I love fermenting. Not only are fermented products nutritious, but they are also a fun way to experiment in the kitchen. Fermented garlic honey is one of the easiest ferments I have tried. All you need is garlic, honey and a jar. The flavor of this ferment in delicious when used as a condiment or ingredient, plus it is an effective natural remedy to support your immune system. It makes a wonderful addition to your medicine cabinet!

Medicinal Properties of Garlic & Honey

So let’s take a peek at the medicinal properties of these two ingredients!

Garlic

Garlic, also known as Allium sativum, has been used for centuries in both food and medicine. Today, it is one of the most heavily researched medicinal herbs. Garlic has been shown to be antibacterial and antimicrobial, which helps support the body during times of bacterial infection. It also modulates the immune and inflammatory processes in the body to fight off viral infections.

Honey

Raw honey has been widely recognized and documented for its medicinal properties. It is antimicrobial, antibacterial and antiviral both internally and externally. Internally, we find that honey reduces inflammation and modulates the immune system, which further supports the body during times of infection. It reduces the irritation and inflammation of sore throats. Honey is also an incredible cough suppressant! There have also been multiple studies comparing its efficacy to Robitussin, which will be discussed in a future blog post! Externally, you may see it used in honey based ointments and bandages due to several studies that have found it useful in wound healing.

Of course it is always important to remember that raw honey should never be used in infants under the age of 1 due to the risk of botulism.

Uses for Garlic Honey

Within the first week of the fermentation process, the honey becomes runny and the garlic flavor becomes far less pungent, but the medicinal properties remain. Typically when I begin to feel under the weather, I will take a spoonful of the honey and a clove of garlic. The flavor is extremely mellow and actually quite tasty.

This can also be used in various culinary recipes! We enjoy using it to drizzle over pizza or brush on pizza crust. It can also be used in marinades, salad dressings and glazes.

Never give honey to infants under the age of 1 due to the risk of botulism.

Ingredients

• garlic, peeled and separated into cloves

• local raw honey

• glass jar

Directions

1. Prepare garlic by separating and peeling cloves. Then add your cloves to a glass jar until the jar is half full.

2. Pour enough honey into the jar to cover and coat the garlic cloves.

3. Secure the lid and place it in a cupboard or on the countertop.

4. Every day over the course of one week, loosen the lid to “burp” the ferment, then invert jar to coat garlic.

5. Within one week of the fermentation process, you will notice small bubbles and a thinner consistency to the honey. This is normal and expected! After one week, you can begin using it. The fermentation will slow and the garlic with soften and mellow out over the next few weeks. You may store the jar in your pantry.

About the Author

Dr. Hannah is a naturopathic doctor providing whole body adjunctive healthcare to patients in Maine and Massachusetts. She believes every patient has their own unique health journey, which influences her personalized treatment approach. She has a passion for helping women, mothers and families heal and thrive, all while uncovering the root cause of whatever ails them. Her goal is to empower and guide her patients on the path towards healing the mind, body and soul through natural methods of healing. Dr. Hannah sees patients locally in Portland, Maine. Through telehealth, she is happy to serve the people of Lewiston, Ellsworth, Belfast, Bangor, and all the towns in between! She now sees Massachusetts patients through telehealth as well!

Disclaimer

The information provided on or through this website is for educational and informational purposes only. This information is not a substitution for proper and personalized medical diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or trusted healthcare provider before making an adjustments or changes to your healthcare regimen. Natural medicine is not inherently harmless, and therefore it is important to speak with your healthcare providers for personalized medical advice.