Every natural minded momma needs this simple remedy in her kitchen. Fermented garlic honey is a traditional, time-tested tonic that boosts immunity, supports gut health, and fights off colds using just two ingredients: garlic and raw honey. This powerful combo is a must-have in your homestead apothecary, and it's incredibly easy to make.

Jump to Recipe

Whether you’re fighting off a bug, supporting your family’s wellness, or prepping your natural medicine cabinet for winter, this is the recipe to keep on hand.

What Is Fermented Garlic Honey?

Fermented garlic honey is a natural home remedy made by submerging raw garlic cloves in raw, unfiltered honey and letting it ferment at room temperature. As it sits, the garlic releases its beneficial compounds, and natural fermentation enhances the probiotics and enzymes in the mixture. What you’re left with is a sweet, tangy, slightly spicy syrup full of health benefits.

Fresh garlic cloves ready to be used in fermented honey

Both garlic and honey are known for their antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties. When combined and fermented, they form a gut-healing, immune-boosting powerhouse that can be used all year long.

Benefits of Fermented Garlic Honey

Immune support, naturally fight off colds, flus, and sinus issues
Gut health, supports digestion and good bacteria
Soothes sore throats, honey coats while garlic clears out infection
Affordable and easy, simple ingredients with a long shelf life
Safe for ages 1+, natural remedy for the whole family

Be sure to only give to children over age 1, as raw honey is not safe for babies.

This post contains affiliate links, including Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I genuinely use and love. Thank you for supporting my homestead.

Ingredients & Supplies

1 cup peeled garlic cloves (I use this peeler)
1 cup raw, unfiltered honey (I like to use LOCAL raw honey)
A clean 8-oz mason jar with a fermentation lid, or use a regular, tight-fitting lid

How to Make Fermented Garlic Honey

Peel your garlic cloves.
Smash them slightly with the side of a knife to activate their beneficial compound, allicin.
Add garlic to your jar.
Fill the jar about halfway with peeled cloves.
Pour raw honey over the garlic.
Cover the cloves fully, leaving a little room at the top for gases to escape.
Seal the jar loosely.
Use a standard lid and “burp” the jar daily for the first 2 weeks, or use a silicone fermenting lid (this makes it easy so you can just forget about it and not have to worry about burping it).
Let it sit at room temperature.
Store in a cool, dark spot like a pantry for 3 to 4 weeks. The honey will thin out as it ferments, and you may see bubbles; this is a good sign.
Shake gently or stir daily.
This keeps everything coated and evenly fermenting.

How to Use Fermented Garlic Honey

Once your fermented garlic honey is ready, there are so many ways to use it:

Eat 1 clove a day during the cold season
Take a spoonful of the honey when you're feeling run down
Stir into warm water with lemon, never boiling, as this destroys the honey's properties.
Drizzle the honey over roasted veggies, chicken, or toast
Add garlic to salad dressings or marinades for a sweet-savory kick

Storage Tips

Keep your jar in a pantry or fridge after the initial ferment. The honey will continue to mellow over time, and both the honey and garlic are shelf-stable for many months.

FAQ

Can I use pre-peeled garlic?
Yes, but fresh is better for both flavor and beneficial compounds. If using pre-peeled garlic, make sure it’s not preserved in oil or water.

Why is my garlic turning blue or green?
Totally normal. This is a natural reaction between the garlic and the acidic environment. It’s still safe to eat.

What if I see mold?
If you see fuzzy white, black, or blue mold, toss the batch and try again with sanitized tools.

Fermented Garlic Honey

A must-have home remedy for cold and flu season, this fermented garlic honey recipe is easy to make and beloved by natural mamas for keeping their families healthy year-round.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Ingredients

1 cup raw garlic cloves peeled
1 cup raw unfiltered honey
1 clean 8 oz mason jar with lid

Instructions

Peel garlic cloves and lightly crush them with the side of a knife to activate the allicin.
Add garlic cloves to a clean mason jar, filling about halfway.
Pour honey over the garlic until fully submerged, leaving a little room at the top.
Seal the jar loosely with a lid, or use a fermenting lid (link).
Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight.
Gently shake or stir the jar once per day for the first two weeks.
After 2 to 4 weeks, your garlic will mellow in flavor and the honey will thin slightly. It’s ready to use when it tastes tangy and sweet.

Notes

Make sure to burp the jar daily (open it briefly) if using a standard lid to release built-up gases.
Store in a cool pantry or the fridge after fermentation. It lasts several months.
Take 1 clove daily during cold season or use the honey in warm drinks (not boiling).
Safe for children over 1 year old.

Keyword fermented garlic honey, honey garlic tonic, natural cold remedy

Final Thoughts

Fermented garlic honey is a crunchy momma's kitchen staple that’s as healing as it is simple. Every natural momma should have this remedy on hand, especially when cold season rolls around. Once you make it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.

Don’t Miss a Post

Want more homestead remedies, gluten-free recipes, and natural living tips straight to your inbox?
Join the Simply Rustic Living newsletter today and get weekly inspiration made just for natural mommas like you.

How To Make Fermented Garlic Honey: A Recipe Every Natural Momma Needs To Know