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what to use:

1/2 lemon

one tablespoon raw organic honey

one tablespoon organic coconut oil

one tablespoon organic apple cider vinegar

how to use it:

- fill kettle with water and heat until just before a boil

- while you wait, squeeze 1/2 a lemon and leave in the mug

- pour in the apple cider vinegar

- pour in the water

- scoop your coconut oil and let it melt off into the mug of hot water

- scoop your honey and let it melt off into the mug of hot water

- keep the spoon in the mug so that you can stir melted coconut oil around while drinking since it will float to the top

why you use it (the good stuff): This amazing combination is an antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal that is good for your digestion, blood sugar regulation, heart health, brain health, skin and hair. 

apple cider vinegar

An incredibly beneficial tonic, apple cider vinegar is an acetic acid with amino acids, vitamins and mineral salts. The pectin helps to stabilize stomach issues and indigestion. It also helps with post nasal dip and clears sinus congestion. It works to stave off germs since most of them cannot live in the acidic environment. The anti-glycemic effects improve insulin's sensitivity while stabilizing blood sugar and it also speeds up your metabolism and lowers cholesterol. When buying ACV look for an organic brand that also "includes the mother" to glean the full benefits. 

raw organic honey

Full of active phytonutrients honey has the properties of an antibacterial, antiviral, as well as an anti fugal. It is a powerful antioxidant that boosts the immune system and overall health including eliminating allergies. Honey also helps to balance blood sugar, blood pressure while calming nerves and relieving pain. No honey is safe for children under a year however because of its unpasteurized quality, raw honey should definitely be avoided. 

lemon

Not only are lemons packed with vitamin C (good for the immune system), B-complex (good for energy), calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium (good for your heart, brain, and nerves), fiber (good for digestion) but they have many more benefits. Lemons boost your immune system by replenishing vitamin C that is depleted as you get stressed out, which most of us feel these days and also fights off viruses. The citric acid naturally freshens your breath as the antioxidants restore your skin's radiance. Lemons aid in digestion by cleansing toxins in your digestive tract and by stimulating your liver, the pectin fiber (a powerful antibacterial) can subdue hunger, and it can even reduce the symptoms of indigestion...somewhat counter intuitive since it is an acid. They help to remove the uric acid in your joints which gives an anti-inflammatory effect. Your energy levels increase and your stress and anxiety decrease even with the smell of the lemon alone. Refrain from brushing your teeth for 30 minutes to prevent the thinning of enamel. 

coconut oil

I could go on and on about all the things we use coconut oil for in our house. Coconut oil is a heart healthy fat which helps increase the good HDL cholesterol. It helps our bodies fight off bacteria, viruses, fungi, yeast and candida. It works wonders to stabilize hormones, blood sugar (by making the use of insulin in the body more effective), and thyroid issues, helping increase metabolism. It is full of antioxidant vitamin E and is amazing for your hair and skin. Due to the triglycerides, coconut oil has be shown to have fantastic effects on brain disorders like epilepsy and Alzheimer's. To reap the best benefits, choose organic virgin coconut oil. 

If you had any doubts before reading this post, hopefully now you see the potential for some awesome healing benefits. Even if you don't fully "buy" it, it can't hurt to try it. I've tried worse in the name of feeling good and this is natural, easy to make at home, and even tasty. Now that you know why I include these four ingredients, go try it for yourself...I got a feeling you're going to like it and your body is going to thank you. Cheers!