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Give your immune system a powerful boost with these delicious and vitamin-packed homemade immunity shots because as the seasons change and pathogens lurk, it’s essential to arm yourself with a robust immune system

Two mason jar shaped glass shot glasses both filled with orange liquid immune booster and a hand is holding one of them.
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Disclosure: While each of these ingredients are proven to assist with overall health, if you’re dealing with an illness or medical issues, ALWAYS check with your doctor before including new foods or herbs.

Why you’ll love this recipe

  • Homemade:  The best immunity shots recipes are ones that are fresh and homemade allowing the nutrition to be at its most powerful stage.
  • Immunity Support:  Our Immunity-Punch Shots are packed with scientifically backed ingredients that *may* work synergistically to support your body’s natural defenses.
  • No Juicer Needed: While you can use a juicer if you have one, it is not needed for this recipe.
  • Great Flavor:  Flavors like citrus, cinnamon, and ginger make these DIY immunity shots not only work wonder, but taste great too!
  • Make Ahead:  This recipe easily makes 10 shots and is freezable for up to 1 month, plus the ingredients are affordable.

Another great recipe to boost your immune system is with this Chicken Zoodle Soup.

Immunity Shots Benefits

During the cold and flu season our bodies can use all the help they can get!  Immunity shots can help neutralize pathogens, enhance the production of antibodies, help reduce inflammation, combat free radicals, and support overall gut health.

Immune system shots can be a beneficial part of your winter routine to help ward off unwanted illnesses.  Here are the ingredients and the Science Behind why we chose to add each one to these homemade immunity shots:

Lemons: High in vitamin C, lemons stimulate the production of white blood cells, which fight off infections. Vitamin C also enhances the production of antibodies, helping to neutralize pathogens.

Grapefruit: Grapefruit contains a compound called naringenin, which has been shown to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties, helping to combat infections.

Ginger: Ginger’s active compound, gingerol, has potent anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation and promote immune function.

Turmeric: Curcumin, a polyphenol in turmeric, has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, supporting immune function and reducing oxidative stress.

Ceylon Cinnamon: Cinnamon’s active compound, cinnamaldehyde, has antimicrobial properties, helping to combat bacterial and fungal infections. Ceylon cinnamon is richer in antioxidants, which protect the body from damage caused by free radicals.

Cayenne Pepper: Capsaicin, the active compound in cayenne pepper, has anti-inflammatory properties and can help stimulate the immune system.

Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid, which has antimicrobial properties and can help support the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.

Raw Honey: Raw honey has antimicrobial properties and contains prebiotic fibers that support the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.

Image of immunity shots on a cuttting board next to lemons and grapefruits.

Variations/ Adaptations

  • Adjust the spice level: You can do this by adjusting the amounts of turmeric and cayenne.
  • Adjust the sourness:  Try using less apple cider vinegar or diluting it with a bit more water.
  • Consider adding other immune-boosting ingredients like garlic, echinacea, or elderberry to enhance the effects.
  • Adjust for kids:  You can lessen the amount of cayenne and turmeric to make the shots more palatable to kids.  You could also dilute the apple cider vinegar with water.

Looking for more natural ways to fight colds and the flu? You may want to read Seven Ways to Fight Back Against Cold & Flu Season

Ingredients:

Ingredients to make homemade immunity shots like lemons, honey, apple cider vinegar, turmeric, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, and ginger root all laid out on a metal sheet pan.

These are the ingredients that come together to make this homemade immunity shots recipe powerful:

  • 2 large organic lemons, peeled
  • 1 organic grapefruit, peeled
  • 3-5 pieces of fresh ginger, peeled, or to taste
  • 1 Tbsp organic turmeric powder, or 3 small pieces fresh turmeric, peeled
  • 1 Tbsp Ceylon cinnamon powder
  • 1-2 tsp organic cayenne pepper, or to taste
  • 2 Tbsps raw apple cider vinegar
  • 1/3 cup raw honey, or to taste
  • 2 cups filtered water

See the recipe card for full information on all ingredients and instructions.

How to make Homemade Immunity Shots

Grapefruit, oranges, and ginger root cut into segments.

Step 1. Peel and chop the lemons, grapefruit, and ginger.

Orange, grapefruit, and ginger segments in a blender cup.

Step 2. Place them in a high-speed blender along with the other ingredients and blend until smooth.

Orange puree being strained through a mesh strainer.

Step 3. Using a fine mesh sieve, strain the mixture into a jug, discarding the solids.

Orange liquid in a red silicone muffin pan with 10 holes.

Step 4. Divide your mixture equally among 10 silicone muffin cups. Fill them just about 2/3 up. You should have about 1/4 cup of the mixture for each portion.

Tips for the best result

  • Use organic ingredients to minimize pesticide exposure and maximize nutrient content.
  • Always use fresh ingredients for peak nutrition.
  • Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your desired level of spiciness.
  • Store the frozen shots in an airtight container to preserve the nutrients and flavor.
  • Experiment with different combinations of ingredients to create unique flavor profiles.

Want more immunity boosting food recipes? Then check out this post about 15 Incredible Immune Boosting Foods.

Serving Suggestions

I like to serve these like a warm cup of tea along side a little relaxation.  The idea of all the vitamins and nutrients boosting my immunity really helps me relax and enjoy it.  Speaking of relaxation, that is another essential component to a healthy immune system, so be sure to take a little time each day to do just that.

Three immunity booster shots on a cutting board.  Two without the lids on, and one with the lid on.

Leftover Storage and Reheat Instructions

Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 days.

With the remaining shots, freeze until solid, then remove from the silicone cups and place into an airtight container.

Keep frozen for up to 1 month.

To use the frozen shots, fill 2/3 of a mug with hot water and carefully add in your frozen shot. Stir until melted, then add additional fresh lemon juice or honey to taste, if desired.
Serve warm like a mug of tea.

Additional Immunity Boosters To Try at Home:

  • Exercise regularly: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise like walking per day.
  • Get enough sleep: 7-9 hours of sleep per night helps regulate immune function and these recipes can help: Get More and Better Quality Sleep With These 20 Recipes
  • Keep your gut healthy: Much of our immune system is housed in our gut, so if the gut isn’t healthy our immune system isn’t where it could be
  • Manage stress: Practicing stress-reducing techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing are a great way to reduce stress. For more ways, read 12 Natural Ways to Lower Stress & Inflammation!.
  • Eat a balanced diet: Focus on whole, unprocessed foods like protein, fruits, vegetables, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats.
  • Join our Challenge Program:  If you want everything done for you, from meal plans to accountability, then consider joining our Challenge Program to get your gut in shape.
  • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
  • Include immune-boosting foods: Garlic, ginger, citrus fruits, berries, and fermented foods like kimchi and yogurt.
  • Ask your doctor about supplements: Vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, and probiotics may help support immune function.
  • Limit alcohol consumption: Learn more about drinking alcohol and how it can weaken immune function.
  • Get enough vitamin D: Maintain adequate vitamin D levels through sun exposure, supplements, or fortified foods.
  • Consider immunomodulatory herbs: Certain herbs like echinacea, ashwagandha, and ginseng may have immune-boosting properties because they are considered antiviral.

Remember, a strong immune system is built over time through a combination of healthy lifestyle habits, a balanced diet, and good hygiene practices.

Recipe FAQs

How long are immunity shots good for?

These immunity shots are best used right away or frozen for 1 month.

How many immunity shots can I do per day?

I recommend just one shot every 24 hours.

Two tiny glass jars that contain Homemade Immunity Shots.
Servings: 10

Homemade Immunity Shots

Give your immune system a powerful boost with these delicious and vitamin-packed homemade immunity shots just in time for cold and flu season protection.
Prep: 15 minutes
Total: 15 minutes
Save this recipe!
Get this sent to your inbox, plus get new recipes from us every week!

Ingredients 

  • 2 large organic lemons, peeled
  • 1 organic grapefruit, peeled
  • 3-5 pieces of fresh ginger, peeled, or to taste
  • 1 Tbsp organic turmeric powder, or 3 small pieces fresh turmeric, peeled
  • 1 Tbsp Ceylon cinnamon powder
  • 1-2 tsp organic cayenne pepper, or to taste
  • 2 Tbsps raw apple cider vinegar
  • 1/3 cup raw honey, or to taste
  • 2 cups filtered water

Instructions 

  • Peel and chop the lemons, grapefruit, and ginger.
  • Place them in a high-speed blender. Add all the remaining ingredients and blend until smooth.
  • Using a fine mesh sieve, strain the mixture into a jug, discarding the solids.
  • Divide your mixture equally among 10 silicone muffin cups. Fill them just about 2/3 up. You should have about 1/4 cup of the mixture for each portion.
  • Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 days.
  • With the remaining shots, freeze until solid, then remove from the silicone cups and place into an airtight container.
  • Keep frozen for up to 1 month.
  • To use the frozen shots, fill 2/3 of a mug with hot water and carefully add in your frozen shot. Stir until melted, then add additional fresh lemon juice or honey to taste, if desired.
  • Serve warm like a mug of tea.

Nutrition

Calories: 52kcal, Carbohydrates: 14g, Protein: 0.5g, Fat: 0.1g, Fiber: 2.4g, Sugar: 12g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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Two images, one of immunity boosting shots and the other of the ingredients needed to make the immunity shots at home, both with a blue banner between them that reads immunity-punch shots.

Hi, I'm Rachel!

Welcome to CleanFoodCrush! Here you will find SIMPLE and FUN recipes. We’re all about REAL Food for REAL Life. Eating a little bit better, not “perfect”.

I’ve been creating recipes, inspiration, and supportive online communities through Cleanfoodcrush for over 12 years! I hope you feel supported and inspired to make some small changes that add up big time!

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