I recently came across a really simple, home-grown wellness tonic that I’ve been loving, and I just wanted to share it. It’s made from three humble kitchen staples — cloves, cabbage, and onions — but together they feel like nature’s quiet little helpers. When simmered into a soothing drink, these ingredients combine in a way that’s warming, cleansing, and gently supportive for your whole system.
Cloves bring their gentle strength: they’re tiny, but full of eugenol, which has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-supporting qualities. Cabbage, on the other hand, offers this light, detoxifying power — packed with fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, it helps your liver and digestion find balance. Then you’ve got onions, that everyday vegetable-medicine: rich in quercetin, sulfur compounds, and all kinds of goodness that support circulation, focus, and natural detox.
Here’s how I make it: roughly chop a small head of cabbage and a large onion, toss them into about 2 liters of water, then add around 10 whole cloves. Bring it all to a gentle boil, then let it simmer for 25 minutes or so. After that, strain out the solids and you’re left with this warm, nourishing tonic. You can drink it warm or chilled — I usually have a glass first thing in the morning, on an empty stomach. If the flavor feels too strong, a little squeeze of lemon or teaspoon of honey softens it right up.
For me, this drink isn’t a quick fix — but over time, it’s brought a steady sense of wellbeing. I feel more grounded, my digestion is smoother, and there’s this calm but steady energy that makes me feel more connected to my body. Of course, it’s not a magic cure-all, and it’s best paired with good food, rest, and movement. But if you’re looking for a gentle, natural way to support your immunity, your liver, and just your general sense of health, this might be a really lovely thing to try.