The ACV-turmeric drink healthy chef Lily Kunin swears by to boost immunity and fight inflammation

Two things are pretty much guaranteed to happen when you get off an airplane: The wait at baggage claim will feel longer than the flight itself and you’ll probably encounter some sort of (sinus) congestion from the recirculated cabin air you’ve been inhaling. But health coach and Clean Food Dirty City founder Lily Kunin says she’s concocted the perfect antidote—for the latter, at least. Here the Well+Good Council member shares the recipe for the elixir she relies on for an immunity boost. 

When it comes to stocking my pantry, there are certain staple ingredients that I always have on hand. Apple cider vinegar is one of those items that’s accessible in my kitchen 24/7. Similar to coconut oil, ACV has countless multi-purpose uses: For starters, it’s as effective as a cleaning solvent or natural beauty product as it is when used for cooking.

Its myriad benefits include improving gut health, fighting inflammation, and balancing blood-sugar levels, all of which can boost your immunity. Plus, ACV naturally balances pH in the body and helps to remove toxins. Add it to another superfood ingredient (hello, turmeric) and you’ve got one powerhouse healthy potion.

Here’s my go-to recipe for a warming, immunity-boosting ACV-turmeric combo.

ACV and Turmeric Elixir

Yields 1 serving

Ingredients1 inch fresh turmeric, peeled and chopped1 dash black pepper1 dash raw apple cider vinegar1/2 tsp raw honey

1. In a small saucepan, heat 2 cups of water to a boil with the turmeric, reduce heat, and simmer for 10 minutes. Turn off heat, add the black pepper, ACV, and raw honey. Strain the turmeric out, pour into a mug, and enjoy!

Plant-based cook and health coach Lily Kunin is the founder of Clean Food Dirty City and the author of the cookbook Good Clean Food. With her trademark less-is-more approach, Kunin is all about making irresistibly clean, wholesome food—using dairy-free and gluten-free ingredients.

What should Lily write about next? Send your questions and suggestions to [email protected].