The cold and flu season is here, and you've probably already spent a few days in bed surrounded by tissues and cough syrup. But now, social media users are praising a homemade remedy that promises to help combat colds, sore throats, and much more.
According to Pensionist, scientist Tim Spector has shared his recipe on Instagram, but warns that the recipe is not for the faint of heart.
Fermented in Honey In his post, he says: "Here's how to make the simplest fermented food and a fantastic remedy to have on hand for the cold and flu season."
It's easy to make: the only ingredients you need are cloves of garlic and a jar of honey.
"All you do is add peeled garlic cloves to raw honey and shake," explained Tim, adding: "Let the mixture ferment in a dark place, and turn the jar every day to ensure the garlic cloves remain covered in honey. You can also open the jar to air it out after a few days."
Can Last for a Year Tim noted that the video was filmed during the summer in Spain, where it was much warmer. In colder months, the mixture needs more time to fully ferment.
"It will continue to ferment more the longer you leave it and should last a year or more outside the refrigerator," he said.
The researcher went on to explain the health benefits of garlic and how it can help our immune system in the winter months.
"Garlic is filled with prebiotic inulin fibers that support your gut health and are believed to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties that can help fight colds and flu," the researcher explained, continuing: "Similarly, honey has been shown to improve cough frequency and severity in human trials."
Great for the Immune System The mixture sounds like a lifesaver, but what do experts think about the garlic and honey brew?
According to Metro, Abbas Kanani, Superintendent Pharmacist at Chemist Click, tells that Tim is right - honey and garlic are great for our immune system.
"Both garlic and honey have proven health benefits all year round and within the cold and flu season," says Abbas, adding: "The main health ingredient in garlic is allicin, which gives garlic antibacterial and disease-fighting properties. Honey is naturally high in antioxidants called flavonoids and polyphenols. These chemicals help fight inflammation in the body."
