Cold and flu season is right around the corner, so I’ve been busy whipping up a couple of herbal essentials for the winter.

OREGANO OIL

The first thing I make without fail every fall is oregano oil. Due to its antioxidant, antiviral, and antibacterial activity, oregano oil is considered one of the top medicinal herbal essential oils. Several studies have shown the powerful antibacterial properties of oregano oil, due to the components of carvacrol and its isomer thymol. Carvacrol has also been shown to possess antiviral properties. This enables oregano oil to delay viral disease progression and improve resistance to infections. More detailed information regarding the health benefits of oregano oil can be found here.

Here are simple instructions for making oregano oil:

Oregano Oil

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Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 4 tbsp. 40 proof vodka
• 1 cup organic, extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup oregano leaves crushed

Equipment

• 1 large mason jar
• a sunny window
• strainer with cheesecloth or coffee filter
• amber dropper bottles

Method

 

1. Combine 1/4 cup of dried oregano and 4 tbsp of vodka ( 40% proof)
2. Top it off with the olive oil .
3. Set jar on a windowsill for 1-2 weeks.
4. Transport jar to a dark cupboard for another 2-4 weeks
5. Be sure to shake the jar once a day for proper infusion.
6. After the designated time, strain the mixture and transfer it to amber dropper bottles.

Notes

Depending on the condition being treated, oregano essential oil can be taken either by mouth or applied to the skin. Oregano essential oil should always be diluted because of its strong concentration, whether taken internally or externally.

FERMENTED GARLIC HONEY

Another fantastic herbal essential to have on hand for colds and flu is fermented garlic honey. Fermented garlic honey is used to support the immune system and alleviate cold and flu symptoms, such as coughs or sore throats. It is made by infusing cloves of raw garlic in honey and allowing them to ferment together over time.

Research suggests that garlic can boost your immune system. Garlic contains allicin, a potent immune-stimulating sulfur compound that’s activated when garlic is crushed or fermented. Studies also show that allicin helps to increase circulation and the body’s white blood cell count; it also boasts antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiprotozoal properties. Garlic may also help prevent viruses from entering host cells or from replicating within the body’s cells.

Thick and sweet, the honey is excellent for soothing sore throats and naturally suppressing  coughs. Like garlic, honey is also highly antimicrobial and can help ward off internal pathogens when ingested.

Rich in both prebiotics and probiotics, fermented garlic honey helps to balance the gut microbiome. Fermented together, those prebiotics also interact with the wild yeasts and beneficial bacteria found on garlic to form additional gut-friendly probiotics. A healthy microbiome is essential for optimum immune health. 

Here are the instructions for making fermented garlic honey:

Fermented Garlic Honey

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Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• organic raw garlic cloves or green garlic, enough to fill the pint jar at least halfway
• 1 1/2 cups raw, local organic honey

Equipment

• 1 pint mason jar
• 1 muslin square large enough to use as a jar cover
• 1 rubber band

Method

 

1. Peel garlic cloves and slightly crush, as crushing releases the allicin.
2. Fill jar 1/2 full with the peeled garlic cloves.
3. Pour the honey into jar, making sure the garlic cloves are fully coated.
4. Cover the jar with the muslin square and secure with the rubber band.
5. Label the jar with the date started and store in a dark, cool place for 30 days.
6. Every couple of days, turn the jar, lightly swirling it.
7. You’ll begin to see little fermentation bubbles appear after a week or two.
8. The fermented garlic honey should be ready to start consuming after about a month of fermenting. Once fermented, it can be covered with the mason jar cover and stored in the refrigerator.

Notes

How to Use:

Eat the garlic cloves or the honey to prevent or treat illness during the cold and flu season. 

Warnings

Do not use oregano oil if you are allergic to mint or basil. Discontinue use of oregano oil or garlic honey if you experience gastrointestinal symptoms, itching or a skin rash.

Check with your health care provider before using herbal supplements if you are taking prescription medications.

Be well.