Fermented Garlic Honey: Simplest Recipe For This Cold Remedy

Last Updated on June 10, 2024 by Our Editors

Have you ever heard of fermented garlic honey? When it comes to natural remedies, we always stick to simple recipes with limited ingredients. Fermented garlic honey fits the bill, and the benefits of this elixir can’t be ignored.

This simple yet effective concoction has traditionally used to boost the immune system and combat various ailments. In use throughout history, with various mentions in ancient Asian cultures for its medicinal properties, fermented garlic honey combines the strengths of both honey and garlic.

In this article, we’ll share the simplest recipe, and the benefits of including it in your everyday wellness journey. Ready? Let’s get scrolling!

What is Fermented Garlic Honey?

Fermented garlic honey is created by immersing raw garlic cloves in raw honey and allowing them to ferment over time. This fermentation process enhances the health benefits of both garlic and honey, creating a powerhouse of natural goodness. Historically, fermented garlic honey has been used in various cultures for its medicinal properties, often employed as a natural remedy for colds, flu, and other respiratory issues.

Ancient civilizations, including the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans, recognized the healing powers of garlic and honey, and used this combination to treat a range of ailments, from respiratory infections to digestive issues. But did you know that traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine had fermented garlic honey uses too? It is revered for its health benefits and is used to support overall wellness.

The Combined Power of Garlic and Honey

Garlic is known for its potent medicinal properties. It contains allicin, a compound with antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. Garlic is also rich in antioxidants, which help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. Additionally, garlic can help lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels, and support heart health.

Honey, on the other hand, is a natural sweetener packed with nutrients, enzymes, and antioxidants. It has been used for centuries for its healing properties. Honey is known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, making it a popular remedy for soothing sore throats and coughs. It also promotes digestive health and can boost the immune system. Now, that’s sweet (Pun intended)!

When garlic is fermented in honey, the allicin in garlic combines with the enzymes and nutrients in honey, creating a synergistic effect. The fermentation process not only enhances the individual properties of garlic and honey but also produces beneficial compounds that are more easily absorbed by the body. This makes fermented garlic honey a potent natural remedy that can help boost the immune system, fight infections, and promote overall health.

Why Make Fermented Garlic Honey At Home?

• Boosts Immune System: Fermented garlic honey is rich in antioxidants and compounds that help strengthen the immune system, making it more effective at fighting off infections.
• Anti-inflammatory Properties: Both garlic and honey possess anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in the body, providing relief from conditions like arthritis.
• Aids Digestion: The natural enzymes present in fermented garlic honey can aid digestion and promote a healthy gut.
• Rich in Antioxidants: The fermentation process increases the antioxidant content, which helps protect the body from oxidative stress and free radicals.
• Other Health Benefits: It can also help lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels, and provide relief from sore throats and coughs.

How to Make Easy Fermented Garlic Honey

We’ll now show you how to ferment garlic in honey with this effective easy fermented garlic honey recipe. You can enjoy this recipe with salads, toast, as part of your skincare routine, or even as a home remedy as fermented garlic honey good for colds.

Ingredients Needed

1. Raw garlic cloves
2. Raw honey

How To Make Fermented Garlic Honey: Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s a step by step recipe to make this delicious golden elixir.

Step 1: Peel the garlic cloves and place them in a clean, sterilized jar.

Step 2: Pour raw honey over the garlic cloves until they are fully submerged.

Step 3: Seal the jar and place it in a dark, cool place.

Occasionally open the jar to release any built-up gasses and stir the contents. Allow the mixture to ferment for at least two weeks, although some prefer to let it ferment for up to a month for a stronger flavor. Now that you know how to ferment garlic in honey, let’s look at some tips for your mixture.

Variations and Additions

• Add herbs like thyme or rosemary for additional flavor.
• Incorporate spices such as cinnamon or turmeric for added health benefits.

Now that you know how to make fermented garlic honey at home, let’s explore some best practices for this magical preparation.

Tips for Success

• Use raw, unpasteurized honey to ensure the presence of beneficial enzymes.
• Ensure the garlic cloves are fully submerged in honey to prevent mold growth.

How Long to Ferment Garlic in Honey

The fermentation process typically takes two weeks to a month. Allowing it to ferment well boosts its probiotic levels, so you can enjoy it to the fullest. Fermented garlic in honey benefits include immunity boosts, cold relief, and more.

Storage and Shelf Life

Store the fermented garlic honey in a cool, dark place. It can last for several months when stored properly.

Dosage and Consumption

The recommended fermented garlic honey dosage is a teaspoon to a tablespoon per day, which is usually sufficient. For effective consumption, the best way to consume it is on an empty stomach in the morning, mixed with warm water. Fermented garlic honey good for colds and can also be an effective home remedy.

While a fermented garlic honey recipe is usually safe, it may sometimes have possible interactions with other foods or medications. Therefore, it is best to consult a healthcare professional if you are on medications or have any health conditions.

To sum it up, here are some Dos and Don’ts that you can save and keep at hand at all times.

Safety and Side Effects of Fermented Garlic Honey

Is fermented garlic honey safe? Well, yeah! It is generally safe for most people, apart from those with allergies to garlic or honey of course. If not prepared properly, there could be a potential botulism risk, which we most definitely want to avoid.

We also want to note that fermented garlic honey should be treated like a snack or a condiment. Instead, it is should be seen like a medicine, and the consumption should be controlled and sparse.

If consumed in large quantities, fermented garlic honey side effects such as some digestive discomfort or bloating might occur due to the high probiotic content. We would advise those with compromised immune systems, pregnant women, or those with specific health conditions to consult a healthcare provider before consuming fermented honey garlic.

What Is Botulism and How to Prevent It

Botulism is a rare but serious illness caused by the Clostridium botulinum bacteria. These bacteria thrive in low-oxygen environments, such as those found in improperly fermented foods.

Dominant symptoms of full-blown botulism include blurred vision, muscle weakness, and difficulty breathing, which require immediate medical attention.

While Botulism can attack anyone, infants are at a higher risk of contracting this disease. This is why it’s advised that fermented honey should not be given to toddlers. To prevent fermented garlic honey botulism, we strongly advise to follow strict hygiene practices during your preparation.

To prevent Botulism in adults, it is advised to use only fresh, high-quality garlic and honey, and ensure all your utensils and containers are completely sterilized. It is also advised to maintain an acidic environment, since Clostridium botulinum cannot grow in low pH. Lastly, we advise that the mixture is stored in a cool place and signs of spoilage are regularly checked upon.

Summing Up!

We hope you learned the science and strategies behind fermenting garlic honey. The golden elixir holds plenty of health benefits and requires just two ingredients.

The 21st century eating habits are damaging to the environment and to the people. They call for a versatility in both culinary and medicinal uses of pantry items. Give this natural remedy a try and explore the many ways it can enhance your health and well-being.

For more wellness recipes and tips, visit our blog and discover the full potential of sustainable living and healing through food.

Frequently Asked Questions 

How long to ferment garlic in honey?

The process of garlic fermentation in honey can take about one month. The best practise is to keep it at room temperature and stir occasionally at timely intervals. The mixture improves with time and can be consumed after one month, though longer fermentation enhances flavor and probiotic content.

Can children consume fermented garlic honey?

It is not recommended for toddlers to consume fermented garlic honey due to the risk of botulism. Kids 4 and above can consume it, however it must be consulted by the paediatrician.

What to do if the garlic honey ferments too quickly?

Fermentation process is really tricky and if the honey ferments too quickly, you can put the bottle in a refrigerator to slow down the fermentation process. This move helps in stabilizing the mixture and preventing potential spoilage.

How to tell if the fermented garlic honey has gone bad?

Fermented garlic can go back quickly if it’s not stored properly. Glaring signs to look for are off smells, textural change, moldy growth, and subpar taste. If the bottle has developed bubbles or become runny, that it’s a sign that the garlic has gone bad and must be discarded.