IMMUNITY KUMQUAT SYRUP

About 1 1/2 cups, 45 minutes

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup kumquats, rinsed 

• Enough water to cover the kumquats (a little less than 4 cups)

• 1-2 tbsp pure cane sugar 

• Pinch of salt 

• 2-4 tbsp of honey (you can add more to taste if too bitter)

DIRECTIONS

1. Add all ingredients to a pot EXCEPT the honey.

2. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, simmer until 50% liquid is reduced (about 30 minutes)

3. Turn off heat, and smash up the kumquats with a potato masher.

4. Continue to simmer if needed until another 1/4 cup liquid is removed or syrup-y like consistency is achieved.

5. Allow to cool, then add the honey. DO NOT COOK THE HONEY.  Enjoy!

#remedies #whattoeatwhensick #vata #kapha #spring #fall #winter

Notes

• General dosage for coughs, colds, congestion, fever (dosage depends on a variety of factors, check with a practitioner first before using) - 1 tsp every couple of hours until symptoms subside.

• General dosage for prevention - 1 tsp 1x a day, preferably in the morning before food.

• Kumquats are amazing and highly underrated - they are naturally antiviral, anti-tussive (cough suppressant), antipyretic (reduces fevers), expectorant (expels mucus). These properties make them great for coughs and colds. You can even throw a cinnamon stick or ginger peel in your syrup as it is simmering for this purpose. They are sour, thus they are great for VATA and vata type of immunity issues (variable, travel illnesses, low grade fevers etc).

• Their sour quality also increases metabolic secretions which is why it is best to have sour fruits in the morning - they strengthen digestion and regulate appetite and assist in detoxifying the body. They are great for constipation for this reason. Best to have in moderation if pitta - although this recipe does reduce the heat/ sour nature of kumquats as it is combined with cane sugar :). So if you are pitta, feel free to enjoy/ use just don't over-do it!