As we transition from summer into the fall and winter seasons, flu and cold outbreaks are to be expected. But what can you do to help prevent or reduce the symptoms of these common illnesses? Traditionally, herbal remedies have been used as immune boosting preventatives without interfering and altering your body’s natural immune system. Such remedies are still used in many cultures today to address certain ailments.
A popular traditional remedy, known as a vinegar or “master tonic,” is a homemade mixture of immune-boosting and antimicrobial herbs. Master tonic is used to help prevent infections and some people like to take it daily. The fresh ingredients and nutrients in the tonic are designed to kick start the immune system to resist or heal from illness.
What is the Master Tonic?
The master tonic’s basic formula dates back to Medieval Europe. It usually consists of seven basic ingredients that serve as a natural anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-parasitical and anti-fungal formula. Although there are several variations of this tonic, the base ingredients include apple cider vinegar, garlic, ginger, horseradish root, onions, habanero peppers and turmeric.
Additional ingredients such as lemon and honey can also be added to taste (or not, if you’re vegan) The tonic is prepared by blending everything together and leaving it to ferment at room temperature in an airtight jar for three to four weeks. At the end of the fermentation period, the liquid is strained off and moved to the fridge for storage. It can be taken as a daily tonic or as needed.
Health Benefits of the Vinegar/Master Tonic Ingredients
Following is a summary of the healing properties and health benefits of each of the natural ingredients in the master tonic.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is made using apples through a long and slow fermentation process producing rich bioactive components such as acetic acid, gallic acid, catechin, epicatechin and caffeic acid, which results in potent antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.1 The presence of probiotic bacteria in apple cider vinegar is believed to promote a healthy intestinal tract that aids to boost the immune system. Furthermore, the malic acid in apple cider vinegar is a strong antiviral that has the ability to prevent seasonal colds and viruses.2
Garlic, particularly in its raw form, has been praised for its healing power and medicinal uses for centuries. It is a natural antibiotic that contains over four hundred different vitamins, mineral components and antioxidants, all of which have several therapeutic properties. It is rich in phytoncides such as allicin which has a in a strong bacteriostatic effect that helps cure infections at a faster rate.
Ginger has been used for medicinal purposes among many cultures for thousands of years. It is very effective in alleviating symptoms of gastrointestinal distress. Ginger is an excellent carminative (a substance which fosters the elimination of intestinal gas) andintestinal spasmolytic (a substance which soothes the intestinal tract).4 It also contains potent anti-inflammatory compounds called gingerols. This perhaps explains why osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis patients experience lesser levels of pain in their mobility when they consume ginger regularly.4
Laboratory tests have shown horseradish to contain antibacterial, antibiotic, anti-parasitic, anti-anemic and aperient properties.5 It has a high sulphur content, which likely contributes to its antibiotic properties. When used with other herbs, horseradish has been shown to help in healing from bronchitis, cellulitis, influenza, impetigo, pneumonia, sinusitis and strep throat.5 Various components in horseradish known as isothiocyanate and sinigrin are found to have antioxidant characteristics that strengthen the immune system and stimulate the production of white blood cells—the body’s main line of defense.5 Horseradish also has high levels Vitamin C, which boosts the immune system.5
Onions are rich in sulfur—the compound that is responsible for their strong odor.6 Sulfur is a powerful detox element that assists the body to release toxins. Foods naturally high in sulfur also help the body to detox from heavy metals like lead, arsenic and cadmium.6Sulfuric compounds in onions play a role in cancer and heart disease prevention; therefore, act as an excellent immune-boosting food for general disease prevention.6
Habanero peppers are one of the spiciest peppers. Unripe green habaneros contain a significant amount of Vitamin C, much more than a serving of citrus fruit.7 Vitamin C is known to heal wounds and keep the immune system functioning normally. Capsaicin is the primary compound in habanero peppers. It stimulates blood flow throughout the body, which helps to relieve congestion usually associated with cold and sinus infections.7
A compound found in turmeric known as curcumin, is responsible for its bright color and a whole host of the health benefits attributed to the spice.8 Turmeric is considered a natural antibiotic and an anti-inflammatory in Ayurvedic medicine.9 It increases protein levels in the body that can protect the immune system from pathogens that attack it. Curcumin also possesses strong antiviral properties that have a direct effect on fighting influenza infections.9
While each of these ingredients provides their own unique health benefits, combining all of them into a master tonic creates a powerful remedy used in many cultures for healing and illness that should not be underestimated.
This Master Tonic recipe is from Dr. Richard Schultz’s adaptation of an anti-plague tonic. He says, “I designed this formula as a fresh herbal alternative to Dr Christophe’s Anti-Plague Formula , to be more alive. It is an herbal juice tonic, and believe me, you don’t want to be without formulas like this when you or your loved ones get ill; it will save your life”
Dr. Schultz also says “Make up plenty; it can’t go bad because the vinegar already is, and it will almost last forever. This tonic is extremely powerful, because all the ingredients are fresh, and its power should not be underestimated. This formula is a modern day plague tonic. It is said that when added to an incurable routine it could cure the most chronic conditions and stubborn diseases. It stimulates maximum blood circulation, while putting the best detoxifying herbs into the blood. This formula is not just for the sniffles, it has helped to turn around the deadliest diseases.”
Some believe that this tincture will “stimulate maximum blood circulation, while putting the best detoxifying herbs into your system” It’s also said that this tincture has anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial qualities. One benefit of tinctures is that they have the ability to enter your system within a matter of seconds, much quicker than capsuled dry herbs that have to be digested first.
The amount of ingredients will depend upon the size of the mason/bell jar that you are filling; whether this is a pint, quart, or a gallon size, you will need enough vegetables to fill the jar 3/4 full with the 5 different layers of ingredients. The remaining 1/4 will be used for the apple cider vinegar.
- 1 part fresh chopped garlic cloves (this is anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, antiviral & anti-parasitic)
- 1 part fresh chopped white onions (whites have a higher sulfur content and the same properties as the garlic)
- 1 part fresh grated ginger root (this helps with circulation and is anti-inflammatory)
- 1 part fresh grated horseradish root (heat stimulates the immune system)
- 1 part fresh chopped Jalapeño, Serrano, or Habaneros;(any combination of hot peppers will work
- Raw apple cider vinegar with the mother (we like the Bragg’s brand)
- If you ingest honey then raw local organic non processed honey from a local beekeeper only please
- Use organic veggies for this tonic
- You’ll food processor to chop the onions, garlic and peppers
- Many say it’s ok to leave the skins on the garlic before adding to the food processor, just wash them thoroughly beforehand and use organic
- Wear gloves when handling the hot peppers
- Fill a pt, qt, or gal size jar 3/4 full by layering the above ingredients in 5 equal parts
- Then fill to the top with raw the unfiltered apple cider vinegar
- Close tightly, shake and then add more vinegar if needed
Store the jar in a dark cupboard or in a paper bag and try to shake at least once per day. In two weeks your tincture will be ready. When it is done, you will filter the mixture through a clean piece of cheese cloth. This can be done by lining a strainer with the clean cloth and then setting the strainer into a large mixing bowl. Pour the mixture into the strainer and let it drain, then with gloved hands you can squeeze the cloth tightly to release the remaining liquid. Transfer the tincture into bottle(s), and store in a dark cupboard as the formula will deteriorate with exposure to light. This tincture will last indefinitely when stored properly. You can use the leftover solids as a marinade for meat or to season salad dressings, etc.
1/2 to 1 ounce (some say start with just 1/4) can be taken orally two or more times per day, and this can be increased to 5 or 6 times if you are dealing with an infection or illness. The dosage is 1 or 2 ounces, two or more times daily. Swish and swallow. Don’t dilute with water. For ordinary infections, a dose taken 5-6 times a day will deal with most conditions. It can be used during pregnancies, is safe for children (use smaller doses) and as a food is completely non-toxic.
Make up plenty as it does not need refrigeration and lasts indefinitely without any special storage conditions.
It is recommended that you dilute this mixture with some water as this will make this very powerful tincture easier to swallow, just do not heat this tincture or use hot water as the heat will destroy the beneficial enzymes.