We spoke to herbalist and naturopathy lecturer Tracy Gaibisso about some of her immune-boosting tips for the cold and flu season, and she also shared with us one of her go-to recipes for when you feel like you're about to get sick – hello oxymel tonic!

This garlic and vinegar-based herbal tonic is easy to make at home and is said to have immune-boosting properties that can help support your body's natural defences.

Oxymel tonic

This oxymel tonic will keep for a year plus.

Ingredients:

• 6-12 cloves of garlic (finely chopped)
• ½ cup rosemary (fresh is best but can use dried)
• ½ cup sage (fresh is best but can use dried)
• ¼ cup of thyme (fresh is best but can use dried)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• Apple cider vinegar

Method:

1. Combine the garlic and herbs in a glass jar, pressing some of the herbs if using fresh
2. Fill the jar with enough vinegar to cover the herbs, leaving an inch or so above them/ensuring all herbs are fully covered – Cover tightly and let the mixture sit in a warm spot for roughly three weeks (stirring daily)
3. At the end of three weeks: Strain out the herbs, rebottle the vinegar and add 1/2-1 cup, honey – Stir well and store in a cool dark place.

Take 1-2 tablespoons daily or you can take it more frequently (every 3-4 hours) if you feel yourself coming down with a cold. You can also use this as a marinade or flavouring agent in dressings.

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