It’s that time of the year! Time to get the apothecary stocked and ready for cold and flu season. With new v8ri8nts on the horizon there is no better time than now to begin your ferments and tinctures.

This week we begin a 4 week series on Herbal Remedies for Cold and Flu Season. Have you joined us? IT’S FREE! Recipes, live demonstrations, community engagement.

Join us here to do a shallow dive into the pool of herbal remedies.

Looking to nature for healing is as old as time. Dating back to the beginning of time humanity has used weeds, herbs, barks, and much more to support their health.

We, at WildBody, use them too! Over the next 4 weeks we will begin to tip our toes into the beautiful, healing world of medicinal herbs.

Our first contender is FERMENTED HONEY GARLIC.

Let’s talk about the benefits of raw honey, for starters.

Raw honey offers a range of potential benefits due to its natural composition and nutrient content. Some of the benefits of consuming raw honey include:

1. Nutrient Rich: Raw honey contains essential vitamins and minerals such as B vitamins, vitamin C, potassium, calcium, and iron, contributing to overall health and well-being.
2. Antioxidant Properties: Raw honey is packed with antioxidants like phenolic compounds and enzymes, helping to combat oxidative stress and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
3. Immune Support: The antimicrobial and antibacterial properties of raw honey can help support the immune system, aiding the body’s defense against infections and illnesses.
4. Cough and Throat Relief: Raw honey has been traditionally used to soothe coughs and sore throats due to its natural ability to coat the throat and provide relief from irritation.
5. Wound Healing: Applied topically, raw honey’s antibacterial properties can promote wound healing by preventing infection and supporting tissue regeneration.
6. Digestive Health: Consuming raw honey in moderation might aid digestion by promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and soothing gastrointestinal discomfort.
7. Natural Energy Source: Raw honey is a natural source of carbohydrates, offering a quick energy boost that’s easily digestible, making it a great option for athletes or those needing an immediate pick-me-up.
8. Skin Care: When used in skincare, raw honey can moisturize and nourish the skin while its antibacterial properties may help combat acne and other skin issues.
9. Holistic Sweetener: As a natural alternative to refined sugars, raw honey can be used to sweeten foods and beverages, adding flavor complexity to dishes.
10. Holistic Health: Raw honey has been associated with holistic health practices, complementing approaches that emphasize overall well-being and balance.
11. Allergy Relief (Limited Evidence): Some believe that consuming local raw honey might help reduce seasonal allergies by exposing the body to local pollen over time, although scientific evidence for this effect is limited.
12. Sustainability: Supporting local beekeeping and consuming raw honey can contribute to the sustainability of bee populations, which play a crucial role in pollination and ecosystem health.

It’s important to note that while raw honey offers potential benefits, its high sugar content means it should be consumed in moderation. Also, infants under one year old should not be given honey due to the risk of botulism. If you have allergies, diabetes, or other health conditions, it’s wise to consult a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your diet.

Raw honey is one of the staples in our house. We use it for just about everything except cleaning the kitchen sink!

Garlic is also a staple in our home. Can you smell it permeating while cooking? But, it’s so much more than a culinary herb. It is a medicine powerhouse. Let’s take a look.

Garlic (Allium sativum) has been used for centuries in various cultures for its potential health benefits. While scientific research on its holistic benefits is ongoing, here are some potential ways in which garlic might contribute to overall well-being:

1. Antioxidant Properties: Garlic contains sulfur compounds, such as allicin, which have antioxidant properties. Antioxidants help protect the body’s cells from damage caused by harmful molecules called free radicals, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
2. Cardiovascular Health: Garlic has been linked to cardiovascular benefits, such as reducing blood pressure, improving blood circulation, and lowering cholesterol levels. These effects might contribute to a reduced risk of heart disease.
3. Immune System Support: Garlic has been traditionally used to boost the immune system due to its potential antimicrobial and immune-enhancing properties. It may help the body defend against infections and illnesses.
4. Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Some studies suggest that garlic’s bioactive compounds may have anti-inflammatory effects. Chronic inflammation is associated with various health problems, including chronic diseases, so reducing inflammation could have broad benefits.
5. Cancer Prevention: Certain compounds found in garlic, like organosulfur compounds, have been studied for their potential to inhibit the growth of cancer cells and to induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancer cells. However, more research is needed in this area.
6. Detoxification: Garlic may support the body’s detoxification processes by promoting the elimination of toxins and heavy metals, although the extent of this effect is still under investigation.
7. Improved Digestive Health: Garlic might help regulate digestion and promote a healthy gut microbiome. It may also have mild antibacterial effects that could contribute to a balanced gut environment.
8. Respiratory Health: Garlic’s antimicrobial and immune-enhancing properties might have positive effects on respiratory health, potentially helping to reduce the severity and duration of colds and other respiratory infections.
9. Bone Health: Some studies suggest that garlic might have a positive impact on bone health by increasing estrogen levels in females, which could be beneficial for preventing bone loss associated with aging.
10. Brain Health: Garlic’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties might have protective effects on brain health. Some research suggests that garlic consumption could be associated with a reduced risk of neurodegenerative diseases.

It’s important to note that while garlic offers potential holistic benefits, its effects can vary from person to person, and scientific research is still ongoing to fully understand its mechanisms of action and health impacts. As with any dietary supplement or herbal remedy, moderation and consultation with a healthcare professional are recommended, especially if you have existing health conditions or are taking medication.

Whew! Can you see how just these 2 giants are non negotiable staple items?

Now what happens when we combine these together? Talk about a POWER PLAY!

Here is the recipe for FERMENTED HONEY GARLIC

Fermented honey garlic is a delicious and potentially health-promoting culinary creation that combines the benefits of both raw honey and fermented garlic. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make fermented honey garlic:

Ingredients:

• Fresh garlic cloves (peeled)
• Raw honey (unpasteurized)

Equipment:

• Glass jar with a tight-fitting lid
• Mixing bowl
• Fork or knife
• Clean spoon

Instructions:

• Prepare the Garlic:
  • Peel enough garlic cloves to fill your glass jar. You can use as many cloves as you like, but make sure they fit comfortably in the jar without being too tightly packed.
• Combine Garlic and Honey:
  • Place the peeled garlic cloves in a mixing bowl.
  • Pour raw honey over the garlic cloves, making sure they are fully submerged. The honey should cover the garlic completely.
• Mix and Pack:
  • Gently stir the garlic cloves and honey together using a clean fork or knife. The goal is to ensure that all the garlic cloves are coated with honey.
  • Transfer the honey-coated garlic cloves into the glass jar. As you place the cloves in the jar, try to distribute them evenly to prevent air pockets.
• Remove Air Bubbles:
  • After adding the garlic cloves, you might notice air bubbles trapped among the cloves. Use a clean spoon to gently press down on the garlic to release any trapped air bubbles.
• Seal the Jar:
  • Ensure that the garlic cloves are fully submerged in the honey. If necessary, add more honey to cover any exposed cloves.
  • Seal the glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Make sure the jar is clean and dry to prevent any contamination.
• Fermentation:
  • Place the sealed jar in a cool, dark place at room temperature. Allow the garlic to ferment in the honey for about 3 to 4 weeks. During this time, the flavors will meld and develop.
• Burping the Jar:
  • Fermentation might produce gas, which can cause pressure to build up in the jar. To release this pressure, “burp” the jar every few days by slightly loosening the lid to allow gases to escape, then reseal it.
• Check for Readiness:
  • After 3 to 4 weeks, taste the fermented honey garlic. The flavors should have mellowed and become more complex. The honey might have taken on some of the garlic’s flavor as well.
• Storage:
  • Once you’re satisfied with the flavor, you can continue to store the fermented honey garlic in a cool, dark place. Alternatively, you can refrigerate it to slow down the fermentation process.
• Usage:
  • Fermented honey garlic can be enjoyed as a flavorful condiment. The sweet and tangy taste of honey combined with the savory and slightly fermented garlic flavor can enhance a variety of dishes.

Remember that fermentation is a natural process, and the final flavor and texture might vary based on factors like temperature, humidity, and the properties of the ingredients used. Always practice good hygiene and cleanliness when preparing fermented foods. If you notice any signs of spoilage, such as mold or an off odor, it’s best to discard the batch.

We love this combo and use it daily. Once you have your ferment ready you simply consume 1 clove and a tsp of the honey in your tea, straight up like a cowboy or spread on your salad. The possibilities are endless, you just need to get this bad boy into your belly!

I would love to hear if you make this and how it turned out! Also, do you have a recipe that involves herbal remedies? Drop it in the comments below.

Resilient & Wild~

Sandy