I rarely get a cold or the flu but I do have allergies and congestion. Every year now for a few years i have been making this preventative remedy for colds and flu. Adapted from Rosemary Gladstar’s book, Rosemary Gladstar’s Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health. A great book for all kinds of herbal remedies.
But even if you are like me and don’t have a cold taking a tablespoon every day is great for boosting your immunity, its an anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, decongestant, helps your circulation. Spicy sweet heat in the cold of winter.
The basic recipe is :

1/2 cup fresh grated organic horseradish root Antimicrobial and Antibacterial reduces respiratory illness and urinary tract infections
1 medium organic onion, chopped helps with respiratory coughs etc, and boosts the immune system
10 cloves of organic garlic, crushed or chopped garlic supports the immune function and opens the pores of the skin to lower a fever. Garlic has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties which is useful in treating bladder and kidney infections , yeast infections , strep throats and ear infections  

Ginger root 1/2 cup grated GInger is calming to the  stomach easing vomiting & nausea and to fight off colds, chills and coughs. Ginger is useful for all types of congestion in the body. Ginger is in enhancing immune function and is antibacterial.
1 tbsp organic turmeric powder helps combat cancer, depression,  cholesterol, arthritis and is an anti inflammatory
organic apple cider vinegar helps combat colds, detoxes, restores ph balance, kills candida ( yeast)
1 tblsp cayenne pepper anti-inflammatory and anti-irritant.
lemon juice and zest from a lemon 
1/2 cup local honey to taste

More optional ingredients:

Hot garden pepper chopped
Rosemary
Oregano

Honey and lemon

Add all the ingredients to a quart mason jar and fill with the cider vinegar. Place a piece of plastic wrap under  the metal lid to keep the lid from getting rusty. Let sit for three to six weeks in a cool dark place shaking daily. Then strain out the ingredients in cheesecloth to get the spicy fiery liquid. Add your honey to taste and enjoy. When you are congested or tired take a sip. Add to your salad or steamed veggies. Experiment and make it your own.

To your health!
Karen