Back to school can be exciting, but as we head into fall and winter, it can also mean an increase in sniffles, runny noses, and the like. Even for homeschoolers like us, changes in season or temperature can leave us feeling a bit under the weather. Since beginning our homesteading journey, I’ve researched many different ways to keep my family healthy. What I’ve found is that our bodies can be pretty resilient when you make the most of natural remedies, proper nutrition, and lots of time outside!
A large percentage of immune health is linked to the gut. Instead of taking store-bought probiotic supplements, we support our immune systems throughout the year with daily doses of fermented food and drink. I culture homemade yogurt and homemade milk kefir on our counter at room temperature. Our two boys love it and I’ve seen a noticeable decrease in the amount of tummy complaints and illnesses when they have a serving or two each day.
However, there are times when we all need a little extra immune support. That’s where these simple home remedies come in. Here are my three favorites to always have on hand.
1. Elderberry Syrup
I’ve been making homemade elderberry syrup for over five years now, ever since our oldest was about a year old. I used to give it to him unsweetened, but now I mix in local raw honey (it’s recommended to avoid giving honey to children under one year old). Our kids love this recipe and take around a tablespoon every night before bed.
Recipe
- 3/4 cup dried organic elderberries (I order mine through Azure Standard)
- 3 cups filtered water
- 1 organic cinnamon stick
- 1 inch chunk of organic ginger
- 6-10 organic cloves
- 1/2 – 1 cup raw local honey (Check your local farmers market, Burnette Farms Market, Helena Hardware, or Cedar Creek Nursery for some great options!)
Instructions
1. Add all ingredients (except for the honey) into a saucepan.
2. Bring to a boil. Once boiling, cut down to a simmer.
3. Simmer for 30 minutes covered.
4. Take off heat and allow to cool for 10-15 min.
5. Strain liquid using a fine mesh strainer. (Save the solids for a bonus recipe below!)
6. Add honey to liquid until preferred sweetness/consistency is achieved.
7. Once cooled, bottle and store in the refrigerator.
A few months ago, I started using the leftover elderberries to make a tincture. I’m always looking for ways to get a second use out of ingredients before they head to the compost pile! Just pour some raw apple cider vinegar (with the mother) over your strained solids in a glass container. Give it a shake a few times a week then strain everything out after four to six weeks.
Let me warn you, the tincture is potent! I’ll usually drink that and save the tasty syrup for our kids. I take about a teaspoon each day, either straight or in water.
2. Fermented Honey
Local raw honey has so many health benefits on its own, but fermenting it with some additional ingredients can really boost its potency. My two favorites for immune support are fermented garlic honey and fermented onion honey. They don’t taste as terrible as you might think! Our kids even come to me asking for their “special” honey.
Fermented garlic honey is great for overall immune support. Fill a clean glass jar with peeled garlic cloves (slightly smashed), then cover the garlic in raw honey. Place the jar in a dark place, flipping it upside down each day to make sure the cloves stay coated in honey. You’ll also want to “burp” the jar every day or so to let built up gasses escape. You’ll need to leave the honey to ferment for at least a week or up to a month (ideal), depending on how strong of a taste you prefer. You could also use a fermentation lid and weight to eliminate the need to burp and flip your jar. Once your garlic honey is fermented, stick it in the refrigerator to use as needed. I like to take a spoonful of the honey for basic immune support, or eat one of the cloves (which become candied with enough time) if I’m needing extra immune support.
Fermented onion honey is simpler to make and can be very soothing if you or your littles are feeling congested. Chop up an onion into thin slices and place those in a clean glass jar. Cover the onion in raw honey and let it sit for about a day. You’ll notice that the honey will become very runny. At that point, it’s ready to go in the refrigerator. I strain the onion out of the honey before putting it up. My kids prefer this over garlic honey and I’ll give them about a tablespoon at a time as needed.
3. Fire Cider
If you’ve ever tried one of those spicy immunity drinks in the tiny bottles at the grocery store, that’s the closest thing I can think of to describe fire cider. You can drink it preventatively or when your immune system needs a boost. When I first started making fire cider, I roughly followed this recipe, but it can be adapted however you like based on what you have on hand.
You’ll take items like raw garlic, jalapeños, onion, citrus fruits, turmeric, ginger, horseradish, and fresh herbs and infuse them in raw apple cider vinegar. I use a half gallon glass jar to make sure I have plenty on hand. Chop up your ingredients, add them to a clean jar, then fill the jar up with raw apple cider vinegar. Cover with a lid and let it sit at room temperature for at least three to four weeks. You’ll want to shake the jar every day to help deter mold growth. After the infusion period, strain the liquid into a bottle and store it in the refrigerator.
I’ve yet to get my kids to taste fire cider (they don’t even like the smell), so this remedy may be best for the adults. I drink mine in a tea by mixing a couple tablespoons with some hot water and raw honey. Or, if you’re feeling bold, you can take a shot of it on its own!
