Name: Homemade Ginger and Turmeric Flu Shot
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: juice of 1 large orange; juice of 1 large lemon; ½ tsp ground turmeric; ½ tsp ground ginger; Pinch of cayenne pepper

Made with freshly squeezed orange and lemon juice, ginger, turmeric and a pinch of cayenne, this homemade flu shot is a bright, citrusy way to start the day. The five-ingredient recipe takes just minutes to prepare and can be enjoyed as a concentrated wellness shot or topped with sparkling water for a refreshing mocktail.

Created by Canadian holistic nutritionist Meredith Youngson, founder of Lake & Oak Tea Co and author of Super Tonics: 75 Adaptogen-Packed Recipes for Sleep, Beauty, and Wellness, this simple drink brings together ingredients known for their bold flavours and naturally occurring plant compounds.

“Freshly squeezed orange juice is kicked up with ginger and turmeric for antioxidants and immunity-revving power,” writes Youngson. “Serve straight-up or dilute with sparkling water for a golden mocktail.”

An orange drink in a mason jar and glasses surrounded by sliced oranges.

Homemade Ginger and Turmeric Flu Shot

Meredith Youngson

A quick homemade wellness shot made with fresh orange and lemon juice, ginger, turmeric and a pinch of cayenne. No juicer required.

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Ingredients

juice of 1 large orange
juice of 1 large lemon
½ tsp ground turmeric
½ tsp ground ginger
Pinch of cayenne pepper

Instructions

To a glass jar with a lid or a shaker, add all of the ingredients. Shake well to combine. Serve immediately.

Notes

You can swap out the ground turmeric and ginger for 1 teaspoon each of freshly grated turmeric and ginger.

Keyword citrus ginger shot, homemade flu shot recipe, turmeric shot recipe

FAQ About Homemade Flu Shots

Can I make a flu shot without a juicer?: Yes. This recipe uses squeezed citrus juice and ground spices, so no juicer is needed.
Can I use fresh ginger and turmeric instead of ground?: Yes. The recipe notes recommend one teaspoon each of freshly grated ginger and turmeric.
Can I make this ginger and turmeric shot ahead of time?: Yes, but it’s best enjoyed fresh. If preparing ahead, refrigerate promptly in a sealed container.
Does a homemade flu shot prevent the flu?: No. While citrus provides vitamin C, this drink has not been shown to prevent or treat influenza.

Excerpted from Super Tonics: 75 Adaptogen-Packed Recipes for Sleep, Beauty, and Wellness by Meredith Youngson. Copyright © 2023 Meredith Youngson. Photographs by Jocelynne Flor. Published by Appetite by Random House®, a division of Penguin Random House Canada Limited. Reproduced by arrangement with the Publisher. All rights reserved.