In the delicate balance between satisfying sweet cravings and maintaining ketosis, these Immune-Boosting Keto Echinacea Hard Candies emerge as a true wellness innovation. Drawing on the ancient immune-supporting properties of echinacea, transformed through a special tea infusion technique to minimize bitterness, these guilt-free treats serve dual purposes: soothing sore throats and supporting your body's natural defenses while keeping carbs virtually non-existent. Unlike store-bought lozenges and cough drops loaded with sugar or questionable artificial sweeteners, these homemade drops harness the power of allulose and stevia to create a genuinely therapeutic candy that won't spike insulin or knock you out of fat-burning mode. Perfect for cold and flu season, these portable little immunity shields offer the comfort of traditional hard candies with benefits that align perfectly with your keto lifestyle goals.
*** Important Reminder - The Balanced Flavor and Safe Use of Echinacea in Our Infusions
Echinacea, when used on its own, can have a naturally bitter taste. Our unique infusion technique helps create a more balanced flavor while ensuring a smooth texture, free from tea leaf residue in the final product. While Echinacea offers potential health benefits, adding extra amounts is not recommended, as excessive consumption may lead to liver damage. We carefully formulated our recipe to provide a safe and enjoyable experience, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of Echinacea without concerns about overconsumption.
History and Benefits of Echinacea
Echinacea has a rich history dating back centuries. Native American tribes, including the Sioux, Cheyenne, and Comanche, were the first to discover echinacea's medicinal properties, using it for everything from toothaches and coughs to snake bites and infections. When European settlers arrived in North America, they quickly adopted echinacea into their folk medicine traditions.
By the late 1800s, echinacea had become a popular remedy in American medical practice. Dr. H.C.F. Meyer, an early proponent, sold an echinacea preparation called "Meyer's Blood Purifier" that gained widespread use. The plant reached peak popularity in the early 20th century before declining with the advent of antibiotics in the 1940s. However, echinacea experienced a revival in the 1980s as interest in herbal medicine resurged.
Modern research has identified several potential benefits of echinacea. Its most well-known application is supporting immune function, particularly in reducing the severity and duration of upper respiratory infections and colds. Studies suggest that echinacea stimulates various immune cells, including macrophages and natural killer cells, while increasing white blood cell production.
Beyond immune support, echinacea offers anti-inflammatory properties that may help alleviate conditions like arthritis and inflammatory skin disorders. Its antioxidant content helps combat oxidative stress and cellular damage. Some research indicates potential benefits for anxiety reduction through interaction with cannabinoid receptors.
Echinacea also demonstrates antimicrobial properties against certain bacteria and viruses. Topically, it can support wound healing and reduce inflammation in conditions like eczema. Three species are commonly used medicinally: Echinacea purpurea, Echinacea angustifolia, and Echinacea pallida, with slightly different phytochemical profiles and therapeutic applications.
Today, echinacea remains one of the best-selling herbal supplements worldwide, valued for its versatile health benefits and relatively good safety profile.
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons dried echinacea root
2 tablespoons dried echinacea flowers
1 cup water
1 cup allulose sweetener
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon liquid stevia with honey flavor
1/4 teaspoon citric acid (optional, for tanginess)
Silicone candy molds or parchment paper
Instructions:
Make the Echinacea Infusion:
Combine dried echinacea root and flowers with water in a small saucepan.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
Remove from heat, cover, and steep for an additional 30 minutes.
Strain through a fine-mesh sieve and cheesecloth, pressing to extract all liquid.
You should have about 1/3 cup of concentrated tea.
Prepare for Candy Making:
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or prepare silicone candy molds.
Have a candy thermometer ready.
Make the Candy Base:
In a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the echinacea tea, allulose, and cream of tartar.
Heat over medium heat, stirring until allulose dissolves completely.
Once dissolved, stop stirring and bring to a boil.
Insert candy thermometer and cook until mixture reaches 300°F (hard-crack stage).
Add Flavoring:
Remove from heat and quickly stir in lemon juice, zest, honey-flavored stevia, and citric acid if using.
Work quickly as the mixture will begin hardening.
Form Candies:
Pour immediately into silicone molds or drop small amounts onto parchment paper.
If desired, sprinkle with a tiny amount of lemon zest before hardening.
Allow to cool completely until hard, approximately 20-30 minutes.
Serving Suggestions:
Enjoy 1-2 candies when feeling the onset of a cold or during cold and flu season
Have one candy after a keto meal to freshen breath and support immunity
Keep a few candies in a small tin for on-the-go immune support
Use as a sore throat soother during seasonal transitions
Meal Prep Tips:
Make a double batch of the echinacea tea and freeze half in ice cube trays for future candy making
Store candies in an airtight container with parchment between layers to prevent sticking
Add small food-grade silica packets to your storage container to keep candies from getting sticky
For variety, try adding a pinch of ginger or cinnamon to some batches for different flavor profiles
These candies keep for up to 3 weeks in an airtight container at room temperature.
*** Important Reminder - The Balanced Flavor and Safe Use of Echinacea in Our Infusions
Echinacea, when used on its own, can have a naturally bitter taste. Our unique infusion technique helps create a more balanced flavor while ensuring a smooth texture, free from tea leaf residue in the final product.
While Echinacea offers potential health benefits, adding extra amounts is not recommended, as excessive consumption may lead to liver damage. We carefully formulate our recipe to provide a safe and enjoyable experience, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of Echinacea without concerns about overconsumption.
Estimated Cost:
$8-10 for a batch of approximately 30 candies ($0.27-$0.33 per candy)
Nutritional Values (per candy):
Calories: 12
Total Fat: 0g
Sodium: 0mg
Total Carbohydrates: 0.5g
Fiber: 0g
Allulose: 4g (not counted in net carbs as it's not metabolized)
Protein: 0g
Net Carbs: 0.5g
Echinacea: Approximately 20mg per candy