This Garlic & Clove Wellness Elixir is a potent, multi-use remedy rooted in traditional herbal wisdom and backed by modern science. It combines the antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and circulatory benefits of garlic and cloves in a tangy, fermented base that enhances bioavailability and shelf life. Ideal for boosting immunity, supporting cardiovascular health, easing joint pain, and even aiding digestion, this elixir can be consumed daily in small doses or used topically (with caution) for skin and joint relief.
The process involves pickling peeled garlic cloves with whole cloves in a vinegar-based solution, allowing the ingredients to infuse and ferment over time. The result is a flavorful, medicinal tonic that can be taken by the spoonful, added to salad dressings, or diluted in warm water for a morning wellness shot.
🧂 Ingredients:
- 2 cups peeled fresh garlic cloves (preferably organic)
- 1 tablespoon whole cloves
- 1½ cups raw apple cider vinegar (with the “mother”)
- ½ cup filtered water
- 1 teaspoon Himalayan pink salt or sea salt
- 1 tablespoon raw honey (optional, for taste and added prebiotic benefit)
- 1 small piece of fresh ginger (optional, for added anti-inflammatory power)
- 2 sterilized glass jars with airtight lids (preferably 250–300 ml each)
🧪 Instructions:
🔹 Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Peel the garlic cloves and lightly crush them with the side of a knife to activate allicin, the compound responsible for garlic’s powerful health effects.
- Rinse the cloves (spice) briefly under cool water to remove any dust or residue.
- If using ginger, peel and slice it thinly.
🔹 Step 2: Sterilize the Jars
- Wash the jars and lids thoroughly with hot water and soap.
- Rinse, then submerge them in boiling water for 5 minutes or run them through a hot dishwasher cycle.
- Let them air dry completely before use.
🔹 Step 3: Layer the Ingredients
- In each jar, add equal portions of garlic cloves, whole cloves, and ginger slices (if using).
- Sprinkle in the salt.
- Pour in the apple cider vinegar until the garlic is fully submerged.
- Add filtered water to top off the jar, leaving about 1 cm of headspace.
- If using honey, stir it into the vinegar before pouring.
🔹 Step 4: Seal and Store
- Seal the jars tightly and shake gently to distribute the ingredients.
- Label with the date and store in a cool, dark place (like a pantry or cupboard) for 2–3 weeks.
- Shake the jars every few days to keep the infusion active.
🔹 Step 5: Taste and Use
- After 2–3 weeks, the elixir is ready. The garlic will mellow in flavor, and the vinegar will be infused with the spicy warmth of cloves and ginger.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.
🧘♂️ How to Use:
Internal Use:
- Take 1 teaspoon daily on an empty stomach for immune support.
- Mix with warm water and honey for a morning tonic.
- Add to salad dressings, marinades, or soups for a health boost.
External Use:
- Dilute with water and apply to joints for pain relief (patch test first).
- Use as a foot soak additive to combat fungal issues.
🧠 Why It Works:
- Garlic contains allicin, known for its antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. It also supports heart health by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol.
- Cloves are rich in eugenol, a compound with strong anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. They also aid digestion and reduce oxidative stress.
- Apple cider vinegar helps balance blood sugar, supports gut health, and acts as a natural preservative.
- Ginger (optional) adds synergistic anti-inflammatory and circulatory benefits.