Fire Cider, what it is it?
You may or may not have heard of it, Fire Cider has been a traditional herbal remedy for many years. Renowned herbalist Rosemary Gladstar with over 40 years experience was the first to create the recipe since then you may have seen many similar versions of the tonic around or it may be a new thing you have just heard of. Fire Cider continues to be are a favourite in the world of herbalism. A remedy for wintertime colds and flus which is gaining much more mainstream popularity.
Fire Cider is a spicy vinegar master-crate which consists of a number of amazing immune boosting, cold and flu fighting ingredients such as garlic, ginger, lemon, horseradish, honey, cayenne pepper and more. It’s a mix of spice, sour, and sweetness which gives it a pungent and bold flavouring with a hint of heat. You can adjust the heat or sweetness to your liking if you find it hard to bare, though keeping the balance may work more effectively.
How does it work exactly? Let’s break it down.
Apple Cider Vinegar– The base is a great digestive aid. Some people like to take this on it’s own to ease digestion
Garlic and Onions– Has antibacterial properties which helps fight off infection
Ginger– Is warming herb that helps fight off infection and eases nausea
Lemon- A strong antibacterial, and antiviral agent. Contains high vitamin C levels for immune boosting and also a digestive aid.
Horseradish– An Excellent nasal decongestant
Honey- Has soothing properties with antibacterial, antiseptic properties and also helps blend the ingredients to taste better
Cayenne Pepper- A herb that boosts the blood flow through the system
Black Peppercorns- Antibacterial and anti inflammatory
Thyme- Helps ease coughs and sore throats with its anti inflammatory properties and contains good dose of vitamin C and A.
So as you can see these superstar ingredients when come together make a powerful natural remedy to assist your own body’s natural immune system. How can we argue with that.
I want to hear more, how do I make it?
It’s pretty simple you combine all the measured ingredients in the recipe in a tightly sealed jar if using a metal lid line it with wax paper or it may corrode. mix it up then let it steep for 2-3 weeks. Giving the jar a good shake every day for the first few days. After this time strain the liquid through a muslin cloth or small woven sieve in a bowl or straight into a clean dry sterilised jar. Discard or compost the remaining contents so you now have just the liquid. Label and date the cider and refrigerate. It is good to keep for up to a year.
Got it, now how do we use it?
Now you have your very own powerful Fire Cider tonic ready for when you start feeling a tickle or onset of a cold or flu. Can be taken as a preventive through the cooler months before flu season. In sickness the suggested dosage is below.
I suggest for newbies to have 1tbs of cider diluted in some water or for the more adventurous and optimal benefits take 1tbs straight 1-3 times a day or every hour in sickness.
This is one remedy I encourage everyone to have in their homes on hand ready for when the colder months and flu season is upon us. Along with our Apothecary Co. Restore herbal tea for a full herbal remedy alternative.
Fire Cider Tonic
A spicy vinegar master-crate which consists of a number of amazing immune boosting, cold and flu fighting ingredients such as garlic, ginger, lemon, horseradish, honey, cayenne pepper and more
Ingredients
1 cup finely chopped brown onion
1/2 cup grated fresh horseradish (if you can't find fresh pre-minced is ok)
1/2 cup crushed garlic cloves (approx. 15)
1/4 cup grated ginger
1/4 inch piece of fresh cayenne pepper finely chopped or 1/2 tsp dried
2 tbsp dried thyme or rosemary leaves
2 tsp whole black peppercorns
1/2 lemon, thinly sliced
1/4 cup raw honey or more to taste
Organic apple cider vinegar to fill jar approx. 2-3 cups
Directions
- Place onions, horseradish, garlic, herbs, spices, lemon and honey into a 1 litre capacity clean jar.
- Fill the jar with the vinegar, and be sure to cover all the ingredients.
- Stir well to make sure there aren’t any air bubbles.
- Cover preferably with a glass or plastic lid, if using metal place a piece wax paper between the lid and jar (vinegar corrodes metal). Label and date the mixture.
- Let the jar sit for 2-3 weeks. Shake well once per day for the first few days.
- Strain the vinegar into a clean jar. Compost the remaining then keep refrigerated for use within a year.
Recommended Use: 1 tablespoon daily for a preventative remedy or 1 tablespoon every hour or at least 5-6 times a day in sickness period. Can be diluted in little bit of water if desired.