Apple Cider Vinegar Tonic Recipe | Beat Burnout, Boost Immunity and Support Gut Health

There have been many times during early motherhood that I have turned to home remedies when I feel burnout approaching.

During winter, supercharging our immunity is important – especially if the kids are bringing home a myriad of germs from school and childcare centres.

Scratchy throat, tired eyes, and crankiness… often accompanied by a dip in self-confidence, increased self-criticism, and a creeping sense of self-doubt are all signs that it’s time for me to take care of myself.

But how? Especially when time and energy are scarce and you’re already over-stretched?

Welcome to modern motherhood!

It doesn’t take long before the positive effects of supporting a healthy gut biome, boosting immunity and consuming nutrient-dense foods affect better moods, behaviour, focus and your overall sense that all is well in the world.

A SIMPLE SOLUTION

This apple cider vinegar tonic is one I use in small amounts as needed, though I find it unnecessary to use it all the time.

This tonic is also great to consume when watered down (and likely to be less harsh on tooth enamel when diluted).

It reduces inflammation in the body, as well as encourages a thriving gut biome – in other words, it takes care of your gut-brain (yes we have brain cells in our gut that communicate with the one in our heads).

INGREDIENTS

1 small garlic clove, finely grated
1cm knob of ginger, finely grated
1 tablespoon of honey, agave or maple syrup OR 1/4 cup of apple juice
3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar (with 2 the “mother” in it, locally produced if possible)
Juice of 1 small lemon
Juice of half an orange
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
Pinch of ground cayenne pepper (if tolerated by your tummy, to taste)
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Warm filtered water

MAKING IT

1. Grab a 250ml jar or bottle with a lid
2. Add garlic, ginger, lemon, orange and swoosh around lightly.
3. Add vinegar, and dry spices and swoosh around again. Let sit for 20 minutes if you can.
4. Sweeten with desired sweet ingredient from options listed
5. Top with warm filtered water (or at least room temperature)
6. Swoosh around and let sit for an hour then keep in the fridge

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

• Enjoy a quick shot in a small shot glass
• Dilute it and serve in a taller glass with lemon slices, and/or fresh mint, as desired.
• Add to warm herbal tea