5 Minute Immunity Booster Shot Recipe, Ginger Citrus

This is my go-to immunity booster shot recipe to make when I feel a sickness coming on! While there isn't a single food that will "boost" your immune system, the ingredients in this recipe have been proven to support immune health. It comes together in less than 5 minutes, and it's less expensive to make an immune booster shot like this at home rather than buy it out.

As a dietitian, I always encourage people to include fresh ingredients high in vitamin C and anti-inflammatory antioxidants to support their immune systems. And these little immunity shots pack a nutritional punch! Many of the ingredients also help with digestive health. A double bonus since 70% of your immune system is in your gut.

Whip up a batch of these lemon ginger shots to keep your immune system in tip-top shape during flu season! If you're looking for a great way to support your immune system with something sweeter, make an Apple Cucumber Smoothie. It's tastier than many vegetable juices and has similar nutritional benefits.

Video of How to Make Immunity Booster Shot

Here's a video of how to make this recipe that I hope is helpful! Don't forget to check out the recipe card below for the full recipe.

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

This Immunity Boost Shot is made with simple ingredients. Below is the ingredients list with some notes. Be sure to check the printable recipe card at the bottom for the full recipe.

• Fresh lemon juice - I recommend using fresh lemon here. The bottled lemon juice doesn't taste as good. Lemon provides a nice dose of ascorbic acid.
• Orange juice or juice  - for a little sweetness and Vitamin C. If you prefer it a little sweeter, add a splash of organic pineapple juice or the juice of other fresh fruits like mango or pomegranate.  Citrus fruits like oranges are loaded with Vitamin C, a water-soluble vitamin that your body can’t make on its own which means that you have to get it from your diet. Plus, it is an antioxidant that helps to fight off free radicals in the body which supports overall health. And while vitamin C isn’t necessarily the key to preventing or treating a cold or COVID, it’s important to make sure you are getting enough because deficiencies can decrease your immunity. 
• Raw, local honey - using local honey is your best bet for immunity against allergens in your area, but any honey will do! I love finding honey at the Farmer's Market. Honey has a multitude of health benefits and has been shown to have antibacterial properties.
• Fresh Ginger Root or Ground Ginger - Ginger is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory ingredient. The main compound in ginger that has medicinal properties is called gingerol. It's a phenolic compound in the oil of ginger that gives it a distinct flavor. Ginger also has antimicrobial properties and studies have shown it may be protective against certain bacteria and fungi.
• Apple Cider Vinegar - use raw, unfiltered "from the mother" apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar is made from crushed apples when the sugar is fermented. Technically, ACV isn't a probiotic, but since it is made from fermented apples, it is considered a probiotic food since probiotic foods are food items that have been fermented. Essentially, this means that while ACV may have probiotic benefits, it should be part of a diet high in other foods containing probiotics, which are important for a healthy gut microbiome. 
• Ground turmeric - ground turmeric is made from turmeric root and is an orange powder used in many curries and soups. It's also used in beverages like turmeric tea and golden milk. It's a close relative of ginger root and has been used for hundreds of years, both in recipes and for medicinal purposes in some countries. The active ingredient in turmeric is a polyphenol called curcumin. Curcumin has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Read more about the benefits of turmeric. 
• Cinnamon - for a bit of sweetness!
• Black pepper - there is a substance in black pepper, piperine, which can help your body’s absorption of turmeric. When combined with turmeric, piperine has been shown to increase bioavailability by 2000%. 
• Cayenne Pepper - a pinch of cayenne pepper adds a kick of spice!
• Warm water - a half cup water is needed to dilute the strong flavor a bit.

Optional ingredients: 

• Fresh Garlic Clove: if you want to kick it up a notch, add a clove of garlic. Garlic contains a compound called allium sativum. When garlic is crushed, sliced, or chewed, the allium turns to an active compound called allicin which has been shown to enhance the functioning of the immune system. Allicin activates some of your immune cells including macrophages and lymphocytes. 
• Fresh Lime Juice - if you love citrus, and the lemon and orange just aren't enough, add some fresh lime juice to the mix!

How to Make an Immunity Booster Shot

Below are the instructions for how to make this recipe with process shots that I hope are helpful! Don't forget to check out the recipe card at the bottom for the full recipe.

Hint: you can also drink this like a hot tea by adding warm water.

Dietitian Tip

No single food or recipe will give you superhuman immunity - not even immune shots. But eating a well-balanced diet high in nutrient-rich foods can provide immune support. I enjoy these little wellness shots as part of my daily diet in the weeks I feel a little sickness coming on. It's also important to get enough sleep, stay hydrated, manage stress, and move your body too! 

Storage for Immunity Booster Shot

• Refrigerator - store in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. 
• Freezer - make additional doses for later by freezing these immunity booster shots in an ice cube tray for up to 1 month. When you're ready to drink it, either let it thaw in the fridge or put it in a glass and pour hot water over it to enjoy as an immunity tea! 
• Grab some juice shot bottles here!

Expert Tips for Immunity Booster Shot

• If possible, use fresh lemon juice and fresh ginger root.
• Be sure that the Apple Cider Vinegar you use says  "from the mother".
• It's normal for the spices to sink to the bottom of the glass. Redistribute by stirring it!

FAQ

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I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do! I would love to hear from you! If you made this recipe, please leave me a review below or tag me in a photo or story on Instagram....I LOVE knowing there’s people out there trying out my recipes! 🙂 IG: @mallorythedietitian.

📖 Recipe

References: Mayo Clinic, Hopkins Medicine, Healthline, Journal of Immunology Research, Nutrients, Mind Body Green, Synthetic and Systems Biotechnology Journal, Textbook of Natural Medicine, Pharmacognosy Research, Journal of Dairy Science