An Energizing Elixir

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Recently, I saw several references on-line to a “heart vein opening drink” that is purported to open up blockages in the heart.  The blog entries and recipes I saw were based on a testimonial submitted by someone who supposedly had used this method to improve heart health. Please see the reference list below for links to a couple of the websites where the recipe appears.

The ingredients used in the concoction are some of my favorites: lemon, ginger, ACV, garlic, and honey. Many studies performed on the separate ingredients  indicate that each may benefit health in a variety of ways, so yesterday I decided to make a batch, regardless of whether it actually works as the blog messages claim it does. Taking all of those ingredients together in one handy tonic seemed ideal. However, as I always do, I had to tweak my recipe just a little. I hate following recipes to the T.

I made my version using all of the ingredients mentioned in the original recipe, but instead of pure ginger juice, I used a combination of ginger and fresh turmeric root juice (for a beautiful, rich, golden color as well as the awesome health benefits of turmeric). I added a smidgeon of extra hot cayenne pepper, which gave the mixture even more punch and is particularly helpful for slow circulation. Since I live in lime-growing country, I use limes rather than lemons.

Powerful tonic

Here is the resulting recipe for this super-concentrated natural tonic:

1 cup fresh lime juice (or lemon)
1 cup fresh garlic juice
1/2 cup fresh ginger juice
1/2 cup fresh turmeric root juice
1 cup apple cider vinegar
1 tsp cayenne pepper
3 cups honey

The procedure is the same as in the original recipes: I first ran the well-washed organic limes (peel and all) through my trusty Omega masticating juicer, along with the washed and peeled ginger, fresh turmeric root, and peeled garlic cloves. The pungency of the mixture was overwhelming. I combined these in a pot (I used a non-reactive, glass saucepan that withstands direct heat on the stove) and simmered them uncovered on as low a flame as possible for about one-half hour until the mixture was reduced and concentrated. I added the teaspoon of cayenne pepper and continued to simmer for another twenty minutes or so. The final liquid by then was reduced to about two-thirds of the original volume.

Be aware that during the cooking process your house will virtually reek of garlic and ginger and turmeric. Once you add the cayenne pepper, your eyes and nose may feel the burn of it in the air, as it becomes volatile with the heat. I live in a very open, airy beach home with plenty of ventilation, so it wasn’t overpowering. However, if you’re doing this in an enclosed kitchen, I suggest adding the cayenne pepper right at the end during the cooling process to avoid possible discomfort.

Once sufficiently reduced, I cooled the mixture and added only half the honey called for in the recipe. I removed about one-half cup of the half-sweetened mixture and placed it in a second, smaller jar to which I added a proportional amount of additional honey for full sweetness (or just add honey to your own taste to make it palatable). From the small jar I take my daily tablespoon of the mixture and mix it into about one-half cup of water so that it’s not overly strong (well, it is strong anyway!). The remainder I’ll mix with additional honey as I use it. I store both containers in the fridge, so adding less honey initially allows me to use smaller jars and thus save fridge space.

I make no claims for the efficacy of this recipe for its “heart vein opening” properties or for any others. If you’re on medications or have any specific health concerns, consider running this by your doctor before attempting it. It does taste good, though, even if strong and spicy.  After my first taste last night, I slept well and awoke, bright and early, with plenty of energy. My tablespoonful this morning gave me an extra energy boost, too. However, I may carry an olfactory aura of garlic around me that may warrant following my morning tablespoon of tonic with a chew on a sprig of parsley.

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Resources and further information:

The original recipes:

Links to some studies done on the properties and effects of lemon juice, garlic, ginger, and turmeric: