Growing up, I would come down with strep throat what felt like every year. It got to the point where I was told if I got it one more time I would have to get my tonsils removed. (Major surgery instead of fixing the root problem..classic!) Well, sure enough, that one more time came. However this time I was in my late teens and and just starting out on my crunchy journey. Being newly informed as I was, I knew I did not want to go on antibiotics and I did not want to continue the cycle of constant re-infection.

After a series of providential events at the minute clinic, I decided I would treat it myself using home remedies that are naturally antibiotic. Sure enough in a few days I was feeling one hundred percent and guess what!

I have never had strep throat since then.

I also know I’m not the only one with this story. I’ve heard many accounts of persistent bacterial infections that only went away when the cycle of pharmaceutical antibiotics was broken. Unfortunately with the rise of antibiotics in our food and the way they are so willy-nilly prescribed by doctors in unnecessary situations (happens WAY more than you’d think), they are simply not the savior they used to be.

There is a time and place for modern medicine, I won’t deny that. But most of the time we are far more capable of treating things ourselves if we would just be armed with the information and tools to do so. That being said, I will leave the research of antibiotic usage and safety to the responsibility of my readers. What I want to share is a recipe that is high in antibiotic properties and has helped me and my family in times of viral and bacterial sickness.

Benefits:

Garlic: antimicrobial, antiviral, antioxidant, immune-enhancing, anti-inflammatory

Raw honey: High in antioxidants, anti-fungal, antibacterial

Apple Cider Vinegar: Antimicrobial, immune-enhancing

What you need:

1 clove of organic garlic
2 tablespoons of organic, raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon of raw honey, preferably local
Warm filtered water, no warmer than 110°F

How to Make:

Use a garlic press to crush the clove of garlic into a small cup, or use a knife to finely chop. Allow the garlic to sit for 10 minutes before mixing the drink. This step is important in allowing all the allicin and other beneficial compounds to activate, so don’t skip it.
Gently warm filtered water over the stove (not the microwave).
Add the apple cider vinegar and honey to the garlic. Pour in the warm water to the top of the cup. Before adding the water, make sure it is no warmer than 110°F. If it’s too hot, it will kill the beneficial properties in the ACV and raw honey.
Stir until the honey is dissolved and drink.
Do this 2-3 times a day until feeling better.

This drink is garlicky, a little big tangy from the vinegar, and a tad sweet from the honey. It’s oddly…delicious. I’ve found myself craving it in times that my body needs an immune boost and it has proven helpful to me in recent times of sinus infection. Even if you are not using this for antibiotic purposes, it can be a wonderful immune boost. Hopefully this can be a useful recipe to add to your family’s wellness kit as well!

This post is not medical advice and is not a substitute for consulting with your doctor. Nothing in this post has been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to cure, treat, diagnose, or prevent any disease.