Cold and Flu Season is fast approaching, so I am preparing the best way I know how by stocking up on my herbs and home remedies. Garlic Tincture is one of the best ways to boost your immune system, or fight a nasty bug once illness takes hold. Tinctures are easy to make, but must be made well in advance due to extended extraction time.
German Red Garlic is in abundance right now at my local Farmer's Market. I bought six large heads today from my favorite Amish Farm, then I hit the liquor store for a bottle of Vodka. Once home, I removed and cleaned all of the garlic cloves, sliced, and placed inside a 24 ounce Mason Jar. I then covered with Vodka. The cloves must be COMPLETELY covered, I even vacuum sealed the lid to the jar before placing in a cool, dark place where the benefits of the garlic will be extracted into the alcohol for the next 4 to 6 weeks. When the process is complete, I will strain with a coffee filter or cheese cloth until the Tincture is nice and clear of any particles or sludge, then it is ready to distribute and use. Three drops daily under the tongue is a good dosage to start as an immune booster. That dosage can be taken three times daily as a starter dosage when sickness has already set in.
Garlic is full of antioxidants. It prevents diseases, boosts immunity, strengthen your heart, and has antibacterial properties. It also lowers blood pressure and purifies the blood.
Note: Vodka is one of the most common menstruums used to extract and preserve remedies.
Give Garlic Tincture a try this Fall, into the Winter months, and see what it can do for you!
By Gretchen Swank
8/8/2023
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