23/07/2026
When it comes to self-sufficiency, I love home remedies and using what you have right in front of you. There’s an old saying in herbalism that the best medicine often lies within reach. The medicinal actives in this simple home remedy are garlic, onion and honey - raw ingredients we generally have on hand.
Garlic (Allium sativum) is a traditional remedy for colds and flu. When you crush it, you release allicin, a bioactive compound responsible for many of garlic’s medicinal properties. Once crushed, be sure to leave garlic for at least 10 minutes to allow this enzymatic reaction to occur. The antibacterial activity of garlic is approximately 10 times stronger against pathogenic bacteria than gut flora, meaning that it’s not harmful to your gut health.
Onions are naturally rich in quercetin, a flavonoid which demonstrates strong antiviral properties against upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) in vitro, and antioxidant effects when consumed as a food. Regular consumption of flavonoids, such as quercetin, is associated with reduced incidence of URTIs, and may be an effective intervention to decrease their frequency and duration.
Antimicrobial powerhouse honey has been used to fight infections for centuries, and there is growing evidence for its traditional use. Its soothing properties mean it works wonders for sore throats, and is recommended in guidelines as an acute cough remedy in children over 1 year of age. NB. Avoid use of honey in infants under 12 months of age to avoid the risk of infant botulism.
🍯 Ingredients
½ garlic bulb
1 onion, diced (red or brown - flavonoid content is higher in red)
Raw honey (enough to cover ingredients, ~1 cup)
Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, oregano, elderberry, ginger)
🍯 Method
1. Separate and peel garlic cloves and smash using the flat edge of a knife. Allow to sit for at least 10 minutes to allow release of allicin compounds. Add to jar.
2. Dice onion and add to jar.
3. Prepare any additional fresh or dry herbs and add to jar.
4. Cover ingredients in honey. Let sit for approx. 1 week, shaking jar daily. Strain and enjoy as often as needed.