented Garlic
Ingredients:
- 5 whole heads of garlic, peeled (30-45 cloves, depending on size)
- raw honey
- raw apple cider vinegar (with mother)
- sterilized 16 ounce glass mason jar
Place peeled garlic cloves in a sterilized 16 ounce glass canning or mason jar that has a tight-fitting lid. Make sure the jar is stuffed with cloves. Peel and add more garlic if necessary.
Add honey to the jar until it reaches the 1/2 mark. Then fill the jar the rest of the way with apple cider vinegar, leaving a 1/2 inch headspace.
With a teaspoon, push garlic down until it is all covered by the liquid. Put the lid on and shake well.
Place the jar in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Shake the jar twice a day for 14 days.
If you see bubbles in the jar, open the lid to release the pressure. Replace the lid and continue shaking the jar twice a day until you’ve reached the end of the 14 days. If you’d like a milder flavor, ferment for an entire month. Once it’s fermented, place in the refrigerator for up to six months.
For adults, eat 2-3 cloves of garlic per day at the first sign of illness and for the duration of the illness. For children, ALWAYS consult a pediatrician.
Important disclaimer about wild plants, foraging, and making herbal remedies:
I am not a medical professional and nothing written on this blog is medical advice. None of my statements have been evaluated by the FDA (I am legally required to give you this disclaimer).
It is important to do your due diligence before foraging, harvesting, and/or consuming any type of medicinal plant.
- If you are taking any medications, talk to your doctor about any potential drug interactions.
- If you are allergic to anything, make sure whatever you are foraging is not in the same family. Example: While dandelions are typically considered safe, those who are allergic to ragweed, latex, daisies, or any other plants in the same or similar families, may not be able to consume dandelion.
Always research potential side effects, dosage recommendations, and how to properly prepare and consume each medicinal plant.
Always make sure you are foraging what you believe to be. Fully prepare and study the anatomy before harvesting wild plants.
Always make sure your kitchen/work area is clean and that all materials are sterilized.
Do not forage plants from areas that have been sprayed within the past 2 years at the very least.
I am not legally or morally responsible for the health of any of my readers. Please do your own research!
