A long time ago, traditional healers discovered the medicinal value of garlic and honey. In modern times, people may have lost these secrets or relied solely on modern medicine. But today, studies are rediscovering the health benefits of honey-fermented garlic.
According to research by the Ministry of Health in Addis Ababa, garlic can treat coughs, TB, the common cold, malaria, hypertension, liver disease, wounds, and more. The span of treatment varied from one to ten days, a much shorter period than modern medicine.
Garlic and honey may seem like two different entities to be enjoyed separately. And indeed, they may not seem yummy when taken together. But you can ferment them together to get the garlic-honey mixture benefits.
Health benefits of this fermented combination
Antimicrobial properties
Both of these have antioxidants and antifungal and antibacterial properties. In addition, a study by the University of Gondar, Department of Biotechnology, showed that tazma mar honey (honey produced by stingless bees) and garlic exhibited antimicrobial properties. So it can be a natural alternative to antibacterial drugs for bacterial infections.
In the study, tazma mar honey could effectively stop and prevent further growth of Salmonella, E. coli, and Bacillus species.
Garlic also treats cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and dermatological conditions. It’s also been used in cases of Alzheimer’s disease.
The mixture showed significant effectiveness in Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains when used together.
Regulate blood pressure
Garlic contains an active compound known as allicin that lowers cholesterol and high blood pressure and acts as a blood thinner. Honey is also suitable for lowering bad cholesterol (Low-Density Lipoproteins) and checking blood pressure.
Antioxidants properties
Both honey and garlic have an array of polyphenols, vitamins, and minerals. These properties can protect your body against cancers and cell damage and boost immunity. They also contain anti-inflammatory properties that may protect against arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.
Promotes brain health
Consuming garlic and honey promotes brain function and boosts your immunity. The combo can protect against Alzheimer’s disease, brain damage, memory loss, or dementia. However, there are no conclusive studies to back up the effectiveness of treating age-related illnesses.
How to consume this mixture
There are other fun ways to incorporate these into your meals. For example, you can add this combo to your meal plans as a supplement or condiment. Or better yet, use it as an ingredient in cooking.
Garlic is available as powder, extracts, or fresh cloves. You can crush or chop it and eat it raw or use it for cooking. However, its oils usually have limited benefits, but you can use them to add flavor and aroma to your meals.
Raw unpasteurized honey can remedy the common cold, flu, sore throat, and healing wounds. You can take it as it is or add it to warm water or herbal tea for optimum benefits.
You can also use this mixture in salad dressings, marinades, and pickled garlic in honey. There are several ways to use this combo, so get creative to make it flavorsome.
How to make honey-fermented garlic
Prepare the cloves by peeling off the skin; peel enough to fill about three-quarters of your preferred jar size. Add the peeled cloves to a clean and dried jar. Pour in your raw honey to cover the cloves.
Tip: Always use raw, unpasteurized honey because it contains all the natural minerals and antioxidants you need in your final product.
Loosely cover your jar, put it in a dry, dark place, and let it ferment for a few days. Occasionally tighten the lid and flip the jar upside down to ensure all the garlic is covered with honey. Once done, please return it upright and loosen the cap. This allows fermentation gasses to escape.
You will notice bubbles at the top of your jar in about a week. This means that fermentation has started to occur. You can consume it at this point or continue the fermentation process for up to a month.
Once you’re happy with your fermentation, you can store your final product in a cool place for months. Raw honey doesn’t spoil, and you can consume it for months.
A word of caution
Do not give this fermented product to kids below a year old. You should also be aware of allergies or side effects of consuming garlic or honey.
Talk to your healthcare provider before you consume this combo, especially if you have diabetes, are taking blood thinners, or are on HIV medications.
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