Feeling sick? Skip the pharmacy in favor of a cold home remedy. This homemade cold buster remedy will have you feeling better in no time.
I kind of asked for this by exposing myself to 10 children (and subsequently 2 schools and 5 daycares) 4 flights full of people, 4 airports, countless public places, and temperatures ranging from 95 degrees to 40 degrees over the last seven days. I have a cold.
I refuse to let this inhibit my Fun Month so I’m on a mission to bust this cold before it even takes off. Luckily, I have a secret weapon. This cold busting drink is my go-to remedy for speedy healing throughout the winter months.
This drink might sound kind of weird or gross, but it’s totally worth it to avoid getting super sick. You can make it with simple ingredients you probably have at home, but if not, you can easily pick them up at any grocery store.
Garlic-Lemons-Cayenne-Apple Cider Vinegar
Garlic is packed full of nutrients to boost your immunity.
Crushed fresh cloves will give you the best result, but I didn’t have any at the time this photo was taken so I figured minced was better than nothing.
Lemon is full of vitamin C which we all know is great for colds.
Ginger helps to increase perspiration which will cleanse your body of toxins.
Apple cider vinegar balances your body’s PH level to keep more germs from getting in, while cayenne pepper increases circulation to get all the good stuff moving through your body at a faster pace.
It’s like the perfect storm of cold remedies.
No cold stands a chance if you start drinking this at the first sign of infection.
The Ultimate Cold Buster Drink
Feeling sick? Skip the pharmacy in favor of a cold home remedy. This homemade cold buster remedy will have you feeling better in no time.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
- juice from 2 lemons
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 clove crushed garlic
- 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
Instructions
-
Mix all ingredients together and take as a shot, or combine in a 16 oz glass and top off with filtered water.
-
Drink twice daily.
More home remedy drinks
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skippy says
oof sorry for the germfestation, betZ. if you have any basil and/or parsley growing, chew on that, too – anti-bacterial, anti-viral. good luck!
JayTwo says
Is that supposed to be 1 teaspoon of freshly grated ginger (not garlic)?
betsy says
yup! Thank Jay #coldbrain
Elaine @Flavour&Savour says
Hope you’re better soon! I’m going to tuck this one away for when it’s my “turn.” Hopefully not for a looooooong time!
Jann from Newton Custom Interiors says
I have been using apple cider vinegar for the last year to fight off colds, and it really works! I’ll have to try your additions.
Sky Trombly says
My hubby is calling this “the hippie health tonic from hell” but he asks for it because it works. The ginger helps with potential tummy ache so if you skip it, you may end up with a mild problem (not as bad as a cold).
Dallas says
Just took this tonight. Felt a cough slash scratchy thtoat coming on. Hoping to wake up with no scratchy throat tomorrow morning. Except i only did one lemon, does it make that much of a big difference?
betsy says
It should be fine. How are you feeling?
Chris Duncan says
Too much lemon. It’s good to drink with a straw to save your teeth from melting. Adding turmeric also is advised. You definitely need honey as well, but it has to be real, local honey due to pollen in the air, etc. Do not heat up after adding honey and the vinegar because it will kill the honey enzymes and the mother bacteria in the vinegar, making them worthless.
betsy says
Thanks for the tips!
Sandrajean says
Great advice! I always tell those I share this recipe I call the “LoveBomb” with to use a straw! Local raw honey is a must, organic garlic clove (the “bomb” part), organic fresh ginger and the cayenne, lemon & acv with the mother! It works! I take it when I get a sore throat or runny nose. Then I’m sitting back watching those I offer it to who refuse it because it’s “gross” get sicker every day, while I’m running around feeling great. Try it! BOOM
Brianna says
Do you boil it or just take it raw?
betsy says
I drink it cold but you could warm it up in the microwave if you prefer a warm beverage
Lamb says
Added a shot of whiskey. I’ll let you know how it pans out.
betsy says
Hope you’re feeling better!
Juanita Francis says
I started a new job at an elementary school. I fought off the sickness for a week and 1/2 with medication, but the virus won. I’m trying this concoction first time tonight. I used fresh garlic, lime, ginger, honey, ACV, cinnamon sticks, and cayenne pepper. After an hour I started feeling better than I was after taking OTC meds for two days. I’m giving some to my 6yo now because he started coughing today. Tomorrow the entire family will start drinking this for the entire week. Thanks!!!
betsy says
I swear by it! Glad you’re feeling better
Vapetress says
Thanks I have been looking for a ACV cold remedy that does not include honey, allergic. But was wondering if this recipe can be used daily (using a straw) for prevention of a cold. I’m looking for a recipe that not only reduces the length and severity of a cold, but want to prevent the likelihood of getting one in the first place. TIA
betsy says
You can definitely drink this daily.
MissAthenaMarie says
Hello!
Apple cider vinegar fan for years, and appreciate your site!
However, regarding your “ultimate cold buster” please do not recommend taking ACV as a shot …
Apple cider vinegar can actually burn your esophagus if not properly diluted.
Rule of thumb: 8 oz water per 1 tbsp of AcV.
This alone can be consumed daily, and as simple as it seems, the body responds favorably to ACV: maintains many functions naturally.
I don’t take any medications but ACV (with the mother) is incredible for natural purification.
Make sure there’s water to prevent possibly damaging your insides though!
Be well, stay well!
@
Ana M says
Agree with MissAthenaMarie!
Rodika says
Ok I needed to comment on this because I’ve been down with the flu all week and this morning I was desperate to find some relief. I started googling some home concoctions and came across this. Fortunately I had all of the ingredients in my kitchen and was able to try it right away. Within an hour of taking it, I started feeling a difference. I am looking forward to taking my second dose later. I’m hoping for a fully recovery by tomorrow morning. {Fingers crossed}
Isabella says
Okay. I know this is an old post, but I needed to comment.
Today is a Monday. Tomorrow is the launch of my book, and Friday is the launch party, which I am super excited for and would HATE to reschedule.
SO OF COURSE I get sick this weekend. Almost no fever, but sore throat, congestion and cough, with the loveliest coloring (ew). I am tired and achy and I swear I’m feeling worse since Friday than any better.
A friend recommended a similar concoction (without the garlic), and though skeptical, I figured I didn’t have anything else to lose – it would either do something, or nothing. I put it in my mug and added hot peppermint tea. It’s been maybe a half hour since I started drinking this (and OOOOH the faces I’m making) but I swear my nasal passages are starting to clear some. I haven’t coughed, and my head feels somehow a little bit clearer. The pain in my throat seems to have been numbed by…the ACV? The cayenne? who knows. But if I feel like this after 30 minutes, I am so hopeful that I”ll feel well enough by Friday for my so so important event. To the skeptics, honestly, you’ve got nothing to lose here.