Homemade Immunity Shot

This 4 ingredient, 10 minute shot does not require a juicer and can be made with a blender. It uses frozen wild blueberries, so you can make it any time of year.

By combining the pain-fighting power of fresh ginger with blueberries, a super brain food that also has flavonoids for immunity, this ginger immunity shot is a great way to start your day, whether you're having a migraine attack, feeling under the weather, or just want to boost your immunity.

If you love these blueberry ginger wellness shots, you'll love my anti-inflammatory shots and smoothie, or this homemade ginger juice!

Immunity Shots

I already have your typical wellness shot recipe with turmeric and ginger, but for this recipe, I wanted to pair ginger with blueberries because of their incredible influence on brain health.

As discussed in the Mediterranean Migraine Diet book with neurologist Shin Beh, blueberries contain antioxidants and flavonoids that support the immune system, and improve brain function.

These blueberry ginger immunity shots are:

• Easy - Ready in just 10 minutes from start to finish.
• Migraine attack friendly - Made without citrus, they're a low histamine wellness shot, or add in a squeeze of lemon if tolerable for a vitamin c boost.
• Versatile - Use these shots as a ginger immunity or wellness shot, mocktail, or flavored ice cubes.

Equipment Needed

For these immunity juice shots, you don't need a juice, just a blender. Here are a few of my favorites.

• Vitamix - Just switched mine out after 10 years and love it.
• Ninja - Very popular with some readers.
• Nutribullet Ideal if you plan to only make dishes for one person. Sometimes I don't love that you can't use a blender tamper to mix a thicker smoothie well.
• Strainer - A fine mesh strainer is ideal to make the ginger blueberry juice as smooth as possible.

Ingredients

These ginger shots for immunity are very simple to make with select ingredients.

• Frozen wild blueberries - Wild blueberries contain extra antioxidants and are often a little more tart in flavor. These are easiest to find frozen at places like Sprouts and Trader Joe’s. Regular frozen blueberries can also be used. I like to use frozen because they create a thicker texture, are frozen at their peak, and are good year round. 
• Fresh ginger - Fresh ginger tastes better in this blueberry juice than ground, but you could use ground in a pinch. 
• Honey - Needed to sweeten the juice a touch, maple syrup or any other sweetener you prefer could be added. I think the flavor of honey complements the blueberries and ginger the best.
• Water - I used filtered water but coconut water could be used for extra electrolytes.
• Lemon - This is completely optional, and not an addition for those on HYH, but it is really delicious if tolerated.

How to Make

Step 1: Peel the ginger

This is most efficiently done by using the side of a spoon to scrape off the outer layer. Wash and dry the ginger root before peeling! 

Step 2: Add blueberries and ginger

Combine the blueberries, ginger, lemon (if using) and honey in a blender.

Step 3: Add water

Add in filtered water or coconut water. Blend till smooth, for about 30 seconds.  

Step 4: Strain the juice

Use a fine mesh strainer to strain out any of the blueberry skins so you’re left with a smooth blueberry juice. Taste and adjust for sweetness. 

Substitutions

This drink was carefully crafted with the optimal ingredients in mind, but here are a few substitutions that can work in a pinch.

• Frozen blueberries - Can substitute regular frozen blueberries for wild blueberries.
• Honey - Can be omitted (will be less sweet) or substituted with the sweetener of your choice. Maple syrup would also work here.
• Lemon - This is an optional ingredient, but could be substituted with lime (if tolerated) or a small splash of vinegar for a tart flavor.

Can I Use Fresh Blueberries?

While fresh blueberries can be used, frozen wild blueberries have the best texture and flavor that makes this juice recipe rich and flavorful. Unless you have really good quality blueberries, I’d recommend using frozen. 

Storage Recommendations

Refrigerator - Store immunity shots in the fridge for up to 5 days. Can be stored in a single large container, or smaller containers as juice shots for on the go. 

Freezer - Pour the blueberry juice into ice cube containers and freeze for at least 12 hours. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. 

Blueberry Ginger Drinks

If you don't want to sip these as immunity boosting shots, you can have these as a delicious blueberry mocktail when topped with sparkling water, or freeze and use them as ice cubes.

Blueberry ginger ice cubes work great for parties where all you have to do is put them in a glass and pour over your favorite sparkling water, letting them melt into a delicious non-alcoholic drink.

Do Immunity Shots Really Work?

I've had enough feedback over the years on both the anti-inflammatory smoothie and turmeric wellness shots to know that these kinds of drinks can work well for people, but the science is also there.

Blueberries - One of the best foods for antioxidants, blueberries main compounds are called flavonoids. Wild blueberries in particular have been shown to directly increase antioxidants in the body and also reduce risk of chronic disease. They've also been shown to boost immunity when eaten regularly.

Studies have also shown an impact on improvement of brain function and memory. This can be extremely important for people with migraine disorders.

Ginger - Ginger shots can aid in digestion, ease pain, and boost your immune system all at the same time. In a juice like this, it can be effective for nausea and potentially help reduce migraine symptoms if taken at the first sign of an attack.

Honey - Honey has anti-bacterial properties, is a good source of antioxidants as well, and is great for soothing throats or a cough. It can also support brain function as well!

Lemon - If using, lemon adds a great vitamin C boost.