It’s that time of year again – a new year, a new you!
As the calendar turns, most people are determined to lose weight and make healthier choices in the upcoming days. After all the festive treats and holiday feasts this is an easy resolution to come to!
Considering how health conscious that I am, I like to make a healthy alternative to the sugar laden treats, such as these Gluten Free Cut Out Cookies, but I also give way to the scrumptious traditional treats. There’s just something about Grandma’s Fudge that just begs to be eaten! After letting myself indulge, I usually need to let my system reset and start fresh. There’s no better time than the New Year!
Now, I’m not at all an advocate for dieting or counting calories or things like that. I feel that making just plain good food choices is the best thing for long term overall health. But I don’t mind using real food ingredients to help my body along.
There are many easy ways to make your own immune boosting recipes to get your body strong again. But the best way to get your body systems back in line after the holidays is to start with getting your digestive system straightened out. It seems that our gut health has a lot more to do with our overall health than we first imagined!
So in thinking about our gut health, let’s combine some ingredients! There are a variety of ingredients that are excellent for improving gut health. Used individually they aid the body greatly in many ways. Used together they create a power house shot to help set your body straight!
Apple Cider Vinegar Detox Elixir
Before we dive into the elixir, let’s talk about the health benefits these ingredients have to offer.
Apple Cider Vinegar
This is a wonder liquid. I could write a lot about apple cider vinegar and the multiple ways it can improve your life! For the benefits of your digestive system and beyond, ACV naturally balances your body’s pH and blood sugar. It has many enzymes and acts as a probiotic improving gut health. It also aids in detoxing the liver and lymphatic system. You can even make your own and it won’t cost you a penny!
Lemon
This citrus fruit is well known for its cleansing properties. When taken in the morning, lemon will boost your metabolism and kick start your digestive system. It has a high mineral content and multiple vitamins like Vitamin C and folate which help balance your pH and nourish your body.
Raw Honey
There are several immune boosting benefits to raw honey, and a good immune system starts in the gut. Raw honey has enzymes, vitamins, and minerals that will nourish the body as you detox. The bonus benefit of honey for this elixir is its sweet taste! This combination of ingredients is a little hard to swallow, but the honey makes it go down much smoother.
Note: Local raw honey gives you the best benefits, especially if you suffer from seasonal allergies. Check out your farmer’s market for the best prices. If you can’t find it local try Tropical Traditions or Amazon.
Ginger
One of the most well-known digestive aids, it’s also anti-almost everything, which will give your body a strong health boost. Raw ginger made into a tea is the best thing to take when you have digestive trouble. In this case, powdered ginger works best to mix with your other ingredients.
Cayenne Pepper
Among many things, cayenne pepper is great for your stomach. It is found to be a natural fat burner, and to be anti-inflammatory. Both of those aspects are helpful in detoxing the body.
- 1 Tbsp raw apple cider vinegar
- 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice (about 1-2 wedges)
- ¼ tsp ginger
- 1 Tbsp raw honey
- Dash cayenne pepper (seriously just a dash!)
- Mix ingredients in a glass or small jar and add about an ounce of warm water. Drink all at once before eating in the morning.
Additional Recipe Notes
Drinking in the morning will allow you to absorb the nutrients quickly and get your digestive system moving.
I find that the flavors of these ingredients are a little hard to swallow, which is why I like to take it all at once. Warm water will also make it easier to drink and will help melt the honey a little so it mixes in well. However, if you are a sipper and can handle the flavors better than me, fill your glass and enjoy!
You could also triple or increase the recipe to make a batch that lasts a few days. Prepping it ahead makes it readily available and helps you to be sure to drink it consistently. Mix it in a mason jar and store it in the refrigerator. The ACV and fresh lemon need to be refrigerated.
If you’re intimidated by the thought of drinking apple cider vinegar with a dash of cayenne, don’t be scared! Try it for a week and see how you feel. You may be surprised at the improvement to your health, just by this one simple elixir since these ingredients have more health benefits than just digestive. You may find that you have clearer, brighter skin, a stronger immune system, and even more energy!
If you really want to jump start your system on a detox, take this before every meal for a few weeks. Then cut back to just before breakfast.
For longer-term, daily routine, keep it up in the mornings. Personally, I find that very doable for my season of life.
There’s nothing better than just feeling well, and making an apple cider vinegar detox elixir is a great small step to take for better health!
This simple daily routine has helped me feel so much better overall. Do you have a similar daily routing that improves your health?
Sources 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
This post was written by Heather Robertson at Neverlackingzeal.com
I just made a 5 day batch of this elixir and it doesn’t taste bad! I added half a teaspoon of turmeric for it’s health benefits 🙂
Wonderful news Lea! And great addition on the turmeric!
I was wondering about substituting turmeric for the cayenne and ginger???
Can I substitute turmeric
Where do you purchase tumeric? Is just any otc in stores sufficient?
It’s a spice in the cooking aisle right next to the cinnamon, paprika, etc. Or you can order it in bulk from a place like Amazon (ends up being cheaper and better quality).
But how much of everything is used? I’m one that needs actual measurements, lol.
Don’t forget the black pepper,drastically increases the benefits of turmeric, just a pinch.
Im curious , i was reccomened this mixture plus the tumeric minus the ginger for stomach issues , SIBO(small intestinal bacterial overgrowth). My concern is i already feel nauseas when i first wake up latley since im transitioning off of an acid reducer and the SIBO can have syptoms of nausea as well so will this mixture make me feel sour stomach or really queezy ? Especially on an empty stomach it just makes me nervous lol. Thought maybe u could tell me how u feel when u take it and what your taking it for
Great recipe -if I were to make a big batch of this to last a week, how much would you drink each time?
Hey Alicia! I think it measures out to be about half an ounce for a single batch. (Minus the water.)
Ive folloew your recipe almost to the letter. I found though that more water makes it taste like lemonade sort of. 8x looks like1/2 c honey 1/2 c lemon juice, 1/2 c apple cider vinegar, 2 tsp ginger, 1/4 tsp Cayenne, 2-3 c water to taste. Yummy! The cayenne is very different but I add it for the heart health benefits. Thanks for the recipe!
Awesome! Thanks for the large batch measurements!
If you make the large quantity should it be refrigerated or can it be kept out?
She says to refrigerate in the article
I tried this but the honey separated. Because I stored it in the refrigerator it was very difficult to mix together for a single serving when I needed it. Any suggestions?
Don’t refrigerate, vinegar and lemon juice do not need it.
The article says to refrigerate the vinegar and lemon juice.
“The ACV and fresh lemon need to be refrigerated.”
Which is it?? Refrigerate or not?
I’d like to know what happens if the exact ingredients (raw honey, raw ACV) are not used. For instance, regular powder ginger and ACV from the jar (McCornmick’s).
Multiply the ounce of water by 8 for the large batch, should be 8 ou water=1 cup?
Great recipe, I added turmeric and pepper also 🙂
Is a dash the same as a pinch? 🙂 And is an ounce of water, 2 tablespoons?
A pinch will work! And I think an ounce of water is more than 2 Tbsps. You can eyeball it though. There’s room for adjustments in this recipe!
Old comment, but yes, 2 Tbsps is 1 fluid ounce.
I have been drinking 2 teaspoons of raw ACV in a juice glass diluted with water every morning and it has cleared my face of Perioral Dermatitis and adult acne that has plagued me for a few years. I had to get used to the taste but the raw, organic ACV has a more “apple” flavor than just the standard ACV. It tastes kind of like a vinegarette salad dressing but it is not horrible. I have trouble with acid indigestion at times and was really worried about ACV making it worse. It absolutely did not bother me in the least! I also use straight ACV as a spot corrector if I have a blemish and it dries it up overnight. I would recommend this at night because the blemish will redden temporarily and then calm down quite nicely after several hours. Can’t wait to try this Detox Elixer!
Awesome! I’m so glad it’s helped with your skin! I’ve also seen ACV recommended if you have acid reflux or similar issues. The acidity of Raw ACV actually helps balance the acid in your stomach. It’s got lots of benefits!
True story, I had acid reflux so bad I was eating Rolaids by the hand full. My brother turned me on to ACV and I thought WTH???? I have ACID reflux, how is putting MORE acid in my stomach suppose to help???? Well it DOES, I drink it daily and sleep like a kitten.
When you have acid reflux this means your stomach is not producing enough acid to break down the foods you are eating quick enough. Adding more acid HELPS because of this. Alot of people think they have too much acid with acid reflux when in reality it’s the other way around. Search Dr. Berg on youtube. He’s amazing.
Can you use lemon and ginger essential oil and if so how many drops would you use?
I would suggest making sure you are using essential oils from a company you trust concerning purity if you are going to ingest. Only one drop of each oil is plenty. Essential oils are very potent and a little goes a long way!
If I wanted to use real, raw ginger how could I go about adding it and how much of the root should I use? I’m really looking forward to giving this a try and adding some turmeric to the recipe as well.
I ended up juicing the ginger. It was a bit of a hassle though. Those things are not easy to juice -_-
OH my, I bet they’re not! Maybe next time you could stick the whole thing in the blender? Maybe do a double batch so there’s enough for the blender to operate. 🙂
This is for Ms Katelyn.
1. U can shred the roots over a bowl of water (with the peeling). Let it sit overnite. Next day strain off the ginger and pour into a large container add raw honey. Taste to your satisfaction. Add mothersfriend ACV unfiltered (vinager.
OR
2. U can peel a piece of the root with a spoon. Cut into slices then add to a pot of water to boil for 15-20 mins.with a lid…Water (depends on how much tea u want. If its too weak add more ginger, if too strong add more water. If u r satisfied add the raw honey while it is hot to your taste. Refrigerate overnite.
N the morning add your other ingredients. U can drink this as a hot tea or a cold one.
I hope this helps..
Asian food market usually sell plastic graters made for ginger,turmeric as well.Or crush the ginger as much as possible and mince it with a sharp knife.
Hello
We make Vinegar with lemon since 18 months but we never use ( Chinese Recipe) we would like to begin t now but we are worry about sugar , please could you tell me if sugar is a problem for diabetic person??
Friendly
William
Hi William – I am not diabetic and don’t have first-hand experience to share. I’m sorry! I would recommend talking to health professional.
I’ve just made the big batch of this DELICIOUS drink, and now I can’t wait for tomorrow morning to come so that I can start my day with this super-healthy elixir!
Thank you for the great recipe! By the way, I added about a teaspoon of Turmeric as well, because of it’s great healing properties, and the taste blends in well with everything else. :))
That’s a great addition Peta – thank you for sharing!
How many of these drinks can I have per day? I use my bullet with a small amount of water to ground my ginger. I pour it through cheese cloth.
I’ve heard of drinking a similar recipe twice per day, but I don’t know if I’d do more than that. 🙂
To get maximum benefit it is always best to use fresh ingredients .Yes it takes a little while longer to make but it benefits your body even more . Using raw ginger , you just peel it, chop it up in little cubes and steep in a bowl of hot water . Some people will even use raw ginger in there food processor and turn it into a paste and then add it to hot water to steep for 10 minutes . I then use a strainer and pour the ginger water into a pitcher and then add the raw honey to your taste .This allows the honey to blend in evenly .The steeping doesn’t boil all of the goodness out oft he products .Never boil ginger and honey because you kill the beneficial effects ! I then add ice to bring temp down and then add apple cider and lemons and refridge or drink a glass then and there . I make enough for 5 days a week so my time is used wisely .
Honey ought NEVER be cooked,ginger however can be boiled without losing and possibly increasing its health benefits.
I’ve been using this recipe for 2 weeks, minus 3 – 4 days for a bad cold and cough. It’s a Godsend! I’m 51 years old and I’ve lost 28 lbs! I admit I mistakenly used 2 oz of ACV and added cinnamon and Turmeric for the health benefits. It’s not the greatest tasting drink, but going down 1 full size in 2 weeks is amazing! I felt so much better. My skin was clearer, I had energy, my clothes are so loose that my husband even noticed! Thank you so much for sharing this recipe!
Hi Nancy, for weight loss, how often are your drinking it? and are you doing a special diet? I am 45 and I am trying to lose about 20 lbs.
I’ve been using the AC V for 5 days twice a day but I have not noticed any weight difference but I have found that I feel a lot better my intestines feel better and I’m not near as tired as what I used to be I was anxious thinking that it would help me to lose weight but so far no luck with that
Is it okay not to add cayyene pepper?
My naturopath recommended I take ACV with water before meals for digestive issues. I found it also cured my chronic sore throat as well. Recently, we were traveling in Germany and I had an upset stomach so I went to the store for ACV. Not really knowing how to translate it exactly, we found a drink that I’m fairly certain was close to this recipe with ACV, lemon, and honey. Looking forward to trying this recipe.
I have been making a mix of my own for the last 4 days. First thing in the morning and in the evening. I heat up the water til it’s just hot enough. I Tbsp ACV, 1/4 tsp Turmeric, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1 spoon coconut oil, 1 drop lemon essential oil, 2 drops slim and sassy essential oil, and honey to taste. I am hooked. Feeling the benefits and looking forward to seeing the weight drop. I am also doing the Alternate Day Fast and this really helps with keeping hunger down, feeling satisfied. I have been thinking about adding the cayenne as well as ginger.
I ve been using this recipe for 1 month now and I ve seen great results, I also suggested to my friends also.
Thank you!
I’m not too familiar with ginger. I know the fresh ginger root is in the produce section, but is there an easier way to include it or what’s the best way to handle the ginger if what’s in the produce section is my only option?
You can use raw ginger too Dee, it will just be a bit more powerful. It also won’t mix easily, so you’d want to run in it through a blender before drinking.
My husband recently started drinking ACV with fresh lemon, raw honey and MINERAL WATER to heal his gut. This is only a couple of ingredients more and sound like something I can use. Thanks for the inspiration!
Would it be normal to have excessive bowel movements
In the first day or two with this? I have eaten and drank
Poorly for a while leading up to this. I want to keep taking it, but want to make sure it is safe to.
Heather, you mention in the recipe that ACV and lemon juice need refrigeration. Is that only if they are mixed together, or do you keep your bottle of ACV refrigerated all the time?
I use the apple cider vinegar with the “Mother”.. and I add Turmeric,ginger,cayenne pepper, black pepper, honey and a dash of lemon in a glass of warm water.. do you think thats okay? I found the receipe on the internet..
Can’t wait to try it!
I’ve been looking for a good drink ,there are so many to choose from , what do you think about organic ginger juice
Ginger is great for digestion! I would be sure to check if it has added sugars or preservatives. Look for natural sweeteners if you like it sweet.
We love apple cider and herbal detoxification! Great recipe I will try it during the summer vacation! Can I try adding cinnamon instead of Cayenne pepper?
You can, but I’m not sure how it will taste or if you’ll get the same effects. Let us know how it turns out!
the link for immune boosting recipes seems to be obsolete.
Can this drink be taken at night instead of morning?
Sure!
Can regular lemon juice concentrate be used
In lieu of apple cider vinegar? I wouldn’t recommend it.
I add garlic to mine and fresh ginger and fresh turmeric. I’ve been doing this drink for 6 months now, I feel great.
Can I make ahead and put the mixture in little ice cube trays and just plop 1 in my morning 32 oz lukewarm ginger water. I hate ice cold drinks in the morning but don’t mind 1 ice cube of coldness. Will all the ingredients freeze well together?
Sure!
Please help…
I have been searching for a reason why ACV gives me migraine headaches and how to cure it – it was suggested that it is a symptom of detox – if so, how long will it take to “detox” so I will quit having these migraine headaches?
I started out using 2 tablespoons of ACV in a quart of a sipper tea recipe and went down to one teaspoon in a quart – and still within 30 minutes I get a headache
Any help or suggestions would be appreciated
I’m sorry Lorie, but I’m not a medical professional and cannot give medical advice. I’d suggest seeing your doctor.
LORI Ward ACV gave me migraine headaches too but only for the first 3 days..after 3 days migraine headaches completely disappeared.
Thanks for this article, Tiffany! This drink tastes better than I thought it would! I had it without the ginger simply because I don’t have any on hand, but I know ginger has lotsa health benefits, so I’ll definitely get some on the next grocery trip and give that a try with it. =)
Quick question… do you have a certain amount of time you’d recommend waiting to eat after drinking this? Or does it matter? =)
Aren’t you supposed to add water because it is so acidic?
Love this post! Thank you for sharing this recipe for Apple Cider Vinegar Detox Elixir. I can’t wait to make one at home. I’ve been reading quite a lot of articles about the several health benefits of apple cider vinegar, which does some really great wonder to our body.