There’s nothing worse than coming down with a nasty bug during the summer months or any time of year. Let's be honest, right? But the summer can be especially uncomfortable because one, it's usually hot, and two, all you want to do is enjoy a trip to the beach, go on vacation, or just play in the sun with friends and family. Instead? You’re cooped up at home nursing a cold or flu wishing for a way to get rid of it faster.

So, how do we help prevent this from happening? Make a strong wellness shot that boosts immunity, cleanses the respiratory system, and soothes the digestive tract while giving you a healthy dose of fresh vitamins.

How to Make Your Own Wellness Shot

First, What is a Wellness Shot?

Wellness shots are a shot of fresh juice that's packed with pure and potent nutrients that stimulate and support the immune system. They can contain a number of different ingredients but most stick to the same base formula: lemon, ginger, and sometimes even a bit of granny smith apple juice to help wash it down. This can be taken every morning, during stressful days to help keep your immunity levels up, and during times of illness.

The Best Ingredients to Add to Your Homemade Wellness Shot

Taking a shot of pure lemon-ginger juice certainly has its own benefits, but adding a few other immune boosting ingredients will really give it that extra oomph we’re looking for.

Lemon

Fresh raw lemon juice is a blood purifier, a detoxifier for the liver and kidneys, strengthens the immune system, fights infection, and is one of the best natural remedies for colds and cough. And, let’s not forget the load of vitamin C it contains! Fresh lemon is also great for breaking up mucus in the lungs and sinuses and for soothing a sore throat. 

Fresh lemon is a MUST. Do not use the lemon juice you can buy at the store as it won't have the same benefits.

Ginger Root

Fresh ginger is one of my favorite herbal remedies for colds and flu. Is there anything ginger can’t do?? Freshly juiced ginger eliminates congestion, kills bacteria and other microbes, eases throat pain and inflammation, combats fever and chills, soothes an upset stomach, relieves digestive ailments, cleanses the blood, and eases pain associated with body aches and sore muscles. 

Oil of Oregano

Oregano oil (better known as oil of oregano) doesn’t mess around when it comes to cold and flu. This stuff is POTENT and is a sure fire way to knock a cold flat in no time.

Oregano oil has an affinity for lung ailments like respiratory tract infections but is really a broad spectrum natural antibiotic that can be used for any type of cold. The plus side? Oregano oil doesn’t kill your good bacteria like conventional antibiotics do!

Oregano oil is much stronger than Echinacea and goldenseal combined in its ability to fight infections. It’s highly antibacterial and antimicrobial, and of course, very effective against viruses.

Do not mistake oil of oregano with oregano essential oil. They are completely different things and I would not recommend taking the essential oil internally.

Turmeric

Turmeric attacks bacterial infections and viruses like nobody’s business, especially those associated with anything respiratory. It relieves pain, is anti-inflammatory, relieves water retention, fights colds, and boosts immunity. Be sure to add a pinch of freshly cracked black pepper if you plan on taking turmeric in order to up its absorbancy in the body. Otherwise you'll lose most of it. 

Taking a small amount of coconut oil will also help the body use turmeric.

Raw Garlic

Garlic deserves a post all its own because it really IS that amazing. I can go on for days about how awesome garlic is for fighting all manner of infection, viruses, parasites, fungi, yeasts, and bacteria. Garlic also increases healthy circulation, increases and strengthens white blood cells, and boosts immunity.

One of the best things you can do during a cold or flu is taking raw garlic.

Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne is the perfect herbal remedy to top off your homemade wellness shot, and you only need a dash! This stuff has some intense energetics and can be a bit much for some people to handle. If you are really sensitive to spice, this might not be the herb for you.

For the rest of us troopers, cayenne can really boost a wellness shot to the next level. It’s effective at treating fevers, poor circulation, digestive complaints like bloating and nausea, inflammation, sore throats, headaches, menstrual cramps, and even toothaches. Cayenne is also a great expectorant and will greatly shorten the length of colds and flu.

And, let's not forget that it contains high amounts of Vitamin C.

Raw Apple Cider Vinegar

Yet another all-star that deserves its own post! Raw apple cider vinegar is great for treating coughs, colds, sore throat, congestion, and lack of energy. It supplies much-needed probiotics (but only if you buy the raw kind with "the mother") and will even aid allergies and the symptoms associated with them.

How to Make Your own Wellness Shot

So let’s get to it! Making your own wellness "super" shot is easy.

Here's What You’ll Need:

• A Juicer
• 1-2 fresh organic lemons
• A large knob of fresh ginger (1-2 inches)
• 1-3 drops oil of oregano 
• 1 clove of fresh garlic
• 1 teaspoon raw apple cider vinegar
• A dash of turmeric powder or 1 inch fresh
• A dash of cayenne pepper

Loving Preparation - Beat-the-Bug Wellness Shot Recipe

Juice all of the fresh ingredients into a cup or shot glass. Add 1-3 drops oil of oregano and then a dash of turmeric (if you’re using powdered) and a dash of cayenne.

Knock it back and chase it with a piece of fruit or water if needed.

Do you feel immunity boosting properties doing their magic? I bet you will!

When do You Take a Wellness Shot?

The best time to take a wellness shot is right when you’re starting to feel a cold coming on, but honestly, taking one of these once a day will keep you from getting sick in the first place. If you’re already sick, try drinking 2 of these shots a day to help you get better faster.

Did Your Wellness Shot Turn Out a Bit Strong?

I find that eating a slice of apple right after shooting it down helps a lot, otherwise try chasing it with some water or juice =)

What wellness shots have you tried?

For more cold and flu articles look below:

The Best Remedies You can Buy for Cold and Flu
The Difference Between Cold and Flu
My Top 5 Preventative Cold and Flu Remedies
Cold Bustin’ Elderberry Tea
The Best Home Remedy for Cough
Wellness Shot – Turmeric Tonic With Coconut Water, Ginger And Honey
Essential Oils for Boosting the Immune System and Fighting Cold and Flu