Switchel: What the Heck is It and Why You Need Its Health Boosting Properties

For years, we have written extensively on the immune-boosting properties of apple cider vinegar, honey, lemon, cinnamon, and ginger. But what happens when you combine all four of these natural health-boosting ingredients into one drink? A natural, synergistic energy drink that will boost your health.

While most apple cider vinegar tonics can be a bit too acidic for my taste, switchel has a lightly sweetened flavor thanks to the honey and cinnamon that is mixed in. Although many like to add seltzer water to this tonic, I like it so much that I can drink it without dilution.

Moreover, it’s easy to make and utilizes many items I already have in my kitchen.

What Is Switchel?

Switchel is a health tonic made with apple cider vinegar and ginger and sweetened with honey, molasses, or maple syrup and cinnamon. Many think that switchel and kombucha are the same, but there are a few differences. The main differences are switchel isn’t fermented like kombucha is and doesn’t rely on bacteria to curate the right flavor. But that does not stop it from being a go-to health beverage that will put some pep in your step. Let’s break down the ingredients so you can see why you need to try this.

Apple cider vinegar: This has so many health benefits. I have been taking this in supplement form for years to assist in boosting my immune system and gut health, but there are so many more uses! It has antibacterial and antiviral benefits, increases your energy, assists with skin conditions is a natural detox and even has pain-reducing qualities too.

Honey: Honey is a must-have for pantries. Not only is it packed with health benefits but also serves many medicinal purposes including first aid, wound care, and homeopathic aids. Honey has anti-inflammatory properties and is also anti-bacterial/microbial in nature, fights bacteria, is an effective cough suppressant, has a natural soothing nature to it, and last but not least, is naturally delicious!

Ginger: This medicinal root has been praised by healers for its medicinal properties for thousands of years and it is a folk medicine favorite. Its use as a stomach soother goes back centuries! It has an anti-inflammatory effect on the body, also increases energy levels, aids in settling upset stomachs, dizziness, calms nausea, vomiting, and cold sweating. As well, ginger promotes healthy sweating that aids in the detoxification of the body, which is often helpful when you have a cold or flu. Read more about the health benefits of ginger here.

Cinnamon: Cinnamon is another natural medicine that benefits the body in many ways and science backs it up. It enhances gut health, has antibiotic properties, reduces tooth and gum decay, lowers blood pressure and even enhances the mood.

Lemon: This citrus fruit is high in vitamin C and reduced inflammation and swelling, and reduce mucus production. As well, lemons have antioxidant properties that are vital to a strong immune system. Lemons also neutralize the activity of free radicals in the body.

Why It Helps

So, how does switchel boost your health? Not only is it high in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and enzymes, but boosts the immune system, aids digestion has inflammatory properties (thanks to compounds found in ginger), gives you that much-needed energy boost, speeds up your metabolism and supports weight loss, as well.

Because it is such a simple health tonic, it is important to use the best ingredients you can. That means if you are using honey, make sure it’s raw or pure; the same for maple syrup and molasses.

How To Make Switchel

• 4 cups of filtered water
• 2 tablespoons unfiltered apple cider vinegar (with mother)
• 3 tablespoons raw honey
• fresh ginger, 2-inch piece chopped finely
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1/2 lemon, juiced

1. In a large pitcher, combine all ingredients and refrigerate overnight.

Play around with different citrus juices, berries, or mint leaves for a flavor variation; the tonic is very adaptable. The recipe can easily be doubled so you can enjoy this health-boosting tonic all week.