e currently are all a part of a larger health crisis facing our great nation.  We all will be impacted by the current outbreak, whether it be through our children’s schools (our kids in WA state are out until April 24th), layoffs, minor illness, knowing someone who has fallen ill or falling ill ourselves.

While every factor cannot be known, one way we can combat anxiety and overwhelm is by taking action where our health is concerned.   We pagans are known as brewmasters (among many other names)….we love our mead and other lovely concoctions, but right now I am speaking more to a medicinal brew.

One of my favorite brewings is a spicy concoction sure to bring my family through the cold and flu season.  It tastes like a deliciously fragrant and tangy salad dressing with a kick.

It is full of ingredients that most kitchen witches will have in our pantries or gardens.  A semblance of this recipe was originally obtained from a shop many years ago and thusly has changed somewhat as I have learned more about herbology and healing herbs.  I started adding turmeric because it is so good for us A blood types and really every blood type as well as rosemary.  Additionally, on a whim, I also added some very strongly aged blueberry kombucha that I had brewed.  While the kombucha is by no means a requirement, it is so beneficial on so many levels, if you brew your own, why not give it a try.

How does it work?  All of the herbs, roots and ingredients work to boost the immune system, fight free radicals and balance your Ph so that your body can do the job it was designed to do.

The recipe that follows is enough to fill a 1/2 gallon jar which is 128 tablespoon-sized servings.

IMMUNE BOOSTER BREW

Fill a half-gallon jar with:

Rosemary 2-6″ branch
~beneficial in healing due to its rich source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, helping boost the immune system.

Thyme 6-5″ sprigs
~an antiseptic, expectorant, antispasmodic, digestant, anti-fungal and ant-microbial, rich in vitamins and minerals and an ally to the respiratory tract.

Turmeric 2-3 teaspoons
~contains curcuminoids with potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.  It helps your body fight foreign invaders and repairs damage

Black Peppercorns 1 TB (slightly crushed)
~Packed with potassium, magnesium, iron, vitamin K and vitamin C it is a natural anti-depressant, anti-bacterial and helps turmeric be absorbed into the bloodstream.

Onion 1 rough chopped
~anti-inflammatory, ease joint pain, indigestion, antibiotic, and an expectorant (loosen phlegm)

Cayenne powder 1 TB
~contains vitamin C, vitamin E, beta carotene, choline, lutein, vitamin A. Works as an antioxidant and anti-bacterial as well as pain reliever.
Ginger 2 TB grated root with juice
~Well known for anti-nausea properties it also works to reduce inflammation, promote circulation and as an anti-bacterial.

Honey 1/2 c
~works as an anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, anti-fungal, antioxidant and full of phytonutrients.

Grated horseradish root 1-2 TB heaping
~contains vitamin C, folate, potassium, calcium, magnesium, zine manganese and compounds of glucosinolate and sinigrin which works as an antioxidant to fight cell damage caused by free radicals

Juice of 2 Lemons
~amazing and lovely in that it smells amazing, promotes hydration, contains vitamin C, calcium, bioflavinoids that boost the immune system and help fight infection,  helps prevent kidney stones, works as an anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-anxiety (all too important with the current hysteria).  Lemon juice actually works to balance our Ph which inhibits bacteria from invading and taking hold which make us sick.

Fill about 1/3 of the way with Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar with Mother if you can find it, if not regular apple cider vinegar will suffice.
~apple cider works as an antimicrobial and antioxidant.  The fermented elixir helps feed the healthy gut bacteria in an area known as our second brain.

You can fill the remainder of the jar with Water or if you brew kombucha– a mix of the two.

Shake jar really well and place in a dark spot on your counter or in a cupboard.  Shake it a couple of times a day.  It will be ready in 7-10 days, though I start using it the same day.  It is usually recommended that brews such as this be kept in a dark jar, however we just keep ours in the cupboard.

We use 1 tablespoon in the morning and 1 tablespoon in the evening.   When my son was younger I used a teaspoon full.  We use this a lot in the cold season but it is good all throughout the year as it is beneficial for overall health.

Keeping your family healthy is never overrated and one way to keep the craziness of life at bay.

Happy BREWING and blessed Health!