MASTER TONIC!

So, it's totally time to start thinking about fall! Sorry to those of you who love east coast summers, but my favorite season of all is fall. The only downside to that snuggly time of year is that the kids go back to school and germs start spreading around again like secrets. Thankfully, we are the recipes of our great grandmas to keep us warm and healthy. Master tonic aka "Fire Cider" aka "4 Thieves Tonic" has been keeping people healthy and kicking infection butt for a long long time. So many of these "old" recipes have been lost in this modern generation, and we have turned ourselves over to antibiotics and dayquil. I believe that it is time to uncover this hidden gold and get back to our roots (pun intended). 
There are many ways to make Master Tonic, but here are a few ideas:

• Ginger: Has a wonderful warming effect on the body, which causes us to sweat and expel toxins. Ginger is also known to sooth the gastrointestinal tract. Ginger enhances blood flow…and can even thin the blood, so talk with your doctor if you are already on a blood thinner.
• Horseradish: Ever eaten a spoonful of wasabi paste on a dare? Yeah me neither….why would anyone do that! Ahem. If you had, you would know the sensation of instant sinus shock, they clear up immediately. That’s why it’s in this tonic. Bu-bye stuffy nose…..right now!
• Onions: Onions are a rich source of the antioxidant Quercitin, which is anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, antiviral, thought to have diverse anti-cancer powers
• Garlic: Natures antibiotic, anti-viral, and anti-fungal! It can also enhance blood flow…and can even thin the blood, so talk with your doctor if you are already on a blood thinner
• Jalapeños: The active ingredient in peppers (capsaicin) is a well known pain reliever. Peppers are also anti-inflammatory. So, in effect its like putting a little ibuprofen in the tonic….only its not ibuprofen, its peppers. Save your stomach from the NSAID stomach rot! They actually help your digestion too. Winning!
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Unless you have been living under a rock, you may have heard of the many, many, many uses and benefits of apple cider vinegar. Well, aside from being a great furniture polish and hair rinse, it also helps your bode eliminate toxins. Plus, it helps strengthen the immune system, promotes digestion, and relieves sore throats, colds, and sinus infections.

In my video, I also used cinnamon, cloves, peppercorns, and most importantly turmeric! This is an anti-inflammatory power team.Top turmeric benefits:

1. Fighting inflammation
2. As an antioxidant
3. Protects the heart in various ways
4. Helpful for arthritis
5. Brain boosting
6. May be helpful for fighting diabetes and cancer

​ I feel that the amounts are different depending on how much spice or how much of a certain flavor someone prefers. 
After you let the mixture infuse and ferment in a dark place for 4-6 weeks, you can strain it and add raw honey or pure maple syrup. It is good as a preventative in a shot glass or spoonful, a throat rinse or spray, added to tea or juice, and even a marinade for meat or as a salad dressing. Whatever the use, Master Tonic will give your body the kung fu moves it needs to battle off the bugs and blues this winter. 
LOVE YOU ALL! Thanks for stopping in. 
-Lea
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