As the season shifts, I keep a jar of immune honey on hand. Raw honey pulls the flavors and plant compounds from ginger, garlic, and turmeric, while a pinch of black pepper helps your body make the most of turmeric.
In 24 to 48 hours you have a soothing spoonful for warm water, tea, or toast. It is a simple ritual my family returns to for gentle immune support all winter long.
Why this supports you
This kitchen remedy blends time-honored plants with well-studied constituents that help your body meet the season with steadiness.
It is not a medical treatment, simply a supportive ritual you can return to, especially when you feel something coming on.
- Ginger carries gingerols and shogaols. These compounds are known to calm inflammation and soothe digestion. Many people reach for ginger when they feel chilled, queasy, or run down.
- Turmeric is rich in curcumin. Curcumin is celebrated for antioxidant and anti inflammatory activity and is often used to support joints and overall resilience.
- Black pepper offers piperine. Piperine helps your body absorb curcumin more effectively when enjoyed together with turmeric.
- Garlic provides allicin and related sulfur compounds. Early and traditional research suggests antimicrobial and immune-modulating effects that can be supportive in the colder months.
- Raw honey contributes polyphenols and natural enzymes. It is soothing on the throat and helps carry the sharper edges of ginger, turmeric, and garlic in a gentler way.
Kind reminder: this is food as support. If you are pregnant, use food-level amounts, skip high-dose turmeric supplements, and adjust garlic if your stomach is sensitive. Do not give honey to children under 1 year old.
Reset your nervous system through sound therapy and create a mindful moment just for you. You deserve it.
No fillers. No toxins. Just clean, natural formulas that work.
.avif)
.avif)
.avif)
.avif)
Simple Immune Support Honey Recipe
Yield: 1 pint
Active time: 10 minutes
Total time: 24 to 48 hours to infuse in the fridge
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw honey (local and unfiltered if possible)
- 4 to 7 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 2 to 3 inches fresh ginger, finely chopped
- 2 inches fresh turmeric, finely chopped
- 1⁄4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Optional: zest of 1⁄2 lemon and a tiny pinch cinnamon
Instructions
- Add garlic, ginger, turmeric, black pepper, and optional zest to a clean, dry pint jar.
- Pour in honey and stir to fully coat. Add more honey if needed so everything stays submerged.
- Seal and refrigerate. Shake or stir once a day for 2 to 3 days.
- Use 1 to 2 teaspoons in warm water with lemon, enjoy by the spoonful, or drizzle over food.
Sourcing note
Use organic when you can, especially for roots and citrus zest. If not organic, peel ginger and turmeric, and wash citrus well or skip the zest.
Storage
Keep refrigerated. Best quality within 3 to 4 weeks. Always use a clean, dry spoon to avoid introducing moisture.
Ways to enjoy
- By the spoonful
- Herbal tea or warm water with lemon
- Sourdough toast with a thin layer of ghee or butter and a light drizzle
- Quick vinaigrette with lemon juice and olive oil
- Tossed with hot roasted carrots or sweet potatoes and a pinch of salt
Variations
- Swap the lemon zest for orange zest for a softer citrus note
- Add a small sprig of rosemary for a piney, holiday aroma
- Use 1⁄2 teaspoon ground turmeric if fresh is unavailable
FAQ
Can I make it less sweet?
You can reduce honey slightly, but keep enough to fully cover the solids for quality and safety!
Can I use ground spices?
Yes! Fresh gives brighter flavor, but 1⁄2 teaspoon ground turmeric works well. Ground ginger is stronger, so start with a small pinch and taste.
It looks cloudy. Is that normal?
Yes! Cloudiness from spices is normal. Discard only if you see fuzzy mold or notice a truly off smell.
Can I make a bigger batch?
Of course! These make lovely gifts for loved ones. Keep the same ratio: 2 parts honey to 1 part chopped solids, fully submerged. Spoon into 4 to 8 oz jars, add a simple label, and a tiny note with serving ideas. A tender little jar of winter care to share.
*Mini card text to include
Serving: 1 to 2 teaspoons in warm water with lemon or by the spoonful. Keep refrigerated. Use a clean, dry spoon. Honey is not for children under 1 year old.
Gentle safety notes
This is food as support. If you are pregnant, use food-level amounts and skip high-dose turmeric supplements. Adjust garlic if your stomach is sensitive. Honey is not for children under 1 year old.