Ancient Chinese Health Remedy for Heart & Circulation Health, and Immune System Super Booster.

Linda's Potion

As I was taught this recipe by a Chinese woman named Linda, I have named it Linda's Potion. It is made from Garlic, Ginger, Lemons, Apple Cider Vinegar and Honey. 

I was taught this recipe by my best friends mum- Linda. This was a 'secret' recipe in the village she lived in growing up in Hong Kong, which was rumoured to have been passed down by a Monk. I cannot verify any of that but my own understanding of all of these ingredients tells me that this is indeed a super potion of some kind. 

Linda claims to have brought her blood pressure down by taking this 'potion', and has a friend who was on the verge of needing surgery to open up a restricted artery but avoided that by using this 'potion'. That friend had numbness in her arms due to circulation issues which is said to have ceased with long term use of this potion. The 'villagers' use this to aid heart and circulation health, and all of her family take this during times of illness for its immune boosting properties. 

Now I must state here that these claims are not medically proved to be the result of this potion, it is their opinions only, and you should always seek the advice of a medical professional if you are experiencing any symptoms of the like. 

Being a Naturopathic Nutrition Student I am intrigued by anything like this and so I asked her to teach me how to make it. I have used it to help over come cold's and the Flu and noticed a significantly quicker recovery time and less severe symptoms. There are so many benefits to all of these ingredients it would be beneficial in numerous ways to the body. 

Garlic- Contains a compound called Allicin which has powerful medicinal properties. It promotes well being of the heart and a healthy blood circulation, (garlic's potential to combat heart disease has received considerable attention) and is also nature's antibiotic. It has antifungal, and antibacterial properties and has been found effective against MRSA. You can read more about the health benefits of garlic here- https://authoritynutrition.com/11-proven-health-benefits-of-garlic/

Ginger- Has a compound called Gingerol which has potent medicinal properties. It stimulates circulation, has antibacterial properties, aids the digestive system and is anti-inflammatory. You can read more about the health effects of ginger here- https://authoritynutrition.com/11-proven-benefits-of-ginger/

Lemon- An alkalizing powerfood, rich in vitamin C which boosts the immune system, has antibacterial properties, fights cancer, lowers the risk of stroke, reduces the severity of asthma and is the only food in the world that is anionic (an ion with a negative charge) which is beneficial in cell energy production. You can read more about the health benefits of lemons here- http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/283476.php

Apple Cider Vingar- It's benefits stem from its powerful healing compounds which include potassium, probiotics, magnesium and acetic acid. It is antibacterial, helps fight diabetes by lowering blood sugar, lowers cholesterol, lowers blood pressure and has a list of digestive benefits. You can read more about the health benefits of apple cider vinegar here- https://authoritynutrition.com/6-proven-health-benefits-of-apple-cider-vinegar/

Honey- Contains vitamins, amino acids, minerals, trace elements and phytonutrients. It has a slightly acidic Ph thus has antibacterial properties, and it contains antioxidant properties which help eliminate free radicals. It is well known as a cough suppressant as it coats the throat soothing the nerve endings. You can read more about the health benefits of honey here- http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/264667.php

So How Do I Make Linda's Potion????

I personally use all organic ingredients, this is personal preference, and this recipe is a guide you do not have to follow this exactly, if you only happen to have 3 small heads of garlic and 500ml of apple cider vinegar that's fine. 

It is important though that you do not use a metal saucepan/non stick coating or utensils because of the acidity of the vinegar. 

Ingredients-

• 3 x Large Whole Bulbs/Head's of Garlic. 
• 2 x Large Lemons
• 3-5 Large slices of ginger
• 2-3 Tablespoons of Honey
• 750ml Apple cider vinegar

Method-

1. Peel all of the garlic cloves and place in a blender with the ginger and some apple cider vinegar- You need a 'paste' consistency so finely chopping it wont do. You don't want a very runny consistency just add enough liquid to make sure it blends. 
2. Sieve the paste into your non-metallic cooking pot using a fine mesh sieve, this will make sure there are no bits present. You will need to use a non metallic spoon to push it through, just keep stirring it until it's all filtered through into the pot. 
3. Squeeze all the juice from the lemons through the sieve also so it catches any pips and bits. Get every last bit of juice out. 
4. Add the apple cider vinegar. 
5. Open some windows, this will stink. 
6. Bring to the boil over a high heat, make sure you stay with it as it will quickly raise and spill over if you don't turn the heat down fast enough. Keep stirring it with a non metallic utensil. 
7. Reduce the heat so it is simmering and leave it simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring it frequently. You want to reduce about 1/3 of the liquid, it may take longer than 30 minutes. If using 'normal' apple cider vinegar the liquid will turn a dark green, I switched to using organic with the mother included and it does not tend to go as dark, but it will darken. 
8. Remove from the heat and let it cool down, not so it's cold, but significantly cooler. Add as much honey as you need to so it's bearable to consume, 2-3 tablespoons is ok for me. 
9. Transfer to a glass jar, not plastic, and keep in the fridge. 

Take 1x Tablespoon a day on an empty stomach. You can take this long term or short term. Obviously if you have any reactions such as stomach upset then stop taking it. Common sense applies. But I have had no issues, neither have any of their family. Thanks for reading :)